It’s all done with one conte pencil–you are right — terracotta. It is drawn on a gray toned paper. By varying the thickness of the drawing (by blending and smoothing,) various tones appear. This happens because the toned paper shows through, and alters the terracotta pencil color. In painting, when a semitransparent light color is applied over a dry dark color “optical grays” appear. Various tones can be made without altering the color mix. My cool red and warm orange both came from the same pencil. The secret is the gray paper, and how much of it shows through.
Even a warm gray will appear cool when covered (or placed next to) a very warm color .
Did I tell you that I taught elementry school (instrumental music)for 40 years, Once a teacher, always a teacher.
Each time I visit here, I am left speechless and enthralled. Such creativity and beauty!
Art by different artists has always reached the depths of my being. In this case, almost every one of your painting not only reaches but touches and stays in me for the longest of while. Each a masterpiece!
Thank you for sharing your work with the world. Bless you and your work.
Your last note to me said “I wish you better days”. Well you certainly made today a great day.
My son John is running the blog, selecting works from my 55 years of picture making. The most rewarding part of this whole process is meeting wonderful people. Your words will stay with me, and encourage. , I am truly grateful for your appreciation. .
I am here again in your presence with a humbled and honored heart.
Life holds many wonderful moment. For me the most beautiful are those, when I across souls filled with nothing but beauty. Your kind soul is as beautiful as your Art.
I come here as a viewer and admirer of your wonderful creativity. And what more can a “viewer” ask for than be near the easel of an artist she so admire? Your son, John is doing a marvelous job by giving the world something it so truly deserve. Your years of experience and passion.
Maurice Sapiro 
I really love the small amount of cool red mixed in ever so slightly with the warm orange (terracotta?).
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It’s all done with one conte pencil–you are right — terracotta. It is drawn on a gray toned paper. By varying the thickness of the drawing (by blending and smoothing,) various tones appear. This happens because the toned paper shows through, and alters the terracotta pencil color. In painting, when a semitransparent light color is applied over a dry dark color “optical grays” appear. Various tones can be made without altering the color mix. My cool red and warm orange both came from the same pencil. The secret is the gray paper, and how much of it shows through.
That’s your lesson for tonight Good night.
Maurice.
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Wow! So unexpected!
Thank you for the lesson, I will definitely give it a shot.
I actually purchased a tiny set of 4 Contes just a few days ago!
I must practice now. Good night.
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Don’t forget–on cool toned paper.
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Got it. 🙂
I just hope my grey paper is a cool grey rather than a warm.
I think it is cool if I remember correctly.
Thanks again!
Makena
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Even a warm gray will appear cool when covered (or placed next to) a very warm color .
Did I tell you that I taught elementry school (instrumental music)for 40 years, Once a teacher, always a teacher.
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Fantastic!
& I did not know this! But, certainly; you are still a fabulous teacher at that!
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Each time I visit here, I am left speechless and enthralled. Such creativity and beauty!
Art by different artists has always reached the depths of my being. In this case, almost every one of your painting not only reaches but touches and stays in me for the longest of while. Each a masterpiece!
Thank you for sharing your work with the world. Bless you and your work.
LikeLike
Your last note to me said “I wish you better days”. Well you certainly made today a great day.
My son John is running the blog, selecting works from my 55 years of picture making. The most rewarding part of this whole process is meeting wonderful people. Your words will stay with me, and encourage. , I am truly grateful for your appreciation. .
Maurice
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Just printed out your note–will place it next to the easel—inspiration for a lifetime. I am thankful for your thoughtfulness.
Maurice
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I am here again in your presence with a humbled and honored heart.
Life holds many wonderful moment. For me the most beautiful are those, when I across souls filled with nothing but beauty. Your kind soul is as beautiful as your Art.
I come here as a viewer and admirer of your wonderful creativity. And what more can a “viewer” ask for than be near the easel of an artist she so admire? Your son, John is doing a marvelous job by giving the world something it so truly deserve. Your years of experience and passion.
Bless you and your loved ones.
Thank you.
SF
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