So the studio is almost back to normal--in cleaning up, I had to go through a couple of old portfolios and came across some of my student work from my illustration course at Sheridan College. (And yes, that is the same Sheridan College that is producing all those great animators that ILM and Pixar come and snatch up. I think I picked the wrong course!! :-D )
Anyway, these were two paintings done in acrylics from still-life set ups. We had loads of skulls at school and I loved to draw them, especially on toned paper with black and white pastel.
I remember doing this value exercise; comparing the value in one part to another part of the skull and painting it accordingly. Over and over again. I used to get so lost in those paintings and would be exhausted at the end--just from the mental exertion. The red scarf was a similar idea but stressing reflected color.
Wasn't it great how much time one had back then?