5
Hatch Black

 

Step 5 moves on to the darks.

The eyewitness account emphasizes that Prud'hon focused on the lights. It indicates that the lights came first, then the shadows. Clearly, the first bold hatches of both black and white were applied before the first stumping of tones. It is possible, but not at all certain, that Prud'hon also hatched both white and black before stumping again.

The Blacks
First, a bit of "outline" was used to mark plane changes and consequent lighting (see the horizontal black lines with the vertical abdomen hatches -- this describes the dark side of the form and its base).

Then, as with the white, I ran SHORT hatches either at

the same angle as the outer form's edge, or
with the form's length, or
although not done here, oblique to the form's edge

The hatches were applied in rows,

NOT RANDOMLY.
As the rows added up, I got a continuous tone.
I made the hatches only slightly interlock.
I ran long'ish diagonal hatches in the shadows and background.

Direction in backgrounds and shadows

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The backgrounds in academies were traditionally applied with diagonal black hatches. Likewise, it was common to use diagonal black hatches in shade zones, when the artist wanted simplification.

Prud'hon used the traditional diagonal black hatch background. In shadows, Prud'hon sometimes used diagonal black, but often chose to run the hatches with the form's length, just like he did with the whites.

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Materials Use a black chalk that freely releases the color, so you don't have to bear down. Use a hardness that can erase and smear, and will leave a ghost with stumping. Use the harder Conte.

Again, these hatches may be directed oblique to the form if you think that would be right; or you may direct them with form's length. More about this coming up...

Next Page: Demonstration: Step 6 -- Lightly Stump

Updates | Discovering Prud'hon: Introduction to a Lesson on Technique | Why Is His Drawing Unique & Obscure? | Observations: Prud'hon's Materials | Discussion: Modern Materials | How to Make Your Own Better Black Chalks | Supply List: Black and White Chalk on Blue Paper | Observations: Parameters of Technique | Theory: Best Guess at Prud'hon's Step by Step Approach | Demonstration: Step 1 -- Outline | Demonstration: Step 2 -- Bold Hatching | Demonstration: Step 3 -- Stump Out Hatches | Demonstration: Step 4 -- Hatch White | Demonstration: Step 5 -- Hatch Black | Demonstration: Step 6 -- Lightly Stump | Demonstration: Step 7 -- Apply White Again | Demonstration: Step 8 -- Add Black Again | Demonstration: Step 9 -- Hatch, Tortillon, and Hatch Again | Demonstration: Step 10 -- Finishing Refinements | Demonstration: Steps 1 through 10 -- Visual Summary

 

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