How to draw in a Renaissance style

In this half hour video, I show my process and thinking behind my drawing, Jack, which was drawn in a style somewhat inspired by Renaissance artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Hans Holbein the Younger, as well as late 19th/early 20th Century artist Nicolai Fechin.

This drawing sought to find an interplay between chaos and order. By contrasting expressive mark making, texture and variety of application with subtle modelling and specificity of line, I was looking to create something that felt musical and exciting in its dissonance and variety and yet still hold together as an image, as a portrait.

This video was originally filmed, narrated and edited two years ago for a different platform and so there are some references to other videos that no longer exist. However, the video holds together regardless. But if you have any questions about anything noted in the video, such as how I tone paper, don't hesitate to get in touch via instagram at @samclaydenart. I am happy to answer any questions.

The video is 27:32 long, narrated, with some parts sped up.

Materials: - Willow charcoal (thin and thick sticks)

- General's charcoal pencils (hard, medium and soft)

- General's white chalk pencil

- Strathmore 400 drawing paper (medium surface) hand toned

- Kneaded eraser

Enjoy!