I found a video tutorial for Bargue Plate 49 on the Academy of Realist Art (Toronto)’s site: https://realistartonline.com/courses/drawing-the-bargue/ So I decided to jump ahead to this plate to learn their method for rendering the plates.
I have a scan of the plate that I cut in half, printed on letter-sized paper, and then enlarged on a copier to 11×17. It’s not the best source, I would love to be working off proper full-sized prints. But, it’s close to original size and lends itself to being copied on a standard 18×24 sheet of paper (in this case, I cut the sheet in half and trimmed it).
First we have the completed construct, following the articulation provided on the first half of plate 49. The construct is just a general measured drawing of the basic shapes. Here you can see how I’ve set them up on my drawing board.
Next I refined the construct into the articulation. Still staying with straight, measured lines, I add more information to the drawing. Once I completed the articulation, I massed in the shadow value shapes with an even tone. By the end of this stage, I’d estimate I’m just over 20 hours in.
Next I will transfer this drawing from bristol sketch paper over to bristol smooth paper, which is lovely for smooth values. The method is the same as when I transfer a drawing to canvas for portraiture: rubbing the back with charcoal and lightly going over the shapes so they mark the paper underneath.
Graphite on bristol sketch paper, 12×16.