toned paper

[Gilead]

After flipping through Donato Gincola's fantastic toned-paper sketchbooks I decided that the short and easy path to artistic greatness was to go out and buy one of those sketchbooks and some brown and white pastel pencils to use with it.
Here's the result of my first efforts. Still not on Donato's level though... Must've bought the wrong paper.
http://members.cox.net/gilead/tone01.jpg
http://members.cox.net/gilead/tone02.jpg

[imager777]

Yeah, you got the semi-pro toned paper sketch book. The pro sketchbook is much more expensive; but the artwork of those that can actually afford it, will instantly be professional quality.

I'm saving up for the pro+ package. It comes with a really nice toned paper sketch book, large wacom tablet, and a set of analog DVDs.

[mikel]

Let's face it. Few people will ever be at Donato's level. I saw one of his toned sketch books when he started it in March and hopefully will get a chance to flip through more pages next week. Come to think of it, I think he uses a brand with "Earthbound" on the label. You can pick these up for no more than fifteen dollars. You could also try some of the toned papers from Canson or Strathmore - they're pretty inexpensive. Or if you really feel like spending money get the real pastel papers - they have a texture much like sandpaper and are sometimes sold under the name of Artists' Sandpaper.

But if you want to feel real intimidation try hanging in the same gallery with some of his paintings! If you haven't seen any of his originals or even had a chance to watch him paint it's definitely worth a trip to see.

As far as a crit goes, whether or not you bought the right paper doesn't seem to make much of a difference since these are looking great! Unfortunately I am not as much of an expert with anatomy as I would like to be but I can't seem to find any problems. If I were to find anything negeative to say it would be cropping off the feet and lower legs (or is it just how they are posted?)

[AnarchyAo2]

If I were you, I wouldn't smudge the pastel so much. Its not really needed and smudging makes the drawing look murky and messy. Since you're using the sketchbook paper as a base flesh-tone, then it may look better to add more lines and contours with a pen, or charcoal. That way the person doesn't look like a bunch of shadows and highlights, but an actual object that isn't apart of the paper (If that makes sense).

[Gilead]

Good comments guys Thanks
I Think Earthbound is the brand I bought. I always peel off the stickers and throw them away.
I did, in fact, hang my art next to Donato's in a show and yes it was humbling. He did a walk-through critique though and said nice things about my stuff so that's ok.