There’s one thing and one thing alone that makes for a successful tonal drawing:
seeing masses rather than outlines. Lines are for flow charts,
architectural blueprints, and driving on the right side of the road. To
a certain extent I am kidding—there are some incredible draftsmen who
work solely or predominately with line. But when it comes to tonal
drawings, I’m not joking—it is an emotive, immediate way to create
inspiring art. It is the painter’s way of drawing because it is all
about the illusion of mass by putting contrasting values side by side.
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