In all my digging and shifting in the art pit to make way for construction overlaps, I have been re-discovering old paintings, as in 20 years old, and some forgotten treasures.  Today I finished clearing off a big rack of stored paintings complete with a pile of newsprint drawings on top (very likely thrown on top in a clean-up event).  The drawings were from open life drawing sessions I attended years ago at the Artscenter in Carrboro.

I could remember doing the drawings and remember the models. I love drawing, and I love charcoal. In sorting through several stacks to narrow it down to about 30 keepers, my hands got covered with charcoal. 

The wonder is that newsprint. We all use it in art school and later just because it’s so inexpensive and toss-able.

I have to say it’s tough! I have life drawing work from college, lo these 25 years or so ago, and the compressed charcoal is still strong and the paper only slightly yellowed.

Good times.