I have been studying the Masters of Spanish Painting based on a collection at the Museo del Prado in Madrid. Painters include, Murillo, Zurbarán, Velázquez, Rivera, Luis de Morales, Alonso Cano, El Greco, Claudio Coello, Pedro Berruguete, Pereda and Goya, to name a few.

Using various grades of lead pencil from 2B, to 4B and 6B (i.e. from hard to soft) gave me flexibility of movement and allowed me to model the forms with greater sensitivity. Using a rubber pencil I was able to obtain control of the light and shadows and gain a deeper understanding of the ‘chiaroscuro’ effects (that is shadows of light and dark cast on an object or person from an external light source).

I am aware that these paintings (using the chiaroscuro approach) employ a different philosophy to those used in icons, where the light comes from within. This is written or demonstrated by layers of colour built up from dark tones forming the under-painting, and lighter tones forming the top layers, eventually reaching white.

Overall, I noticed the images were very emotional and sentimental. Yet, very enchanting and sweet to behold.