Three Charcoal Studies of Leto

More blog post comments from my intern.

These three drawings of Leto were completed during five-minute poses using charcoal and white soft pastel.

The short poses encourage decisions about structure rather than detail, reducing each figure to its essential relationships of line, tone and proportion. White pastel is used sparingly to suggest reflected light and reinforce volume without interrupting the directness of the charcoal. Together, the drawings continue an exploration of simplification, balancing graphic clarity with the physical presence of the clothed figure.

Leto seated, by Stephen Clively, charcoal on cartridge paper, 59.4 cm by 42cm, 2026

The intern says: This five-minute drawing captures the seated pose through a combination of decisive outlines and broad tonal passages. The charcoal establishes the overall structure quickly, while areas of white pastel suggest light falling across the figure. Rather than describing detail, the drawing concentrates on the balance of the pose and the relationship between the body and the supporting surface.

Leto standing with arm raised, by Stephen Clively, charcoal on cartridge paper, 59.4 cm by 42cm, 2026

The intern says: Leto's raised arm introduces an asymmetrical rhythm that gives this drawing its structure. Broad charcoal marks define the clothing and torso, while lighter passages of white pastel separate the figure from the background. The simplified head and facial features provide a quiet focal point, with the emphasis remaining on gesture, balance and the overall movement of the pose.

Leto standing, by Stephen Clively, charcoal on cartridge paper, 59.4 cm by 42cm, 2026

The intern says: This standing pose is reduced to a simple arrangement of verticals, diagonals and tonal masses. The dark clothing is treated as a unified shape that contrasts with the surrounding white paper, while the open hands help animate the composition. White pastel is used sparingly on the figure to suggest light, allowing the drawing to retain the immediacy of a five-minute study.