The reduction technique, also called subtractive technique, focuses on the light effects on the form: with this technique, the forms of our subject are not defined with outlines, but with areas of value. To do so, we start with a sheet of drawing paper toned with a dry pigment, such as charcoal or Cretacolor powder pigment. The pigment is then gradually removed with various erasing tools, to obtain tonal effects. With this technique, we can obtain very volumetric effects, and it is perfect to study the effects of the light on a subject. This technique, along with the Trois Crayon method I recently offered, is fundamental for any representational artist.

Materials:

• Drawing paper: Strathmore Drawing in Vellum finish, series 400, or Strathmore Bristol series 400 in Vellum finish, or Stonehenge white, size about 11 by 14, not smaller.
• Charcoal sticks in medium and soft gradations, Nitram is an excellent brand. Charcoal pencils also in medium and soft gradations, General’s makes excellent compressed charcoal pencils for a very reasonable price. White chalk in pencils or sticks. Do not use willow charcoal sticks because this type of charcoal is too weak for what we have to do.
• Kneaded eraser, and chamois if you have it. Tombow Mono Zero eraser or similar, is also very useful: this is an eraser that comes in a mechanical pencil and permits you to lift minute details.
• Sandpaper to sharpen the charcoal and chalk