Charcoal Gorilla (and process)

One of my animal studies using traditional mediums, charcoal and chalk on green paper, the study uses photographic reference, exercising accurate observation and hand/eye coordination, details can be difficult to achieve with charcoal and chalk but it is great for establishing value and light.  I'm no expert as I taught myself along the way but here's my process.

Sketch outline lightly with pencil, the first stage is generally the most important., use eye (or grid) to measure shapes like head, body and eyes, be loose and messy narrowing down an accurate layout of shape and important focal points such as face. Look at outlines and the negative shapes (background) then spin and check 360, No details here, as this will be mostly covered up, tidy layout outline with eraser.

Establish main values and lighting, biggest and darkest shadows, usually leave chalk to very last. Smudge shadows with tissue paper to keep hands clean and achieve medium shadows, outline with charcoal.

Smudge and add details, build up image with charcoal  details and shadows, the gorilla here is still all charcoal the lighting has changed to make it appear brighter. Don't be too precious about the lines you draw, if u need to smudge in more value do it but keep medium tones (paper) and light (Chalk) areas charcoal free, put in the time here, if your starting image is accurate trust in the process and go at it.

This is the finished image. Finish all details, suggest fur details with charcoal strokes and light chalk brushes, use charcoal pencil (or sharp edge) for line details, zoom in your focus to ensure focal points like face are detailed and lit accurately, zoom out to ensure overall value with head, body, face has been established and works, bring the background up to scratch, lightly smudge as this will put it out of focus and establish distance. Leave it, then come back with fresh eyes, call it done when your happy (or when your done).