CL GoldsmithComing from Oklahoma I’ve always had a love for western art. For many years I had been behind the scenes, setting up booths with my parents who are both professional pencil artists and I was intrigued by their lives as artists. Only later realizing that I would also take the path as an artist. I try to capture icons of the west in charcoal on canvas. I apply vine charcoal sticks and willow charcoal powder with an assortment of brushes, sponges, and blending stumps to create my base. As the subject gains flow and more shape I begin to remove charcoal with assorted styles of erasers to create contrast. Once I feel the piece is ready for more layers I spray the canvas with acetone to create more texture and character. The fixative is applied and more vine charcoal is added for depth and contrast, something I feel is needed in this medium. I finished by sealing with two coats of non-yellowing varnish. All of my pieces are neatly wrapped and painted with clean, white or black edges