Eraser animation research - William Kentridge

I have began researching into artists who use the charcoal and eraser animation technique. The animation above is called automatic writing and was created by south African artist William Kentridge. He uses stop motion animation to create drawings using charcoal and an eraser to take away areas, photographing every slight change. He creates very detailed images and uses an eraser to change the scenery and show movemement. I think the animation above is very impressive and well thought out as the artist has created a lot of movement within the images and has been able to make the animation flow.

The image above has been created using a technique which involves drawing with charcoal and then using an eraser to remove parts of the charcoal to reveal the paper behind. I created the image based on primary imagery. I drew the image of a pine cone which I had in front of me. I was able to show tone in the image where I have not rubbed out as hard on the paper, leaving some of the charcoal behind. I think the eraser has worked well as I am able to show a contrast between the black and the white. The image of the pine cone stands out. I find that the eraser is also a good tool to use to create mark making.

The animation above has been created using the eraser and charcoal technique. I began with a plain piece of white paper. I then covered the paper in black charcoal. The begin the animation I used the eraser to rub away some of the charcoal. I then used stop frame animation to photograph each mark being made. I used different sides of the eraser to create different size marks and patterns. I feel that this technique works well when creating animation as I was able to remove charcoal and then add it back in to change areas of the drawing. I also think that that the contrast between the black and white makes the animation look clear and stands out. To improve on this animation I would have used a tripod to make the animation more stable as I feel that it looks very shaky. I would also erase part of the charcloal in smaller steps and take more photographs.