"David" - charcoal study

I've been trying to do a figure study in charcoal or pencil at least five times a week to improve my drawing and painting abilities. These studies are under three hours. (It's sort of like going to the gym to lift weights when I'd rather do something cardio) I am using casts from Michaelangelo and Greek sculptures. The contour studies in particular, show me where I need improvement. I'm trying not to use mass, which is how I prefer to draw, and limiting personal expression. My focus for these studies is accurate form and getting that more quickly.

17"x12" ($35.) charcoal on toned paper

studying the human form

Recently, I spent a week studying drawing the human form in a workshop lead by Henry Yau, a master artist from China. It was one of the best classes I've ever had. This drawing is a sample from the workshop. My focus was to concentrate on accurate construction of the figure in charcoal. I worked on several different studies each day from 5 minute gesture drawings to 45 minute extended sketches. It was great to have Henry's expertise to critique my efforts. If I were to make a resolution for 2009, I would try to work several hours a week on just simple, clean, accurate figure drawings.

24"x18" vine charcoal on medium-tooth drawing paper