Preparatory Drawing for "Ash on the Water"

Preparatory drawing for 16" x 20" studio oil of "Ash on the Water", based on field painting done in Folsom, CA, at Negro Bar on the American River.

I use Cason drawing paper that is value # 7 on the 1-9 grey scale, with 1 being black and 9 being white. I tone my canvas value #7, and I use either a grey paper palette that is value # 7 or place paper this value under a piece of glass for my palette This consistency helps me control the values of my paint mixtures and retain my composition.