The first two remind me of Goya's later works. Have you looked at any of Goya's "Black paintings" Psyche? I think you would like them.
thanks so much guys! that makes me feel all good inside. aw. conte is black and white sticks with a chalk-like consistency. the way i did those was white conte on black paper for the overall image, and then the details were refined with black conte on top of that.
first time I've seen this thread. I didn't know you could draw so well. You really do have an amazing eye for beauty, whether it be your drawings or your photography. Don't ever lose that gift.