Well, it was a nice surprise last week a young person phoned and asked if I could do a portrait for him on short notice. We managed to find a really nice picture that could be done and he was happy with the results.

 I’m going to show you a series of drawings from the beginning to the finished piece. First, we’ll start off with the Box of supplies. Next to the series of pictures the pencil drawing. The first drawing is the outline to set up where everything is. I’d like to start on the eyes I just find that the eyes of the most important part of a portrait. The photos are a little dark as I took them while they were on the easel. The last finished piece is the last finished piece.

I like to jump around. This time I used a soft flat brush to grey out some areas. This one is the line drawing and some under shading with a 4h plus a 2h pencil and strong lines for individual hairs. Once I see this working I move on to another area.

 

I now want a textured look for the sleeve.first I brush a soft grey cover on the arm. Next, I do small circles in the lighter pencils and then try a darker overlay of circles. I will draw a soft line area for the different shades

You will notice that I removed a purse strap from her shoulder. I found it made it too cluttered and it did not flatter the overall drawing. I am also starting to focus on the hat.

The brush now comes into play. I add soft shadows in the hat, face and her stomach. Also, I dunked the smear tool into a pile of pencil dust to add soft contrast in the hat.

 

This is a close up of the details of layers of the circles and shading.

Well, I left the sweater for last. Most of the work was in the sweater. It looks darker but it is not. It is the light in the room. I am taking care not to loose the necklace in the process of shading the sweater.

Here I am focusing on filling in the shade only.

 

I have it complete but I notice the shape of the sweater needs to be adjusted

Now I need to darken and sharpen all the details. So the face has to be exactly what the client needs to see. The hat, eyes, hair, contrast all has to be just right.

And there it is folks…Done

If you are interested in developing the art of drawing, I do teach the concepts that are involved in pencil drawings. First I take the time to look at the work that you are doing right now. Then, I help you to develop qualities in your work that are missing, so that you can get the results that you can be proud of. Also, check out my website for more info jacquelineprice.com