I posted that in a hurry. Now I have time to respond to you.

Linda Brandon,

Yes, I'm using Ryder's techniques. I'm trying to adapt them to my own taste, though. I don't care for the crisp outlines his figures have. It goes against what you SOG folks have taught me about edges.

I'm also incorporating Daniel Greene's technique. It's kind of a hybrid. During the Ryder block-in I use Greene's attention to the "proportions of length".

Michele,

Thanks for the Photoshop work. I had already started some of those changes, based on your description. I think it helped.

John,

I wish I could draw a portrait in an hour or less. Maybe someday.

It's good that you meet friends' requests. $35 is a bargain. The reason I don't want to rush into charging is that I need the practice, and I don't want to discourage people from asking for portraits. I'm not working totally free, though. Linda is buying me a bottle of Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve.

Yes, it's time to give it to her! Brace yourself for a tidal wave of lauds. I like how you defined the jaw too - yesterday when I looked at it again, I though that the lack of cast shadows under the ear/jaw was making it look like the jaw was not attached to the ear, but now I can really see how the form turns.

You should be really proud! It's a lovely drawing.

Jeff this is my favorite so far!

Wow, the hits keep coming. :)

Good job, Jeff. You have inproved so much. Keep it up.

PS. Dont be afraid to do the darkest darks.