Pat,

I missed this finished before..

This looks fabulous! Your improving at an astounding rate - good for you!

Yes - that is normal. :)

Kim, it is good to hear the "downer" is normal. I spent all day Sunday with a model, taking pictures, did a color study, and sketched her, but all the drawings looked AWFUL!! It was like I could not "see". Very discouraging. This week I am drawing every night...

Patricia,

I must have missed this one - what a beautiful portrait, so sensitively handled....and such exquisite restraint you've shown here. Bravo!!!

Thank you, David. I'm flattered! ;)

I also missed this, sorry.

Very fine drawing, especially the features of the head, that are more painted than drawn. You should work on the hair in the same manner.

I also like the pose and the way that you drew the neck, collar and shoulder................ elegant.!!!

Allan

Thank you Allan!
I can't take credit for the pose, however, I did feel I had to minimize the clothing as it is a very dated photo from the seventies. I had a problem with the hair, as I always do. but each time it gets a little easier! When I draw in graphite I imagine that it would be easier with a brush. But when I paint I get so confused still with color. . . In time it will come together, no doubt!!! I am always conflicted with the time I have in my studio, "should I paint or draw" Seems right now my inclination is to keep drawing as I have so much more to learn.

I missed this one too, Pat... it's terrific, beautifully and sensitively managed. You've done a fantastic job with the subtle modelling of this piece, I really like it!

I don't do much graphite but if I did I would work on transparent vellum. I tried this a few weeks ago and it really made the graphite appear dark and mysterious.

Thank you Linda, this has been very encouraging this week, when I needed a boost! Transparant vellum? I will look for it this weekend, sounds very interesting. I do love drawing in graphite, and have ideas building for some new ones . . . . .

Wanted to share with you all...
I received an email from my client in New York who presented the portrait to the subject's daughter this past weekend. She said that she, "sat on the floor, looked at it for the longest time in silence. She was overwhelmed. Her father was so impressed with the likeness and aliveness."

I'm so psyched!!! :) :)

You should be psyched, this turned out lovely. I'm on the sorry I missed this one list as well but I'm glad I saw it now.

Way to go.