Live study
 

I tried to do a portrait of my cousin from life, but I gave up. I failed completely with the likeness, so instead I just had fun drawing and made her into a person of her own. Maybe she exists somewhere.

Closeup of the face.

Very nice. You know you are really inspiring me to want to give pastels a go.

Would you mind sharing what pastels you use?

Also, what are some of the steps you are using - meaning, is there anything in particular you use in the portrait process besides just the pastels? Like fixitives and such.

I'm just not up on the pastel process, but I would love to learn.

Mark

Hanna, did you save any photos of the "live" drawing? I can't believe you could have failed so miserably and had such a nice base for the creative piece. Did you work from a photo after the live sitting on this person? I really like the eyes and the tear is very real.

No, I didn

Live study
 

Hanna, this young woman does exist. Her name is Leah, and she's my stepson's girlfriend. I enjoy her company, as her personality is silly, kind, warm, and "open". I will show this to her, I'm sure it will impress her. By the way, the forehead is just right.

Jean