Portrait of 'Ling'
 

Hi, this is graphite on 18" x 12" light gray Stonehenge. I was able to reduce the number of pencils used and am happy with the results. The pencils used were 2H for 'filling in' gaps. An H for the sketch. An F for the majority of light to medium tones. 2B for the darker areas, and 6B for the darkest, such as eyes and hair. I usually use a much bigger range, about 10 pencils, but don't feel I need them so I may stick with the limited number in the future.

I'm sure I'll change my mind by the next one...

I swear, Jimmie, each one of your drawings makes me feel like I am actually meeting the person. She comes right off the paper and I think you accomplish this with the poses you use, and your ability to convey emotion. You are always inspiring me. Today I needed to feel inspired.

Jimmie out of all the portraits you have posted this one is my favorite. Very well done, I love the expression on her face you can see right into her soul.

Beautiful work, Jimmie.

You may have answered this in the past, but I was wondering - do you work from life or from photo reference?

Thanks all for the kind words.

I work from photos due to time constraints and finance. I usualy draw between 11pm-3am, not exactly the best hours to have someone sitting for me. :o Professional models in the area want $25 an hour, something I can't afford especially that it takes me many hours to finish. I'll eventually figure something out, now's not the best time.

The girl who posed for it came to pick up her print and she got to see the original. She was very happy with it and would like to do it again.

Thanks again.

This is sensitively executed and a wonderful pose; congratulations on another successful drawing, Jimmy.

Thank you Linda, but I have to credit the best poses to the model. Ling just fell into place with these poses like a pro. It makes it so much easier having a model as enthused as you are. Thanks again.

Hi Jimmie, I have a new favorite now. She is looking straight into my soul this time. This has wonderful engagement with the viewer. You are right-handed aren't you.

Jean

Thank you Jean, yes, I'm right-handed. When I'm working with charcoals and am doing lines in the opposite direction, I slow down a bit. Working quickly will result in some of the lines having 'hooks'.

Beautiful draftmanship!

Jimmie, if you develop painting as sensitively as as you have drawing, there'll be no stopping you.

Best--TE