Jackie
 

This is a first drawing for a commission I am working on of four year old twins, identical twins to boot - I'm having fun with it, though I wish I were getting faster. To achieve the finish I prefer requires layers and layers of graphite washes, which is what you see on the face, but not on the hair..

Because this was not going to be the piece I sold to the client I thought I would finish it with some fun, that's why the hair is very loose and the lines in the neck and shoulders scrappy (I used this piece to correct these lines for the commission). But I just couldn't let this go unfinished because I felt there was some energy I enjoyed.

It has been accepted into my reps gallery in Ct. and is slated for a November show in New York. While building my painting skills, I have to say that I will never lose my love of drawing.

I'm so glad you posted this in your own thread - it deserves its own kudos! What I love about this is it's artistry - the unfinished bits, the sensitivity of line, and what you said - the playfulness of the lines.

I wish I could draw like this.

We should all have fun
 

Thank you Cindy. As portrait artists we should carve out fun time, you never know what might result. While on vacation I did sketches of my granddaughter on the beach, and it was a delightful experience. Of course she is now, my muse and I already have a image of her ready to paint! It only took 300 photos to get the perfect one! I will post in photo ref soon.

thanks again
Patty

It is a beautiful sensitive piece! I too, love the contrast in how you handled the hair and face...

I loved this one. This is great!

Thanks Enzie and Claudemir
 

I appreciate your comments very much!

I really like this one, Patty. She has such a sweet, gentle expression on her face. You've really captured the tilt of her head. It's good to see you back on the forum. Hope you'll be around more.

Oh, Pat, I love this! Those lines in her hair are so sharp and sure and descriptive. Her face is all the softer by comparison. Just curious--do clients really prefer the more "finishd" style to this, or are you reluctant to test out their reaction?

I love it!

Thanks Debra, Alexandra and Marvin
 

I appreciate your compliments. As far as testing this out with clients, no I haven't and perhaps I should. I am only recently adding charcoal to my drawings after Marvin came to Atlanta and gave a workshop in drawing portraits. I do like incorporating the boldness of the charcoal to the softness of graphite, this is very new to me.

Thanks Debra, it is fun to be back and I hope I will have some time to participate.