Mike: Thank you so much for the keen eye. Yes, I will be reducing the dynamics a bit on the fist.....as well as the background. Your sharp observation is greatly appreciated.
By the way, Mike, I'm still not in posession of the D70. This little Coolpix 3200 I picked up for a quickie "vacation and snaps" mode has kept me very satisfied. I took just 5 reference shots of this guy in my daughter's home with a single very warm low watt bulb on him. I'll have to show you a couple of the color shots from this over in your photo section.
Pat: On the graphite rub, I apply three different ways. On the initial tonal establishment, I draw with the chamois and stumps using either a graphite "farm" over on the side piece of scrap paper that has been applied with 8 or 9B graphite stick....or by dipping into a pre-ground powder. The latter is reserved for laying down very dark areas usually later in the drawing.
Jean: Yes, that is the target value for sure. Thanks for looking.....and "smelling"
-Gear