Custom Graphite Portrait - wip 6

The eye's have finally been set in. They need to be strengthened a bit but the general shape has been established. I have also further defined several areas on her face, lips and nose and will continue to do so as the portrait progresses.

Custom Graphite Portrait - wip 5

Ann's facial features have been further defined which I will do several more times. I find it best to work from the general to more detailed, especially with this paper as the graphite needs time to settle into the paper so each time I return to the drawing I am able to define the details tighter without harsh lines or patches.

Her mouth has been drawn in further using 2B, HB and 2H graphite pencils. I draw in many small lines, blend, remove and repeat several times which seems to give them more depth than if I were to just drawn it in heavily once. Her lips also still need tweaking once the graphite settles in, her top lip will appear more rounded and fuller than it does now as well. The 'outlined' effect will also be resolved once more tweaking is done. Her nose has lost it's highlight around the tip which makes it look off but it will be replaced soon. I have set her eyebrows in and will set her eyes in during my next session which will help

Custom Graphite Portrait - wip 4

I have added several light layers of 2B graphite pencil for the sheets and blended to create the illusion of her being wrapped in the sheets. They appear much darker in the scan than they do in the original. I have opted not to draw the sheets as 'white' to create more interest and depth. I will continue to define the sheets as I go and will add the text near the end.

More definition has been drawn for her arms, neck and face. Her right cheek looks too rounded right now but will look better once more definition has been added underneath and above her smile line.

Graphite Portrait of Papillon Dog

This is the completed Papillon puppy. I hope I captured how endearing the breed seems to be!

Graphite Portrait of Papillon Dog

I thought I had scanned my sketch for this portrait of a papillon puppy but I can't seem to find it! I am working on two portraits at the same time right now as they are both needed near the same date.

This one is for the 8th annual Papillon Canada National Specialty dog show in Halifax in September. I had never heard of this breed of dog before but once I saw pictures of them I was eager to draw one as they are so pretty and endearing.

I have drawn the fur with many layers of my usual graphite pencils in 2B, B, HB, F and H. The eyes and nose appear quite dark right now. I may lighten them a little but will decide after the ears are darkened more with 2b graphite pencils.

Custom Graphite Portrait - wip 3

Several layers of 2b, B, HB and H graphite pencils have been used to draw her hair. Many more layers are needed but the general flow has been established. The wisps around her face will be added when the portrait is nearer completion so that they stay crisp as will the hair under her chin.

More darks will be added to create more depth and flow in her hair. I may make the right side of her hair a tad bit thicker near her shoulder but will decide after the graphite has settled a bit.

Custom Graphite Portrait - wip 2

Several more layers of graphite have been drawn for the skin as well as for the blanket and pillow case. I add the pencil layers lightly and build up as the portrait progresses so no area is completely finished until the end. This way the overall tone of the portrait can be judged better.

I will likely start adding layers for the hair next. Her hair is different colors in the reference photos due to highlights but I think I will go with her hair natural which is a dark black. I think it suites this portrait better and will create more depth and interest as the bedding will be on the light side.

Custom Graphite Portrait - wip 1

Several layers of graphite have been added and blended to establish her skin tone. Many more layers to go :)

Custom Graphite Portrait - sketch

This is the sketch for a custom graphite portrait I have just started. It is a very rough outline at this point as I am working from several reference photos. The quality of the photos are poor so it is a bit of a challenge but the concept is quite cool and the main reference photo has great lights and darks and she has such a sweet smile that even at this very rough stage she brightens up my canvas.

I am still working out how the hair will fall, how the eyes will look as in the reference photo the eyes are open and some other details need to be addressed but they will sort themselves out as I go. The words Happiness, Peace, Comfort, Understanding and Beauty will be slightly hidden throughout the portrait as well which will be very cool. I will wait until the portrait takes a bit more shape before I decide where each word will be drawn.