Ronald

‘Ronald’

 9”x 12”. Graphite on Frabriano CP.

Ronald was completed last fall for the Harrisburg Art Association’s annual student show and won first place in graphite.

This drawing for me was a realization that with hard work and dedication come results and accomplishments.

Photo reference Wetcanvas photo library.

Ronald is currently on display at Lancaster County Art Association winter membership show and has also received an honorable mention.

WIP Update

I’m sorry, I should have posted an update earlier in the week, but I have been a little busy this week and although I have completed this drawing I’ll still show my progress and hopefully a final post tomorrow.

At this stage his shirt and all of the elements of the drawing are completed.  The biggest problem I had with his shirt and coat was trying to get an overall shape (value & form) and a transition from his shirt into his coat.  The texture in his coat was extremely inviting but I opted to skimp and use general texture.  I know I will look at this and regret taking a short cut and should have put in the time to do a better job.

Up to this point, I’ve never used an HB pencil in my drawings and have only used 2H & 2B pencils thinking I could get as good of a value range without it.  I guess hind sight is 20/20.  I’m growing as an artist and coming to accept I should use more tools and techniques.

WIP 2

I initially thought his face would have been slightly easier to capture but there is a slight angle in his face.  I hope I captured his emotions in this phase.  Now it’s time to move into his shoulders.  Can I say he’s done at this stage (no neck and shoulders, just a head)?  Just kidding onward I go.

Commission

I’m so happy I was commissioned to capture a new stage of life for this family.  Her grandfather wanted to capture his daughter and son-in-law as a couple getting ready to enter their new stage in life.

 

‘New stage of life’

 18”x 24”. Graphite on Arches CP.

 

These portraits are meant to be a set.  The photos were taken of the mother and daughter when they were around the same age.  

‘Mother’ and ‘daughter’

9.5”x12” Graphite on Arches CP.

WIP

I’m finally at a point in my work I can take a break and get back to a few pieces I have been waiting to start.  The reference photo is very detailed and has a lot of textures. 

I was initially drawn to the photo for the opportunity to capture a good likeness of this man, but it was his face and emotions that really tells a story.  If I can capture his likeness and emotions then it was well worth it.

Sketch

"Little Girl"
9"x 11" graphite on Strathmore.

I started this earlier this month for WC monthly challenge and never got a chance to finish this sketch.   

Sketch




'Bill' 8.5”x 10.5” graphite on Strathmore Drawing 400 Series



Another sketch from Wetcanvas November-December portraiture challenge.  I started this drawing with no real expectations other than to sketch, have fun and see where it takes me. 

There are two light sources in the photo and normally can be a problem for me, but the light weren’t equally as bright and there were enough shadows to easily resolve this.

I made it a priority to have a wide value range from the bright area in his shirt and highlights to the shadows and background. 

Sketch



'Anthony Hopkins' 9”x 10” graphite on Strathmore Drawing 400 Series



I love to draw and sketch and this was a perfect opportunity to go back to what I enjoy.  I often feel to rigid and tight after completing a portrait that can take 25+ hours to complete. 

I was drawn to this photo because of the opportunity to capture a likeness of a famous actor, angles, and light and dark.  The emotion on his face was rather interesting and a sketch would be a great opportunity to explore and have fun.

Photo reference: Wetcanvas.com November-December portraiture challenge.

Brian and Family

“Brian & Family” 22”x30” graphite on Arches 140lb

Brian is a close friend of the family and married my wife and I.  I was honored when I had the opportunity to paint a family portrait.

The portrait was going to be completed in watercolor but due to time constraints graphite had a better likelihood of being completed in time and thankfully Brian didn’t mind.

At some point I hope I have an opportunity to paint a family portrait for Brian.

Brandon



Brandon
pencil on Arches Watercolor paper 140lb
NFS





Brandon was a challenge for a couple of reasons.  The photo quality was very good, but suffered from frontal flash and was a little distorted since the photo was taken so close.  I normally sketch my subject once or twice depending upon complexity, composition and tone value (light and dark).  I wish there were more shadows or highlights to create more interest, but I am happy how the portrait turned out.

 

Addison

Addi
11" x 14"

This is my beautiful daughter Addison.  I really enjoyed drawing her, this is only the fifth time I have drawn her but it was fun and her daycare teacher really loves it.

Pencil Portraits



Josi

 A beautiful baby, and a great photo to work from.  I love Josi's emotion and the range of lights and darks made it so enjoyable to draw.  I started painting her but never got around to finishing it.  Maybe next year if time permits.




Addi & Aunt Beulah



I'm so glad I had the opportunity to complete this portrait for my wife great aunt.  One of my daughter's favorite aunt.

Jim

Good photo but rather difficult because of limited (indoor fluorescent) light sources.  There was some reflected light on the underside of his nose and light shadow.  The photo isn't picking up the subtle shift in light. 




The Kids

Gotta love old photos, my wife (middle) and her siblings.  This one was a little unique, from the size 18"x24", I couldn't make it any bigger and I didn't want to crop them in to close or made them smaller.