Sam



"Sam"
9.5"x11" graphite on Arches CP.

Sam started out as a sketch months ago and went very well. Almost too well for a sketch, so I’m finally getting around to finish the drawing.   

Sketch

‘Eli Wallach’ graphite on Arches CP.

I should have drawn this on Bristol, but I couldn’t resist cold press paper.  I normally get better results when drawing older faces on textured paper.  A nice start but I should have put more time into it.  At least I can say it’s a sketch and I'm doneJ. 

Photo reference: Wetcanvas weekly drawing challenge.

Sketch

I had a lot of fun with this, very interesting angles and her face.  Contour drawing before shading (Can I say my sketch is done at this point next time?).







I’m changing the norm from watercolor CP paper to Bristol board.  I have fallen in love with textured paper, but my most recent work was a little too textured for my liking.  Bristol smoothness is a welcome change to CP but I’ll have to do a few more pieces.  So much for being lazy and using the same type of paper for every application.

 ‘Grace Kelly’ graphite on Strathmore Bristol board.

Photo reference: Wetcanvas weekly drawing challenge.

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.

Self portrait

'Self portrait' 12”x 14” charcoal on Strathmore Drawing 400 Series

I normally don’t draw a lot of self-portraits, but this photo means a lot to me.  The photo was taken right after boot camp in Great Lakes, IL.  I always appreciate looking back at the good memories I have being enlisted in the Navy and having the opportunity to serve my country. 

This sketch was done with charcoal but I normally work with graphite, charcoal give me the opportunity to work negative and positive.   

I’m very happy with the likeness although I have drawn and painted this photo before.

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.