Sophie - WIP

[RickDArt]

Hello everybody...

Got the next drawing started...it's 11x14" on Bristol smooth paper. Since the face is so large, it's going to be difficult for me to keep an even tone throughout the large surface area. Then, I have to keep it as smooth as possible to keep the softness of her baby face.

At this point, I'm optimistic that I'll be able to pull off the softness...here's to hoping!





~Rick

[SparrowHawk7]

Keeping graphite smooth over a large area is one of my litmus tests for skill in a graphite artist. I think you'll pull it off. Those eyes are excellent.

[kennychaffin]

The nose knows.

Looking good so far.

Another baby commission, eh?

Bristol smooth is probably the right choice, but wondering if you've ever tried Mellotex?

[brushwaggler]

Wow! Amazing as usual Rick.
You ever tried using a chamois leather for blending? I think there's a particular way to wash them before using but can't remember it. If you look at the pencil work of Mike Sibley, you may find it. He's a fantastic British artist who has worked in pencil for about 35 years. (sorry Mike, if you're reading, may have done you a dis service there!) let's say the last twenty years to be on the safe side!
Brushwaggler

[kennychaffin]

I tried chamois and to be honest found it limited in usefulness. I found it hard to get smooth transitions/coverage using it. I find layering and using a blending stump more useable. And actually try not to blend at if if possible (and it usually is if you are patient and build the layers slowly).

[Painter65]

Beautiful

Back to my drawing board for practise, thanks for the inspiration!

[cashin1]

Oh this is going to be a good one! I love those eyes, so clear.

[ArtsyBren]

Rick, those are some gorgeous, big baby eyes! Splendidly done! This is going to be something special, I can already tell!

[luicre]

Beautiful work so far, Rick!

Saludos

Luicre

[RickDArt]

Thank you everyone! I'm particularly excited for this one, the parent's reaction to it (so far) have been very positive and inspiring!

The eyes are deeper/darker than what's shown due to the graphite shine and my cell phone camera, I'll hopefully get a better picture later on, but I like how they turned out thus far (much more than the picture).

I've used a chamois before and, unfortunately, couldn't get it to work as well as I'd like...I may just need more practice with one, but I prefer not to use this picture as the guinea pig! lol

Another update will be coming shortly! Started the cheek to see what I can do...it's coming along a little blotchy, but I'm hoping I can smooth it over with patience and time.

Thanks again for looking!
~Rick

[amri]

Hey Rick ~
Looks like you have a great start to this one, on the go.
The eyes sure look nice.
Hope I don't miss the ending....

Bless you. IRma

[RickDArt]

Thanks Irma!

This is coming along nicely, I think I found a decent technique to keep the tones fairly smooth, I'll go back over them all once I'm closer to completion to smooth out everything.

I'm currently working on the mouth, overall I'm liking this drawing...I can't wait to add the eyelashes! I keep going to them, then have to fight myself to wait until I get the back tones perfect...They'll add so much to her eyes but I need to be patient.

Here's how it sits so far, GREAT parent reactions so far, I'm a happy artist!





Thanks for looking!

~Rick

[kennychaffin]

Wonderful!

[SparrowHawk7]

What's not to like?

[brushwaggler]

Ditto! Can't wait to see the finished thing.