I really like the portrait but the straw looks too ‘planned’ and not random. I have taken Mike Sibley’s workshops and I haven’t mastered the negative drawing yet. I find erasing easier.

Quwatha Valentine

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/quwatha-valentine.html

http://quwatha-valentine.artistwebsites.com/index.html

My brain simply does not work when trying to draw negatively. I tried Mike’s workshop here and failed badly. On the other hand, there is nothing inherently wrong with erasing – it’s how I do hair and fur, for example. I was in contact with Mike a couple weeks ago and he told me he still mentions me in his workshops as someone who does things entirely backwards or at least differently from his methods and yet gets excellent results. So I’d say figure out what works for you and master that … it could be different from Mike’s way or mine or a combination of both but it’s the end result that counts – not the path taken.

Beautiful drawings, Christel! You’ve created great drama, especially in the portrait. Well done!

Lovely work Christel. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who has trouble with hay, straw, dry grass. Mine looks very similar to yours :wink2:

Reference my dry reeds under the goose
https://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1446341

Anne

I love the expression on his face in the portrait and how the shadow of his nose redirects me back to his eyes and overall expression. I cannot help you with the hay as I’m struggling with that myself lol (and yours is a lot better than mine). I enjoyed your drawings.