Like all subjects I always start with the eyes...
When drawing, sometimes you just automaically go onto different parts of the drawing but usully when I'm happy with the eyes, like here you can see I carry on from the eyes.
It is just a gradual build up of various shades till I'm happy with the tone. I do tend to test colours on the side of the paper to see what it is like before I put on to main picture, it is kind of a habit I have got into over the years.
At times I can be so involved in drawing the picture that I cant even remeber what I did to get a certain affect...this can happen as the zone you get into is such a great feeling!
Here is the completed pastel drawing.
Here is the clients photo that I was asked to draw. They wanted the background taken out. I suggested a warm red/terracotta tones to compliment the warm tones and to make her face be what stands out.
Here is a close up of the detail in my drawing. I loved drawing the eyes, like I always do and in this portrait definitely is the main feature...
Another closer up of my drawing.
This is the framed pastel drawing hanging on my studio wall before wrapping it up ready for the client to collect. They were delighted with the portrait and even compliments from her family too. Always amazing when you get feedback from a number of people that see a commission.
A commission on quite a few occassions include a human. Any enquiries please do get in touch with me to discuss your picture. Click to go to commissions...
Here is another commission which entailed a human within the picture. Very involved drawing but really enjoyed it. Click to go to commissions...
Here is the commission completed, mounted and framed up ready to be collected. The client was thrilled with it, he said turned out a lot better than he had imagined. This was a surprise for his wife. Click here to go to commissions...
This is my pastel drawing of Rob Rinder (Judge Rinder) from the fourth Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Week Challenge.
This is my pastel drawing of Will Young from the fifth Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Week Challenge.
The photo reference for a commission
The completed commissioned artwork, hand drawn in pastel. It was decided to take out the post behind them so it didnt detract from the picture.
This is to show you how small and fine the detail was. The overall drawing showing was an A4 size. Once the frame and mountboards go on top the picture always ends up overall larger.
A close up of the detail in this portrait
Another close up of the detail within this drawing
The completed pastel drawing, commissioned artwork
The commisison framed up and ready to hang. Is now hung in new home.
Original sold. Prints available...