WIP 3

2/27/2011 09:12:00 PM Posted In , Edit This 27 Comments »
OK, so technically this is still Day 2, but I couldn't leave this guy alone so I just kept at it on and off during the day.  I took Sandra's advice and softened the line of the hat - it did look like it was pasted on.  I also used my white charcoal pencil on his beard (btw, what's That all about anyway?  I've never seen white charcoal, have you?).  But I digress.  I also worked on the background a bit, but as it turned out, the paper didn't have much tooth left and so it wouldn't accept the charcoal very well, even after spraying it with workable fixative  (which is supposed to be used in 70 degrees or above, but not inside as it's a tad toxic .... clearly these folks don't live in the Mitten!).     Methinks perhaps that's just a wee hint that he's been overworked a bit; but then, I don't know anyone who hasn't been overworked at least once in their life, do you?

I think he and I will part ways for now - maybe forever.  I'm planning on spraying him tomorrow with something called Pym II.  It's an acid free acrylic protective coating that sort of "laminates" your work.  Once it's sprayed on, you can't go back with charcoal and add to it, but on the other hand, it really seals it well so that it won't smear anymore.  His fate may be sealed forever.

27 comments:

Dan Kent said...

I looked at your last two posts. I love your progress; to me you have made all of the right moves. I think it looks great, finished, excellent. An excellent drawing! (PS - I've always been suspicious of white charcoal too - never bought it for that reason.)

Vicki Holdwick said...

Oh, Nancy,

I love how you've finished the beard and the darker background behind his hat.

xoxo

Deborah said...

There is a wisdom in those eyes. Great work.

Cathy Holtom said...

I can't keep up ha ha
He's turned out fantastic and the hat is much better. Great work Nancy!

Alex said...

Oh yeah. I really like it! The combination of the cotton-like texture on his beard, and his warm eyes and soft tones on his face... it's perfect!

Sandy in Michigan said...

Great portrait. As soon as I loaded up the image his piercing eyes just jumped off the screen. I like the way you've faded his shoulders into the background.

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

I tried to leave a comment in your last post, not sure what happen (it didnt stick?)... But I wanted to say that I loved the face of the drawing and I hoped you would leave the face and suggest to just work around it... And I can see you did, Oh Nancy!! its wonderful, very soft and warm and I really like how you blended the hat in to the background, his face comes out so well and the beard is soft... Love it, Well done!!!

MaryO said...

He's fabulous, Nancy!

Melissa said...

Fantastic eyes, and I love the way you have improved the background. This is a very nice drawing.

Sandra said...

You nailed it!

Morph Waffle said...

Great drawing. Love that beard! Spray away!

Sarah said...

This had real character Nancy! you've made an excellent job of the eyes and I like the texture of the beard and the way the hat blends into the background.

Ann said...

I think his beard looks awesome and of course the entire portrait is fabulous. Great job!

Anonymous said...

Thaata beard is wonderful - congratulations on a super drawing!

Unknown said...

Hello Nancy,

Superb artwork - a wonderful portrait.
I agree with Dan...I do not trust white charcoal...I've heard stories of it sneeking up on people and stealing their dark parts...Oooh, that doesn't sound right at all.

Keep up the good work.

Stew.
ElasticUnicorn.

Anonymous said...

Amazing! He looks like someone I'd want to hang out with and learn from.

Judy said...

Beautiful drawing and I LOVE the way the beard turned out. It's so realistic now and the detail in it is amazing to me.

Judy

bettyfromtexas said...

it looks TERRIFIC!! Excellent work!

Kateri said...

This drawing is amazing. I think the beard is remarkable! He has so much character in his eyes, too...

Unknown said...

This is lovely Nancy!

So sorry I haven't been by recently Nancy, trying to concentrate on producing art rather than hours on line.

Tessa said...

I love it! He really does have so much character. Really fantastic!

Claire said...

all i can say is 'WOW!' maybe one day i'll sketch like this!!
thank you for your lovely comment on my cup and saucer drawing - i've now got back my laptop repaired and i'm back in action *phew*

jenna said...

Thanks for dropping by my site, Nancy =)

Sennelier makes a really nice workable fixative that's *non*aerosol and I love it. It's not cheap, but it doesn't subtract years from your life either.

I know I'm definitely overworked! This guy, in the photo, doesn't appear to be though... are there details we can't see?

debra morris said...

Looks great Nancy... the dark background really brings out the softness of the face and beard.

K said...

Great facial expression on this WIP, Nancy. Piercing eyes.

Unknown said...

Yes, seal, seal, seal! He's excellent as is and needs to be preserved! This one needs to be framed!

Ellen Burkett said...

I love him even more!!! Excellent, Nancy!