Portrait Update

I wrote here about James's portrait, which I have been working on F-O-R-E-V-E-R! Well since then, I have done some more work on it, mainly working on the shirt, but I don't have any updated photos to post yet... I'll add some soon! Note to self - plaid fabric is very difficult to handle! In the meantime, this is the portrait I did of Rachel several years ago, just to prove to myself that yes, I CAN actually finish these portraits.

James's portrait

I've been working on this color pencil portrait of James forever, and not making much progress. So, I thought I'd post it here, and challenge myself to work on it every week until I get it done.... I love drawing these portraits, and it's very relaxing to sit and work on one while I listen to my iPod, but I don't like getting started unless I have an hour or more to work on it, and realistically, I haven't carved out a free hour to work on this in weeks. Sigh.

It takes many many hours to finish one of these, as the colored pencil is applied in many layers, and it is fairly slow, meticulous work. I think I've put about 20 to 25 hours in it so far, and I'm less than half way done. Anyway, I'm going to give this a go and try and get it done - soon. Like before he graduates from High School...

And here's the reference photo I'm using to create this portrait. I love this photo of James, taken when he was about 4 years old.