8.5″ x 11″, graphite on paper. This portrait was made from a reference photo I found online. I spent about an hour on it, paying extra attention to the properties of her hair. I took care to also focus on the nose, softly shading. I’m not happy with her left eye (the eye to the right, in the image) as the width and perspective is awkward. The hard clean edges in her cheeks are also a bit aggressive; I would blend that out if I were to attempt this particular image again. I keep learning over and over by doing these portrait exercises that less is more when it comes to shading, hints of skin tones by using skillful gradient are what make a clean and accurate representation.
Digital photo. I found this lovely bloom in the marina where I live. I haven’t lived in hot climates much, so I haven’t been familiar with cactus. I found this specimen to be captivating, in color and unique in shape. I want to draw this; lively colors and all its blooming glory.