Friday Portrait, September 5

Today’s sitter was Linda. I’m in a sketchy kinda mood, so I went with the sketchy photo of her (well, that and she looked concerned in the other two). I didn’t stay for the full session today. I’m apparently in something of a speed mode, and all I wanted to do was whip out a few gestural-type images, focusing on some basics. Some days, you just have to go back to the foundational elements. Today, I think that was a good thing.

First, the warmup sketch. I kept it loose and squiggly to begin with, but then filled in more solid details. All of these were done in ten or twelve minute segments.

For the rest, I’m in a primary kind of mood. I just love the effect the pure colors have, and when you’re not focused on getting just the right flesh tone, it can actually be quite liberating.

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This was a one-segment sketch, trying to capture broad gestural strokes.

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This last sketch took probably three or four segments. It’s rough and sloppy, but I’m happy with it. it feels like I’m finally loosening up a bit, which is a good thing.

-o.o-

Friday Portrait, June 27

Today’s sitter was Tonya, a lovely and very still young lady who’s going off to college this fall to study art and psychology.

Friday Portrait, June 13

Today’s sitter was Pat, one of the rare folks who managed to smile almost the entire time.

Friday Portrait, June 6

Today’s sitter was Mary Alice, who usually is one of my fellow artists, and is very much a beacon of delight. If I recall, she is 92; if so, she’s a testament to how good a long life can be. Usually, she has a constant smile, but she was worried about being able to hold the expression for so long; she was very concerned that it looked like she was frowning.

Friday Portrait, May 30

Today’s sitter was Greg, who was kind enough to wear his regalia for us this morning. The ladies in my group were in full swoon. He was very patient and had a great sense of humor. As usual, I tried to catch him smiling; I’m not sure if I succeeded, but he has a great grin.

Friday Portrait, May 16

Today’s sitter was the delightful Dorothy. She works at the Center, and was willing to fill in as our model when the scheduled person didn’t show. In addition to holding a big grin most of the time, during one of the breaks she brought out pictures of herself in full belly dancing garb, and did an impromptu demonstration of her moves.

I can only hope to be that awesome if I reach her age.

(sketches, etc. below the fold)

Friday Portrait, May 9

(click any image for larger view)

Today’s sitter was the lovely Helene, who managed to keep a smile on her face the entire time – a rare talent. Sadly, I once again forgot my regular camera, and the phone cam just didn’t do her justice.

(For this image, the larger version is life-sized)

I may have been subconsciously making up for lost time today, as I managed to do three drawings instead of the usual two, with time to spare.

The above was loosely done in one sitting, so there’s no progress to share.

I admit I was a bit worried at this point, but I’ve finally figured out that the answer is usually more pastels.

and finally,

The hair could be better defined, but I think her face looks fairly good, up close anyway.

-o.o-

Friday Portrait, April 11

I didn’t catch her name today, but she had an expression and a way of holding herself that reminded me very much of my grandmother

Friday Portrait, March 28

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Today’s sitter was Forrest; if he looks familiar, it’s because he sat for us this past summer. I dare say I’ve done a better job with him today.

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Friday Portrait, March 14

Sorry in advance for the picture quality; I forgot my camera this morning, so was stuck with Crapcam (now with added crap! – the lens is cracked). The final pictures are sharp, though. Today’s sitter was Sara, who had gorgeous long red hair.

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