Sketching on MLK Day

I began this sketch with a very detailed drawing first.  This is unusual, I usually just do an outline in pencil then move to the color pencil sketch.  I like the mad expression on the models face.  I think that the pencil sketch has a better expression than the color pencil sketch. 

Step 1.  The eye brows were important on this one, so I spent a lot of time in the early stages on them. 

Step 2. 

The necklace in the final color pencil sketch looks like metal links, but it began as a twine rope necklace. 

Sketching the Head

Final drawing.  I put the primary emphasis on the eyes, mouth, and hair details.  I tried to make the cheek shadow very sublte. 

Step 3.  The hair has three layers now.  I have begun to work on the jaw and neck shadows.  Shadows have been added under the nose and lower lip. 

Step 2.  This photo shows the hair with two layers.  The eye and mouth areas already have about five layers at this point.  I worked a lot on the jagged hair line.

Step 1.  I thought this was a nice profile.  I begin with the exterior contour line then add large shadow shapes.  Very little of the face has no shadow. 

Sketching Process

The sketch above is complete.  I worked to make the exterior contour lines less bold.  The figure fades to flat shadow on the bottom and in the arms.  The highest contrast is in the face.  I am very happy with the jaw and neck shadow.

Here is step one of the sketch: contour lines and first shadows.  The shadows are all one large shape at this point.  I worked on \the sketch starting light and proceeding to dark using layers of color pencil. 

The above is step two.  This shows about three layers of shadows. 

Here is the final sketch and the line drawing I use to work out the contour details. 

Figure Sketch Book

Happy Holidays to everyone!  I spent most of the day in my studio today working on my figure sketch book.  The above figure is based on a photo of Emma Watson, with some liberties taken.  I de-emphasized the exterior contour line some.  The mouth came out well, I think.  Ears are fascinating, so I spent a lot of time on them. 

The above drawing was a quick sketch.  The feet are large due to a little exaggeration in the perspective. 

I liked this pose due to the twist in the head and hands.  The neck appears long, but is in proportion. 

The above drawing may appear in an earlier post.  Here is a better photo.  I used less contrast than my usual approach in this sketch.  The only detail is in the face.  The "S" shape of the neck and torso is great!  The arms appear to have real weight, which I am pleased with.

The focus of this drawing was the hand.

This sketch has a nice twist to the torso and face as well.  I am very pleased with the collarbone, eyes, and mouth.  Also the cropping of the whole figure nice action to the pose.

Figure Sketch Book

 This is an unusual drawing because I used two colors.

 I tried to use less value contrast on this drawing.

 This is copied from another artist's drawing.

 Little shading or value, almost a cartoon.

The lips came out really well on this one.

Drawing 9 progess

I worked to make the shadow a smooth gradation towards the edge of the paper.  Also, I increased the contrast between the legs and the shadow by darkening the shadow area. 

Sketchbook Drawings

This pose was surprisingly difficult, so I stopped at the arms. 

The lips came out especially well on the above drawing.  I used brown color pencil for this one.  I usually draw with a red hue.