tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-342247532024-03-04T22:23:02.353-08:00Drawing BoardDDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-38890131914249152212010-08-29T22:12:00.000-07:002010-09-30T15:57:29.775-07:00Darla Dixon Art and Words Blog<span style="font-weight: bold;">I have moved my blog over to </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://darla-dixon-artist.blogspot.com/">http://darla-dixon-artist.blogspot.com</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> - It's one blog with pretty much all my stuff in it - from art to writing. Having a good time over there, hope you'll stop by :)</span>DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-75680807332050111342010-05-27T08:45:00.000-07:002010-05-27T08:53:32.388-07:00Summer art assignmentsMy daughter is taking Advanced Placement Art classes next year. So her instructor has given her a list of AP Drawing Art Summer Assignments. I thought they looked pretty good. Excellent if you want to work on something to help stay out of an art rut. Helps one branch out a bit, if you know what I mean.<br />-----<br />Complete 10 assignments over the summer. For each work, make a drawing that is at least 9"x12" and uses the entire page.<br /><ul><li>Make a still life with a good variety of objects that have different textures, sizes, and shapes. Set up the objects so you have an interesting and visually pleasing arrangement. Set up a cloth in the background. Use the whole page, drawing a still life that focuses on value, texture and form. Make the objects look three dimensional through accurate shading. Show the different textures and surfaces of the objects.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Look at the animal images of Durer. Draw an animal with equal attention to detail, using pen.</li></ul><ul><li>Draw 100 things on one page.</li></ul><ul><li>Look straight down at your feet. Fill a page with what you see. </li></ul><ul><li>In oil pastel, draw a jacket that is draped over a piece of furniture. Draw both with careful shading and contour line.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Make a drawing of an unusual interior that contains a good number of interesting objects. Look inside a cabinet, a closet, a drawer, a wardrobe, or in a box of things.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Take a photo of yourself showing extreme emotion. Make a drawing in the style of Van Gogh based on the photo. Use expressive colors.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Look at the collage and paint works of Benny Andrews. Make a collage, mixed media work in his style that shows people you know engaged in everyday activities.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Make a drawing of a tree.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Make a detailed self portrait from life in the style of Rembrandt.</li></ul>DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-16599015509593471022010-05-25T20:52:00.000-07:002010-05-25T20:58:16.627-07:00Busy times, great timesI will be finishing up the portrait of Alexander Hamilton - someday. I've just been so busy that I don't have time for art projects that are "just for fun." Working on portrait commissions and have a big charity <a href="http://darligraphy.blogspot.com/2010/05/art-auction-to-raise-funds-for-local.html"><u>live art event and auction</u></a> on June 5th that I'm getting ready for. The kids are all out of school after tomorrow. I am taking Tae Kwon Do classes. Having a great time, enjoying life...so everything's good, just really busy. Thanks for hanging in there and supporting my art!DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-4359391059775727232009-12-31T07:51:00.000-08:002009-12-31T07:56:18.868-08:00Pencil drawing of Alexander Hamilton<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rRVdXli1dt_vmCe_QG1vYXuGTByx5aasjCRnNReTJi3grDntPZdZw-RcVKjH1fhi1Uc5uEzy6stcbL4koUFII_BABej16-BLGjL4yRoOBPN730DP5hL77DTck3dNnTMQO3kWBw/s1600-h/hamiltoninprogress.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7rRVdXli1dt_vmCe_QG1vYXuGTByx5aasjCRnNReTJi3grDntPZdZw-RcVKjH1fhi1Uc5uEzy6stcbL4koUFII_BABej16-BLGjL4yRoOBPN730DP5hL77DTck3dNnTMQO3kWBw/s320/hamiltoninprogress.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421428743272862194" border="0" /></a>I had a lot of fun working on this pencil drawing of Alexander Hamilton last night. Just drawing him for the fun of it. I saw an episode of American Experience on PBS about Hamilton, and found him to be a fascinating character. This is on 11x14 paper. I still need to work a bit more on his face, and do a lot more in his hair and coat/cravat. The background is being done by crosshatching. I threw in a bit of CretaColor charcoal in this one too.<br /><br /><blockquote>From Wikipedia: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Alexander Hamilton</span> (January 11, 1757 – July 12, 1804) was the first United States Secretary of the Treasury, a Founding Father, economist, and political philosopher. The chief of staff to General George Washington during the American Revolution, he was a leader of nationalist forces calling for a new Constitution; he was one of America's first lawyers, and wrote half of the Federalist Papers, a primary source for Constitutional interpretation. He was more influential than the other three members of Washington's Cabinet, and the financial expert; the Federalist Party formed to support his policies.</blockquote>DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-84353241257153401482009-11-27T05:39:00.000-08:002009-11-27T05:40:07.515-08:00Blick art supply low shipping fee and sale<a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2219297-10285593">Blick Art Supplies</a> is having a sale with sliding discounts, based on what you buy.<br />However, they also have $4.95 shipping with no minimum purchase for that low shipping price.<br />The reduced shipping fee expires at Midnight. I know I will be taking advantage of this! I love Blick art supply.<br /><center><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-2219297-10285593" target="_top"><img src="http://www.ftjcfx.com/image-2219297-10285593" alt="www.DickBlick.com - Online Art Supplies" width="120" border="0" height="60" /></a></center>DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-29719297398840049692009-11-15T09:32:00.000-08:002009-11-15T09:36:27.687-08:00New blog postsI've been posting more to my main blog lately because I just had it re-designed and I need to make that worthwhile! ;-) Some new posts on my main blog:<br /><br /><a href="http://darligraphy.blogspot.com/2009/11/portrait-art-show.html"><u>Portrait Art Show</u></a><br />I went to The Portrait Society of Atlanta's juried portrait show (includes photos)<br /><br /><a href="http://darligraphy.blogspot.com/2009/11/portrait-home-house-painting-potriat.html"><u>Portraits of buildings as gifts</u></a><br />The story of how I was hired by a business to draw my biggest artwork ever.<br /><a href="http://darligraphy.blogspot.com/2009/11/house-portrait-in-pencil.html"><br /><u>House portrait in pencil</u></a><br />A house portrait commission I recently completed.DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-63295779028011372672009-10-13T09:09:00.000-07:002009-10-13T09:11:00.481-07:00Dog pencil portraitHere's a dog portrait of a mixed-breed dog. My client said she was told that Chester was a Labrador/Dalmatian mix. I think I see some Great Dane in him, though - especially in his snout area. But whatever he is, he's a gorgeous dog, and I really enjoyed drawing him. I used 2B and...<a href="http://darligraphy.blogspot.com/2009/10/pencil-portrait-of-dog-pet.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>Read more</u>>>></span></a>DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-3474705982486606752009-09-17T08:08:00.001-07:002009-09-17T08:08:58.327-07:00Hunting dog classic portrait<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZzFoU0N0m6xf1ul27Ps0Uj6cXs3aSCZYxddkxParUTj-6YszdQrKi8w2PBm4OeyI7kp2fjavMG5tPqL39Ulz7XcI1lP3UvWyoHnanNy4YSns7AfjaFvYmDLXwa4FtHcF0UqyqQ/s1600-h/dogcoloredpencil.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZzFoU0N0m6xf1ul27Ps0Uj6cXs3aSCZYxddkxParUTj-6YszdQrKi8w2PBm4OeyI7kp2fjavMG5tPqL39Ulz7XcI1lP3UvWyoHnanNy4YSns7AfjaFvYmDLXwa4FtHcF0UqyqQ/s320/dogcoloredpencil.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382453463602187058" border="0" /></a>My client sent me a photo of her husband's hunting dog sitting in their backyard with a fence behind him. I 'moved' the dog from that scene into a classic hunting scene at the client's request. The dog is her husband's hunting companion, and this outdoor scene suited him perfectly. The dog was drawn in graphite pencil, the background was done in pastel chalks, and the grasses were done in pastel chalks and Lyra colored pencils. My client was completely thrilled.DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-68872782648553651052009-09-08T10:03:00.001-07:002009-09-08T10:04:02.395-07:00Portrait of a young woman<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbCs5auEso45u-A6NDWNJ94d0pN6_WGayn6hcCJREfCFojuEP5tg14280d06gtQbTPUC2E4PBVb99zpXu8_ynphwRl8_NocfR2WjjROskNEJ3QtW1wGc7UTtTUNIYtnyHvPFl6g/s1600-h/youngladyonboard.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbCs5auEso45u-A6NDWNJ94d0pN6_WGayn6hcCJREfCFojuEP5tg14280d06gtQbTPUC2E4PBVb99zpXu8_ynphwRl8_NocfR2WjjROskNEJ3QtW1wGc7UTtTUNIYtnyHvPFl6g/s320/youngladyonboard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379143379887907186" border="0" /></a>A gift from boyfriend to girlfriend, here is the portrait on the drawing board.DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-37747304005659164692009-09-08T09:55:00.001-07:002009-09-08T09:57:45.274-07:00Little boy retro pencil portrait<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPHc-65rJZe6nm7JOybg_WPEAlFWT7kHNDyLTQ5yggl10pN0dc8XLG6-r4pItpRlVM9EzGp8CJO1enJhMOW1brwD6VSFmH6Tg62uUxsft3s53lzY8nufbR65xGAD8FLjXhLBu1g/s1600-h/littleboyretro.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPHc-65rJZe6nm7JOybg_WPEAlFWT7kHNDyLTQ5yggl10pN0dc8XLG6-r4pItpRlVM9EzGp8CJO1enJhMOW1brwD6VSFmH6Tg62uUxsft3s53lzY8nufbR65xGAD8FLjXhLBu1g/s320/littleboyretro.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379141798454502994" border="0" /></a><br />Kind of a retro portrait, because this was done from a photo from the 1960's for a client, to be similar to the one my client's wife has had since she was a child. Now they have a portrait of each of them for each end of the mantle!DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-54861714781973574452009-09-04T08:46:00.000-07:002009-09-04T08:48:11.439-07:00Pencil portrait of Richard L. Taylor of Leonard TX<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpGl8lp2HlIXMbU9iMfymPwOI5D9EsE5wn_SzBByBbpI0fCRR8QmIpnKHY7EICP36RHhJ6srwfIlDI0gtaGIWUMGairK-hp00A2PvCIyun3EsW39Zt8kJHUA-HnukJ297cjPKrQ/s1600-h/RL.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpGl8lp2HlIXMbU9iMfymPwOI5D9EsE5wn_SzBByBbpI0fCRR8QmIpnKHY7EICP36RHhJ6srwfIlDI0gtaGIWUMGairK-hp00A2PvCIyun3EsW39Zt8kJHUA-HnukJ297cjPKrQ/s400/RL.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377639459993768530" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" >This is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Memorial Portrait</span> I did of my <span style="font-weight: bold;">Uncle, Richard Lafayette Taylor</span>, of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard%2C_Texas"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Leonard Texas</span></a>. I did this one in pencil on bristol paper for my Aunt Ruth.<br /><br />Uncle 'R.L.' was a licensed funeral director for 40 years. His total number of funerals directed is unknown, although it's estimated that it was well over 2,000. He performed funerals for people in up to 8 nearby counties.<br /><br />I have a newspaper article about my uncle dated 2002, after his death. The article mentions many times about how Uncle RL would show his compassion and love for people...not seen in facial expression, but by his actions, and that there were many kind things that he did that were unknown.<br /><br />My uncle lived in Texas and I lived in Michigan while growing up, so I'd only see him every two years or so, but he was a special uncle to me and made a big impression. I remember once when I was about 12, he let me come in while he prepared the body of a deceased elderly lady. He took great care and his professionalism was evident. This was at the stage where makeup is applied and the final touches of jewelry, etc are added. His goal was to prepare her to be in a lifelike pose, to cover the bruising she had from the IV tubes with a lace handkerchief, to spare her family from seeing her that way. The goal was compassion and service to the family of the person. It was not a horrible experience for me - if anything, it made me <span style="font-style: italic;">less </span>afraid of death.</span>DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-28932579731902980662009-02-13T07:34:00.000-08:002009-02-13T09:29:30.395-08:00Today's pencil portrait from photo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HRLPHwgR_D1Y9jc_cnoaqAEQdAkMm7BKB6T7zuV-iMe-iacn1yHr0Vig43n9nmTr_VhIIg2dSXzoAbeFOJdK2FYlQOjkGBI1ure2WGY_4cqZ9bEs7tWVcJM9rdy5vQgbJM2WDw/s1600-h/khalid-13feb2009+003+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HRLPHwgR_D1Y9jc_cnoaqAEQdAkMm7BKB6T7zuV-iMe-iacn1yHr0Vig43n9nmTr_VhIIg2dSXzoAbeFOJdK2FYlQOjkGBI1ure2WGY_4cqZ9bEs7tWVcJM9rdy5vQgbJM2WDw/s320/khalid-13feb2009+003+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302335383772760738" border="0" /></a><br />This is the portrait I'm working on today -- not for much longer, though, because my 3 year old son is sick so didn't go to preschool today. He's napping now, that's the only reason I've gotten anything done.<br /><br />This portrait will be going to the United Arab Emirates, so she has a long trip in front of her!<br />I just love her classical features, just really lovely to draw.<br /><br />I left off the purse strap and repositioned her necklace.<br /><br />I still have some detailing work to do, and more highlights to bring out, then I think I will be done.DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-78962497048747526222009-01-29T08:12:00.000-08:002009-01-29T08:17:38.895-08:00Dachshund PortraitThis first picture is a Dachshund portrait in the blending stage. I'm sorry, I forgot to get a picture of the basic sketch. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3ddjRmV9LA1eSwqkwVzUj9vEO_Mz8e2zjku78o2TaDmHzDotFVb9M_7c0Lbi_sO5ho2u2H5kOvAYdjOW2CyRzHfznvLyCR3pM8igDnM0m35vlspABPm0pGHm7833RD7OuuX0KQ/s1600-h/rogers-rusty-sketch+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3ddjRmV9LA1eSwqkwVzUj9vEO_Mz8e2zjku78o2TaDmHzDotFVb9M_7c0Lbi_sO5ho2u2H5kOvAYdjOW2CyRzHfznvLyCR3pM8igDnM0m35vlspABPm0pGHm7833RD7OuuX0KQ/s320/rogers-rusty-sketch+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296749334690131666" border="0" /></a>This is the point where I start blending with tissues<br />after I've laid down most of the dark areas.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhpprobVQoIQcDlQ1znKX3q6FvypMLUVGFSsIc7yBSu61MqXu1qUB5C0U4G_NbQKDdi5Z8kEedVeJ5MJ2pI2rvZBdKtP4oeffgwinGFAugjcQ2Lu7mbs8PFmHr3bhYnBLzzcTJQ/s1600-h/rogers-rusty-29Jan09prev.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdhpprobVQoIQcDlQ1znKX3q6FvypMLUVGFSsIc7yBSu61MqXu1qUB5C0U4G_NbQKDdi5Z8kEedVeJ5MJ2pI2rvZBdKtP4oeffgwinGFAugjcQ2Lu7mbs8PFmHr3bhYnBLzzcTJQ/s320/rogers-rusty-29Jan09prev.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296749613277713090" border="0" /></a>Here is the finished portrait. This is a digital photo, so you can't see a lot of the details, but there is more background than appears here. I blended graphite softly into the background so it has sort of a suede look. The personalization of Rusty's name also has more details you can't see here - I gave the lettering a soft shadow. I chose this style of lettering just because it seemed to fit him!DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-51832817099314652012009-01-27T11:53:00.000-08:002009-01-29T09:01:37.443-08:00Graphite Pencil Portrait of Client's Girlfriend<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgi4XIDmq6dX6gygjftxbRB9dVIhQbjd6K_JXEIv2yd08TKYcRtdcV0bGnN5_ccLkNMI9OIdgJzCFD-uMCkc8vhcnPDLt7CGfTTCyewy2ALHrrQMGom2flsOaoqSRUVL5mn6CTw/s1600-h/weapondocPREVIEW.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgi4XIDmq6dX6gygjftxbRB9dVIhQbjd6K_JXEIv2yd08TKYcRtdcV0bGnN5_ccLkNMI9OIdgJzCFD-uMCkc8vhcnPDLt7CGfTTCyewy2ALHrrQMGom2flsOaoqSRUVL5mn6CTw/s320/weapondocPREVIEW.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296761681037747922" border="0" /></a>Here is the final portrait<br /></div><br /><br /><br />In the sketch stage:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwBR8k38k_ME407FR3ESN67kM8UOXmtNPlNjk-N-qmgMwps03YtnHQxWEydOTeG_8-Z6l_D7Vi2TfEiGKmIO13BQPmXAEL9qC6RAW0YTpGMt-4fXiWm7ViOcu0OA8oL6_dfl1HA/s1600-h/darren-sketch.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwBR8k38k_ME407FR3ESN67kM8UOXmtNPlNjk-N-qmgMwps03YtnHQxWEydOTeG_8-Z6l_D7Vi2TfEiGKmIO13BQPmXAEL9qC6RAW0YTpGMt-4fXiWm7ViOcu0OA8oL6_dfl1HA/s320/darren-sketch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296064301972677346" border="0" /></a>This is a commissioned drawing which will be a gift from the boyfriend to the girlfriend in the portrait.<br /><br />The basic sketch on 14"x17" Strathmore Smooth Bristol paper on my drawing board. I have a drafting table, but I really like these drawing boards - they're like the regular clipboards you're probably familiar with, but these are really large.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSi74C8MBMqdoRyjYOyX1YCFguV2dUVyJBor0Xw7_k4Dufayk3QKT5e8C__aFsxvH6Nh2QT9wtvSf6LjQ8qIXx6fXm0Z9FfYV2_eUCgb4Ufqc5ZlR7m3TE9f0gT2XcrOyBA9cJ9A/s1600-h/darren-weapondac-almostdonel+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSi74C8MBMqdoRyjYOyX1YCFguV2dUVyJBor0Xw7_k4Dufayk3QKT5e8C__aFsxvH6Nh2QT9wtvSf6LjQ8qIXx6fXm0Z9FfYV2_eUCgb4Ufqc5ZlR7m3TE9f0gT2XcrOyBA9cJ9A/s320/darren-weapondac-almostdonel+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296064491622264226" border="0" /></a>I was 99.7% done at this point - just needed to bring out more of the light areas. I also needed to adjust the eye on the left (her right eye).<br /><br />I chose to not strongly define the stripes on the lady's top - the color of the edge of the shirt's opening was much darker - but I felt that if I made that tone too dark, it would become a distraction from the lady's face and beautiful eyes.DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-75309022859039422652009-01-19T11:25:00.000-08:002009-01-19T11:32:05.770-08:00Joshua W. Harris<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYaMms07ndUXIM8_X1xxin7QwxrG1U6gjgHWS0Da_Eci5yYOR1GqZ9tA7kAnKYOqa5AFzOzYl1y9T-uL0ZvuGmpymw6FO230qJavEC9vxAk2L6EO_lN_W-NNYxB92AmhB0wS6qA/s1600-h/harris_joshua.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 338px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnYaMms07ndUXIM8_X1xxin7QwxrG1U6gjgHWS0Da_Eci5yYOR1GqZ9tA7kAnKYOqa5AFzOzYl1y9T-uL0ZvuGmpymw6FO230qJavEC9vxAk2L6EO_lN_W-NNYxB92AmhB0wS6qA/s400/harris_joshua.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293088660799502946" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Memorial Portrait of Army Sgt </span><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" href="http://www.militarycity.com/valor/3738854.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><u>Joshua W. Harris</u></span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >Age 21, of Romeoville, Ill.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion 122nd Field Artillery, Illinois Army National Guard, Robbins, Ill.; died Sept. 17 in Gerdia Seria, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Also killed was 1st Lt. Mohsin A. Naqvi, Capt. Bruce E. Hays and Staff Sgt. Jason A. Vazquez.</span><br /></div></div>DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-39735456864744897572008-12-28T07:44:00.000-08:002008-12-28T07:50:36.022-08:00Pencil Portrait of a House<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi81b8OxbMhd8isIwK0ZRFyMuypp0SmH4M-RxHSGj2YGZMdF1fqcuqQ9DEDBr1cXwjOLqH6JuIAy38u8Ka7xXPABgBsxjI0vJB1tKEbLLBwBZSLCncmbdFA8aabhFLctI00NsYg/s1600-h/MINK_20Feb2008ArtPreviewLG.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 245px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJi81b8OxbMhd8isIwK0ZRFyMuypp0SmH4M-RxHSGj2YGZMdF1fqcuqQ9DEDBr1cXwjOLqH6JuIAy38u8Ka7xXPABgBsxjI0vJB1tKEbLLBwBZSLCncmbdFA8aabhFLctI00NsYg/s320/MINK_20Feb2008ArtPreviewLG.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284867923232970706" border="0" /></a>This is a house portrait done as a commission for a real estate agent. The agent gives the pencil portraits as closing gifts, and they get a great response! <a href="http://www.pencil-portrait-drawing-artist.com/drawing_house_portrait_home_building.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">More Information on House Portraits</span></a>DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-79192375832289590272008-12-28T07:41:00.000-08:002008-12-28T07:42:51.038-08:00Beautiful Blond Girl Pencil Portrait<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliaa1jV80uhrd9gJLKhRxemRJdtAcNV8eTFztAtUkeJAAim0VRbzkv1qBMcwGHNilj4NQx7ezWfpWUgEAoJZ2k6CaKqUSvL4B955Z5nagur8qhGLPwKG5ieak3UWF19gyS8mIhA/s1600-h/Kilgore2_9uly2008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliaa1jV80uhrd9gJLKhRxemRJdtAcNV8eTFztAtUkeJAAim0VRbzkv1qBMcwGHNilj4NQx7ezWfpWUgEAoJZ2k6CaKqUSvL4B955Z5nagur8qhGLPwKG5ieak3UWF19gyS8mIhA/s320/Kilgore2_9uly2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284866674311793010" border="0" /></a>I did this commissioned pencil portrait in July of 2008. Drawing someone with blond hair on white paper can be a challenge. I love how this came out and I think it's one of my all-time favorite pencil portraits.DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-17425042815723328722008-12-28T07:38:00.000-08:002008-12-28T07:43:58.348-08:00Pencil Portrait of Susan's Son<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzJNC2H6Tti42FnWgfxq3rB2vrRli3u2XuHOTmQvxp51KBbU9qlzqecz_V8rF73ZsvyDzGYb8UcLFE1Y8O1eKoyalIzFzz-fIrEnPQV20K92IBxeBAW7ZToCdFmv9PdYU1YYknQ/s1600-h/heim_a_2Oct2008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzJNC2H6Tti42FnWgfxq3rB2vrRli3u2XuHOTmQvxp51KBbU9qlzqecz_V8rF73ZsvyDzGYb8UcLFE1Y8O1eKoyalIzFzz-fIrEnPQV20K92IBxeBAW7ZToCdFmv9PdYU1YYknQ/s320/heim_a_2Oct2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284865900509962258" border="0" /></a>The best part of this little boy's portrait was getting his expression right. He has such a spark, that was a very important part of getting a good likeness of him. Commissioned pencil portrait, drawn on 11x14 Strathmore Smooth Bristol paper.DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-38220330312972495622008-12-28T07:24:00.000-08:002008-12-28T07:33:40.622-08:00Portrait of Grandfather & Grandchildren<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmUoL_FoLJ5IoURnxrkj2sbp7w6ZBs3akzAUUrPiGNEarNfvGQPpo0gEhgsL4AMlc-ExuCnk0Vil-YzAE8B9H4HNKOvtX0FF4VbjDNb8EIs8JzOaUb_dyHHEeApMHrtQsJTRAAQ/s1600-h/e_west11Nov2008Preview.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmUoL_FoLJ5IoURnxrkj2sbp7w6ZBs3akzAUUrPiGNEarNfvGQPpo0gEhgsL4AMlc-ExuCnk0Vil-YzAE8B9H4HNKOvtX0FF4VbjDNb8EIs8JzOaUb_dyHHEeApMHrtQsJTRAAQ/s320/e_west11Nov2008Preview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284863365757481170" border="0" /></a>This portrait was done using 3 separate photos as art references. This is a portrait of a grandfather with his grandchildren, however, the grandfather passed away before either of the children were born. I usually don't like to put 3 subjects on one piece of 11"x14" paper, but this worked out well because of the layout. I did this portrait in November, 2008.<br /><br />This is a digital photo of a portrait literally on my drawing board. You can see a bit of my board on the right of the photo!DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-89773797365647824842008-12-26T19:37:00.001-08:002008-12-26T19:41:36.446-08:00Couple Pencil Portrait<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yrDLqpYFFQQHrV0aTtHgn0fOXMHKauiMjXjH9IKNPnTM3WmCwEITNpFE4sIF9oOObcWyhqRcSZF9fj7VtdJB4SI8WImFMyKG9T6vBOaNhKhdB5ecpDqjCPsIyNdLIFCkNZm3aQ/s1600-h/couple-pencil-portrait-valentines.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yrDLqpYFFQQHrV0aTtHgn0fOXMHKauiMjXjH9IKNPnTM3WmCwEITNpFE4sIF9oOObcWyhqRcSZF9fj7VtdJB4SI8WImFMyKG9T6vBOaNhKhdB5ecpDqjCPsIyNdLIFCkNZm3aQ/s320/couple-pencil-portrait-valentines.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284309098449337698" border="0" /></a>This is a pencil portrait that I did around the end of September 2008. A very good looking couple, don't you think? A pencil portrait like this makes a really nice engagement gift, wedding gift, or Valentine's gift. I've had clients who used the pencil portrait as a way to propose.DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-86852930568279070312008-12-26T19:33:00.000-08:002008-12-26T19:41:56.562-08:00Pencil Portrait of a Young Boy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhaPPXHMgxWNVfmGhJrLrkfjISSYhe3tpuu2bPhwY-VhAuNFhMvMzSiB-Z6m5MOaxxyqszQPc0y9-M8JNeoZQJ0XSiCvseJL3vnp53GRwvNJ2P0dekCyq9PGpov6TXpaDv-saaA/s1600-h/boy-pencil-drawing-di.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhaPPXHMgxWNVfmGhJrLrkfjISSYhe3tpuu2bPhwY-VhAuNFhMvMzSiB-Z6m5MOaxxyqszQPc0y9-M8JNeoZQJ0XSiCvseJL3vnp53GRwvNJ2P0dekCyq9PGpov6TXpaDv-saaA/s320/boy-pencil-drawing-di.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284308095317830610" border="0" /></a>This is the portrait that started off the Christmas drawing season, for lack of a better name for the rush that starts in the fall! This little boy had a delightful expression and he was really fun to draw.<br /><br /><a href="http://pencil-portrait-drawing-artist.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pencil portraits drawn from photos</span></a>DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-32802507597394436732008-12-26T19:23:00.000-08:002008-12-26T19:42:18.637-08:00Pencil Portrait of Two Brothers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzzTH0Mn50lB8t_3DxrqRrx9z1Bo2CVxLEkBokKBlEgQbtoU321Ku83S7T93s1OgqcIVrUO3GJB5clU1h1EYpzt8DMgRfLGSMmpGU4pI-b87pYI5YFccAEOEXgk8IjgIpiBzKsQ/s1600-h/brothers-pencil-portrait.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzzTH0Mn50lB8t_3DxrqRrx9z1Bo2CVxLEkBokKBlEgQbtoU321Ku83S7T93s1OgqcIVrUO3GJB5clU1h1EYpzt8DMgRfLGSMmpGU4pI-b87pYI5YFccAEOEXgk8IjgIpiBzKsQ/s320/brothers-pencil-portrait.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284305372800471410" border="0" /></a>A pencil portrait of two brothers. This was drawn on 11x14 Smooth Bristol paper from Strathmore. This was a commissioned portrait from husband to wife for Christmas.DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-39074387953891315932008-12-26T13:27:00.000-08:002008-12-26T19:42:32.980-08:00Pencil Portrait of a Little Cowboy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPpBc2-s3ndSSYrzuXPbj7TlmrNCrltdG3lzyEAzpm4Lmt1d4KQ_XTQqcD3vUm2QSm_PuPq828uqfH_kalJyOg4VPGf8G6Ig83_iwWP8ILjj3_GavpR78fcoYO7xx9bLcqhnoIg/s1600-h/wessel_9dec2008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPpBc2-s3ndSSYrzuXPbj7TlmrNCrltdG3lzyEAzpm4Lmt1d4KQ_XTQqcD3vUm2QSm_PuPq828uqfH_kalJyOg4VPGf8G6Ig83_iwWP8ILjj3_GavpR78fcoYO7xx9bLcqhnoIg/s320/wessel_9dec2008.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284213667101260322" border="0" /></a>Pencil portrait of a little boy in bandanna and cowboy hat. I had to take a little creative license with the bandanna, so it would look more "picturesque." I also brought out some details in the hat that were not as visible in the reference photo to give the portrait extra character.DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-8034114867092797242008-12-26T13:26:00.001-08:002008-12-26T19:42:44.887-08:00Dog Memorial Pencil Portrait<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLFVdqwNJhRmLN60GRLcqDMw7C4dqKEZ6j7GoAxWfTWN4vnMg3KA2Luy9CojllnQ_h3-eh1McMhHJuEmGiYfyZpla6I_spw_hSCqmhWGeT0h-hOxXqiTUo0aa4-MfVia2yDWeWg/s1600-h/synborski_dog_lg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLFVdqwNJhRmLN60GRLcqDMw7C4dqKEZ6j7GoAxWfTWN4vnMg3KA2Luy9CojllnQ_h3-eh1McMhHJuEmGiYfyZpla6I_spw_hSCqmhWGeT0h-hOxXqiTUo0aa4-MfVia2yDWeWg/s320/synborski_dog_lg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284213321826420018" border="0" /></a><br />Pencil portrait of Rusty, a beloved dog. Drawn on 11x14 Strathmore Smooth Bristol paper.DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34224753.post-83506584473279322042008-12-26T13:24:00.000-08:002008-12-26T19:43:03.248-08:00Pencil Portrait Little Boy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUsvBw15z5kqtBAY7QzCQNY1d3_rF-B4bHUdaL1nRNDsthuZlruVyJnErDW3QGwcEFGVkhOTLlRP1SvC66ZPF0WWSg8FOGHM7aKrfScQWeRyFjiS0DVScMWfRg557iUU1DYI9Sg/s1600-h/steinbeiss_simon_11Dec08.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUsvBw15z5kqtBAY7QzCQNY1d3_rF-B4bHUdaL1nRNDsthuZlruVyJnErDW3QGwcEFGVkhOTLlRP1SvC66ZPF0WWSg8FOGHM7aKrfScQWeRyFjiS0DVScMWfRg557iUU1DYI9Sg/s320/steinbeiss_simon_11Dec08.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284212859675796626" border="0" /></a>A less serious version of the little boy portrait previously posted! The little boy didn't have a shirt on in the reference photo so I drew a simple tee shirt on him.<br /><br /><a href="http://pencil-portrait-drawing-artist.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pencil portraits drawn from photos</span></a>DDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01061399352477972492noreply@blogger.com1