Finishing Ray

I decided to finish in pencil instead of charcoal.  Pencil is still the most comfortable medium for me.  One day I'll be able to wean myself from the eraser.

Liberty

I began sketching the first thing that caught my fancy...images, magazine pics and came up with a combo that looks like it just could turn into something.

Profile Study

 

I've been struggling with pastels lately and this one portrait has been a challenge, so for me, it was back to the drawing board so to speak.  I realized that I still need to work on proportions, because if these are off, then the drawing is all wrong.  I came across the Drawing Coach website which has been invaluable in helping me to master proportions.  Having gotten down the proportions and values, I finally feel like I've captured something of a likeness in the profile.   Whew!  Now onto color...

Cookin' up a storm

One of the best compliments I get from family is that I cook just like my grandmother.  The funny thing is, "soul food" is the style I'm least comfortable cooking--even though I love to eat it!  Just about all of my cooking expertise has come from the likes of Rachel Ray and Martha Stewart!  Not exactly my idea of "soul food" icons!  My hope is that whenever anyone says I get my finesse in the kitchen from my grandmother, they mean the passion for cooking and the love that's put into the meal.

This is what happens when your brain is on winter holiday

 

My brain is flabby and my concentration is shot...almost looking forward to getting back to the old routine...if for no other reason than the structure...it forces me to be disciplined. 

Just another face

Charcoal Portrait