Jimmie,

Can I ask, did you move to charcoal pencil on this one for the darkest darks, or did you only go to 8B in graphite?? I'm curious because I see no obvious transition. She's so beautiful, I love looking at this drawing. I can't wait to hear in the months to come that you are getting great commissions for your portraits. Have you started marketing yet? I still need more pieces for my portfolio, but you have built quite a portfolio in the past few months! I know you will just soar as soon as your work gets out there...

Bravo
 

Congratulations on your great progress. It's been very enjoyable watching your development. You are one very talented dude.

Marvin, thank you very much.

Pat, most of the darks in her hair was with a 9B, but only where I knew the deepest darks would be. After I lay the 9B, I go over it with a 4 or 2B to fill in gaps and remove some shine. It also helps with the transition to a lighter tone. It's the same procedure with the skin tones, if I'm working with a 2B, for example, I'll use a 5H to fill in. I've tried using charcoal before, and am very uncomfortable using it. I'll need to practice with it first before attempting a finished piece.

The drawings that I've been doing recently have all been for myself for gallery submission. I have'nt been marketing at all for commissions. I plan to later in the year, perhaps advertising in local papers, mainly children's publications. Tried it once before and was able to get two clients, so I'll eventually give it another shot. Thanks again.

Just a tip on marketing, Jimmy: if you're planning to advertise in children's publications you might want to create at least one sample portrait of a child for the ad. Most of what I've seen of your work is of young women from the tattoo shop, right?

I just remembered that I tried it twice. Once in a mag called the ParentsGuide, and the program for my daughter's dance recital. I received a client from each one. The ads contained a portrait of my daughter in pastel, but the ads were b/w. My business card has a pic of my daughter also in pastel. Before I try it again, I will do a drawing of my daughter to use, as I believe the drawing will look better than the previous ads which looked dark. Thanks.