Dear Bill

Thank you for your wise words once again.

The trouble is there is a very long way between chook scratch (my present ability) and a reasonable representation to when I could give the drawings out. When they are not realistic and the sitter wants to see your work knowing full well your inexperience, it is just a lot more embarrassing to show them the drawing after 30 minutes or more of slogging away at something that only ends up not much better than a chook scratch. I just want to hide the effort, any ideas for beginners?

I must say that when I imagine the time to come when I would be comfortable with the portrayal, I would clearly do the same as you have mentioned.

Everyone here has given valuable information that is most treasured, thank you all.