Brandi
 

Hi, this felt a little different than I'm used to, because of the way the drawing touches the bottom of the paper. I usually have the pic fade before it reaches, but I made a decision to 'frame' it, when letting it fade wasn't working for me.

It's 14.5" x 9.5" graphite with white charcoal highlights, on light gray Stonehenge paper. Any comments or critiques appreciated, thanks for looking.

Woo, woo, Jimmie! Beautiful bold portrait! I love the hair.

Jimmie,

I am so excited for you to see such progress!

Thank you both for the kind words. I also uploaded better pics on the original post.

I've been admiring your portrait drawings ever since I found this forum about a year ago. I love the classical feeling of your technique applied to the no-nonsense contemporary women you draw. It gives them a timeless feeling while not romanticizing them in the least. Wonderful work!

Laura

This is another intense one, Jimmie. Such eyes! And nobody draws hair quite like you do. I have long hair and I may have to hire you to draw me just so you can give me this "wild babe" look. (But no Playboy T-shirt.)

This may just be my bad monitor, but the groove along her nostril on the left side looks like a dark line to me.

Do you intend to use this as a portfolio piece to showcase your portraiture skills? If you are, then I'd take out or soften those bags under the eyes. If not, I'd leave them in.

Thank you Laura, the classical, but contemporary is what I'm trying to accomplish.

Weird you said that, because if we had the chance to meet in NYC, I would have taken my camera and asked for a pose. I reeeeaaaalllly like your self portrait on your site, and you look like someone I would ask. Unless you're ugly in person, then ignore the previous statement. :o jk.

The groove on her nose is due to the contrast setting in Photoshop. It is not that sharp in person. This is a personal piece which I'd like to sell, not use for promotion. Her bags are very noticeable, they are definitely part of her personality. Thanks.

Jimmie, I'll just supply you with a recent photo of myself. (I'm uglier in person, though.)

This is so good, Jimmie. All of it!! I like the way you managed the Playboy bunnt t-shirt, verrrrry classy handling. And I like the eyes a great deal. You really tell it like it is, but your portraits are always powerful and attractive.

ps Linda - you really made me laugh out loud!!!

Jimmie-

Yet another great character portrayal for your book. I'm glad you didn't fade this one - it actually gives the piece more atmosphere and mood by bringing the drawing to the edge of the paper. Nice use of light around the edges of the hair, as well.

That's a pretty good picture of Linda, but the type across the photo confuses me. I was sure I saw that photo on the Linda Brandon Shrine website!