#merartwork

Hey again! It’s Mer: Artist, Designer, and all around creative.

This is pencil portrait number 2 from my portrait pencil study series. I am experimenting with different pencils and approaches to my portraits based on research I have done.I will post a link to the different videos I looked into for guidance on this drawing.

Now regarding this portrait, I wanted to take a different approach to drawing this portrait specifically, because The last portrait I did I used the grid method and I mentioned the rigid ness I felt while drawing.

So this time I looked into drawing realistic portraits sort of freehand. I think my search was: “how to draw a realistic face” or something like that on YouTube. I found tons of video tutorials and really what I was looking for was how to draw the proportions with the least amount of guides.

I found what I was looking for and started the process with the first video and I kept binging on other videos and took up they’re process through out the drawing. I also found a couple of resources on how to draw realistic black hair and used some of those techniques.

All and all I think I’m searching for a technique that allows flow of the hand without feeling restricted and I am sorta on my way of getting there; I guess?🙃 or until I do 100’s of portraits (like they make u do in fine art school) and draw so much that I won’t need to have guides and just do it free hand, but by the. I think I am going to want to dive into painting the portraits.

For this drawing of the lovely @miss_liz82 I used Bristol paper, Daler-Rowney graphite pencils, a smudged, q-tip and tissue paper for blending, graphic charcoal pencils.

One thing I forgot to mention since the reference had an overall bold dark, I tried using charcoal on top of the graphite and no I didnt achieve the richness I was looking for but I also believe Bristol paper isn’t the right paper for charcoal. I’m pretty satisfied and Miss Liz was very surprised and happy about the portrait.

My last post was about me struggling with the recent portrait I’m working on.

I think I might have chewed more than I could handle and at the same time I think it’s good it will push me to be a better artist and have stronger skills.

Well I don’t like to shy away from things that I’m passionate of so I did some research freshened up on some tutorials, talked to fellow artist that are more advanced and I’m happy to say that here is the progression

I made a few different sketches on the side and more loomis head studies for me to practice.

The YouTube videos I saw for help are

I am excited about this study because I’m sorta understanding the value of underpainting. It’s kinda of the opposite color of what the viewer sees. It’s a wash which means it’s very watered-down paint.

Cute Spooky Greeting Card Bundle 3x$10 designed by Me

Blank inside for you to write your own special message👻