Another pencil portrait

[Eli]

I've run out of ideas about what to do in the art group. There's no teacher there and everyone does whatever they want, but sometimes (although I like the freedom of doing anything you want) I run out of ideas.

Anyway, since everyone in the group, and my next door neighbours, and my friends, and people on here too, all think the other portrait I drew is wonderful, I thought I'd do another.

I've got boxes of old family photos, and Beryl's family too, so I chose a nice one from them.
It's a picture of my maternal grandmother, and the reason I chose it is because she is smiling, whereas in most old photos the person is serious.

I've included the photo, and also my first attempts at drawing it ... and this afternoon in the group I want to redo the face because it's out of proportion.

I divided the paper into squares to help me follow the outline. I don't think that's cheating. It's like using a rubber to correct any mistakes, that isn't cheating either. It just helps the artist construct the picture.


I think the face is out of proportion because I drew it flat on a table, and I was looking at it at an angle, so this afternoon I'm going to use an easel so that I can see it properly.

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[mags]

Great start Eli.  Looking forward to this. 

[Eli]

Thanks Mags

I think this is a bit better but I still haven't got the smile quite right, but here it is for now 

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[SheilaB]

I could see why you weren't happy with the first attempt and this second drawing is so much closer to the photo. Isn't she a very smart, confident lady.

[LucyRose]

Such a beautiful confident lady Eli. The first was a good try, but this second one is much better and closer to how she looks. You are very good at portraiture Eli. 

[Eli]

Thank you Sheila and Lucy.
I put it on an easel so I could see it better. When I did it on a flat table it was receding away from me so I couldn't see it or draw it properly.