Dani's Exercise Drawing Completed

Nothing like starting off the month by finishing up a drawing! I will let it rest for a couple of days and see what might need some rework. I might give the shirt some more definition mainly in the sleeve and waist area. (My son had his shirt tucked in well in the reference photo, which took away any chance of creasing.) We'll see. My eyes need a rest from this drawing for right now. I am not to happy on my time frame with completing this one. I did a lot of slacking off. Hopefully, the next composition will go faster!

This drawing completed is 8 1/2 x 8". I used a 2b mechanical pencil and enhanced the darks with a 9b. I pulled highlights with a kneaded eraser and a smaller sized click eraser. The belt kept its original details from the photo reference. I chose to alter this same belt in the other drawing of Dani. I thought that in that one it would be to much of a distraction. It seems to anchor this drawing well. The shirt is lighter, and like I mentioned earlier, I might put some more definition into it. The lighter fabric seems to brighten this composition and push the focal point forward. With regards to Dani, he got a little teasing to his hair and darkening of values. I felt he needed it in order to hold his own in this composition.

Now onward to thinking about the next composition. I have been challenged to do a self portrait. YIKES! Trust me I am in NO hurry on that one. My husband wants me to do a drawing of our cat (his little princess!) who happens to have black fur. YIKES, again! My brother in law would love a drawing of his cat (black and white fur...), but you can't get within 10 feet of that cat without him attacking and drawing blood. Time to break out the zoom lens! I do have an interesting pic of a squirrel that has strong possibilities. I'll have to look around and see what I can dig up. I might work on two studies at the same time. It would be interesting to see if I could make the jump back and forth...