Walking the Dog

 This started out as a failed portrait when I just couldn't get the proportions right. After lots of rubbing out, I decided to ring the changes and paint a landscape instead, where you have a bit more leeway with regards to accuracy. I am quite pleased with the result.

Portrait Artist of the Week is back

 Sky Arts TV have started their Facebook live events on Sundays again (10 am - 2 pm, UK time). This Sunday, Inge du Plessis painted Melanie Blatt from All Saints. I loved Inge du Pessis paintings on the Sky Artist of the Year competition and enjoyed listening to the relaxed conversation she had with Melanie.

I joined the live stream from 12 am and decided on using pencils for speed. I drew from the still photograph and surprisingly, the portrait came together within half an hour, without me consciously measuring anything. As I was refining the drawing, I started to lose the likeness and spent the next hour trying to get it back. I used a rubber at the end for some highlights.

Unfortunately, we are entering another lockdown phase in the UK and wonder if it's going to be even harder than the first one. At least, Portrait Artist of the Week will provide a welcome distraction on a Sunday.