Beginnings

I love this stage of a piece - when a face starts to appear from the page, eyes stare mesmerised and expression forms. I like to put the first layer down in coloured pencil to build the form and establish shadows. I've tried going straight to paints but it feels clumsy. This way I can slowly build up the layers, next will be acrylics watered down with glaze medium for translucency. It's like applying delicate make up.

I'm not sure yet what her background will be, but she'll tell me when she's ready.

I'm pleased with the proportions on this and there's a reason. I took my time! Usually I'm so excited at starting a new piece that I just dive on in, pulling out the colours and not taking a moment to step back and judge whether those eyes line up or the nose looks crooked. I'm starting to want to get the details right which is a shift - and probably a good one.

For Sunday Sketches. Pop along to Sophia's blog and join in, or just enjoy the eye candy. I'll post the finished version later in the week.