Preparation

I am busy preparing for my portrait painting course at ECA Summer School. Only twelve weeks to go so I am attempting to get as much practice as possible before then working from life and photographs.  

Yesterday I did a quick five minute preparatory sketch working from this photograph.

Although fairly happy with the result, I was unable to get anything approaching a likeness.

 I did like working with only three colours of pastel (dark grey, pink and light orange) and also enjoyed the process of blocking in the dark areas first before working on the features.

I attempted a more in-depth study of the same photograph today although didn't find it quite as easy as yesterday. At one point I had over-worked the drawing so much I didn't think it was worth saving. However, I stuck with it and am pleased with the overall effect.  Still no startling resemblence (I have the head too long) so I need to work on getting the proportions right.