first of all, keep in mind that the piece is life-sized, and i am constantly reworking little areas. (i spent a lot more time back in the hands, for example) also, i'm lucky to get more than a few hours a week to work on it (and that's scattered throughout many late nights) and, well, on this particular portrait, i ran into some problems.
jude (the middle boy)'s face holds the most subtle, soft, sweet, mischeveous expression...and i had to redraw it multiple times. finally, after i had erased it completely yet again, i realized i had only one last chance to draw it and get it right because the charcoal just wasn't lifting anymore. i stayed away from the drawing for a few days just to clear my mind of it.
i then attacked it again about a week ago...and i got it!! at least, i got it pretty close. it was such a relief...if i had screwed up one more time it would have ruined the drawing. (WHEWW)
can't wait to work on it more this weekend :)
the preliminary sketch...
