Stage One

In the first stage of this portrait, I begin by lightly penciling in the features of the face. Then I start with some light shadows, being careful not to shade too dark, in case I need to move some things around. During this stage I get a feel for whether or not the features are in the right place. I have to be sure they are where I want them before I start with the darker shading because once that is started, it is very difficult to move things around.

Stage Two

In this stage, I make some minor adjustments in the face. Then I work on deepening the shadows and begin to darken the outline of the baby's body and hair.

Stage Three

In this stage, I filled in the remaining areas that needed shadows. I also darkened the hair and deepened the shadows in the face. I am pleased with how this portrait is coming together. It is nearly finished.

Final Stage

The final stage of this, and any other, portrait is mostly shading. It is essential that the shadows are the correct value and positioned properly, so that the features will not appear distorted. Once that is done, I go over the entire drawing with a blending stump, making it appear smoother. The final stage of any portrait is usually the longest. Once I get to the point where I think I am finished, I set the drawing up in a place where I will be able to see it througout the day. It sits there for at least a couple of days. During this time I may make some minor adjustments. When I am satisfied with the portrait, I sign it and pronounce it finished.

Click here to see a portrait/photo comparison of this drawing.

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