Here's a work in progress image of my latest portrait of actress Jennifer Beals. This is 9 x 12 graphite on Strathmore Bristol Smooth paper. For pencils, I'm using Derwent Drawing pencils with 4H, 2H, H, B, and 2B leads. For blending of the skin tone, I'm using soft bathroom tissue paper and a blending stump. I also use a Hake Brush, which serves to not only wipe away any debris, but also it gives a nice soft blend/polished look; which I personally like in my work. The highlights in her hair was done but "drawing" each of the highlighted strands with a Tombow Mono Zero Eraser Pen and the highlights on her face was done by negatively drawing with a kneaded eraser.
So far, this is about 30 hours worth of work. I'll be working on her hair more not, giving it depth and body. I will also be making adjustments to the darker tones in her face once I start drawing in more hair to give more contrast to her face. More to come soon!
