Braids - charcoal portrait drawing of the model

The braids were a real challenge, but in the end, I was pleased.  I used vine charcoal on some really old Grumbacher drawing paper that I found in the back of the closet.  Grumbacher hasn't made drawing paper in years, so this paper is definitely vintage, but because it's acid-free, still wonderful to work on.  17 x 14".  Thanks for looking!

Her Suspicious Look - original oil pastel portrait drawing

The same shirt on this model as "Profile" from two posts ago, but with entirely different results.  I didn't know if her look was boredom or suspicion, so I went with suspicion.  This piece is oil pastel over acrylic paint on Strathmore acrylic paper, 12 x 12".  Thanks for visiting Hackberry Street Studio!

Drawing of a Young Woman - charcoal portrait drawing

 I didn't have my laptop for over a week and was just helpless when it came to posting my art - it's pretty pathetic when one is so dependent on a machine, but there it is.   This 8 x 6" drawing is one I really loved doing - I began it with a tiny charcoal piece held on its side and scribbled as quickly as I could.  And when the shapes were in, I worked on her features, using vine charcoal and a kneaded eraser on mixed media paper.  Thanks for stopping by!

Sketch of Heather - pastel pencil portrait drawing

One of my favorite poses - the model is looking over her shoulder, although it's a tough pose to hold.  Heather has the most beautiful coloring - always a pleasure to draw her.  I used my Caran d'Ache pastel pencils on 12 x 9" tinted pastel paper.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Sketch of the Model Cinda - original portrait sketch

I had plans to put in a vase of flowers in back of Cinda, but, alas, didn't have enough time.  Always the story.  Did this with Caran d'Ache pastel pencils.  They are heavenly!  Not too powdery and really good for drawing.  It's on Art Spectrum smooth, which is delightful to work with.  I love Art Spectrum's lightly toothed paper for oil pastels because it really grabs the oil pastels, but this smoother one is perfect for pastel pencils and doesn't grind down the points.  Thanks for stopping by!

On My Easel - oil pastel portrait drawing in progress

I have so many things that I'm working on and nothing is anywhere near being finished, so here's one of the works in progress.  Lots of stuff to do to reach a stopping point, but am thinking I'll leave the negative space as is.  It's about 14 x 12" on Colourfix paper.  Thanks for stopping by!

On My Easel - oil pastel portrait in progress

Wonderful model, but of course, now she's gone and I have to improvise.  On this one, I used 16 x 12" Art Spectrum Colourfix board💗 - so wonderful!  Will finish on the weekend - thanks for stopping by!

Easy Listening - original pastel pencil portrait drawing

I'M SO EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT 'EASY LISTENING' HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR INCLUSION IN THE BOOK 'STROKES OF GENIUS' 10!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                          After a long day - nothing like some 'easy listening' music - at least that's what I hear.  For me, though, it has to be something with a beat.  Right now I'm listening to salsa music, mixed with a little jive - of course, I had a really good day with no problems, so maybe I wouldn't want the zippy stuff if I were really tired.  This woman is being rejuvenated by the soothing music, which is perfect for both of us.  She is very still and, therefore, a good model.  She's happy - I'm happy.
This drawing is on 12 x 9" Colourfix paper - fresh grey color.  The problem with drawings that aren't "finished" is where do I stop?  I'm tempted to work on the chair, but won't because I think I've covered all the bases without doing that.  And if I do "finish" it and then decide I shouldn't have done it,  it's too late - can't be undone.  Same with her other leg.  Decisions, decisions.  Thanks for looking!

Morning - original graphite portrait drawing

I started this drawing from life, but as often happens, I eventually had to rely on a photograph, which isn't as good, but I was grateful for at least a little time with a model.  Not usually a fan of drawing with graphite, I loved doing this one with a set of General's woodless graphite pencils in HB, 2B, 4B and 6B - also comes with a sharpener - I just love kits!  This drawing is about 11 x 12" on Strathmore mixed media paper.  Thanks for stopping by!

iPhone sketch of Shayna - original black and white iPhone drawing

I love drawing with my finger on my 6 plus screen - talk about living dangerously when drawing!  It's a complete toss-up as to how it will turn out, but really satisfying for me.  If you haven't tried this, do it! Thanks so much for visiting Hackberry Street Studio!

Fixing Her Hair - original oil pastel portrait drawing

I always just love it when the model takes one of the fixing hair poses!  This one is done on Art Spectrum Colourfix - the original, which I adore, in the sand color.  Maybe not finished - I didn't have a whole lot of time because I kept dropping my crayon and/or it kept breaking.  But in the happiness department, it was a win-win.  It's 9 x 12" - thanks for stopping by!

Gina At The Bar - original graphite portrait drawing

I got busy with a graphite pencil, which I seldom do - I guess because charcoal is more forgiving - and drew from an old sketch on tan toned paper.  It's about 8 x 5 1/2".  The white accents are General's Primo white charcoal pencil.  Thanks for stopping by!

Joanie - original charcoal portrait drawing

I was going to do this in oil paint, but when I realized I just wouldn't have time, it was charcoal to the rescue.  Could probably do a painting from this drawing, but am happy with the charcoal version.  I used vine charcoal and General's Peel n Sketch (I think I've called it Peel n Draw before) on Strathmore 400 Mixed Media paper.  This paper is really versatile - it's 140 lb. and has just the right amount of tooth, although maybe not as easy to erase as I'd like.  But then I'm pretty hard on paper and work and work it 'til it's worn out, so really, there's no paper for me - I should probably work on my technique!
I kind of dreaded doing the hands, especially when there's not much time, but think they worked out okay.  This drawing is about 11 x 8".  I hope to be able to do a painting of Joanie - maybe we can have her as a model again soon.  One can hope.
Thanks for stopping by!

Doubting Sarah - original charcoal portrait drawing

She looked as if she didn't believe a word they were saying.  I could get busy and "finish" this piece, but I'm happy with it.  It captures her expression, which was one of amused doubt.  This drawing is about 8 x 6" on mixed media paper.  Thanks for looking!

Girl in Blue - original oil portrait drawing

I just loved doing this one - I think I've found a new love.  But of course, I seem to find one every time I try something new.  I used a bright blue acrylic paint for the panel, then drew on it with oil paint. There's just something so fulfilling about having a good art day and I am really grateful for that.  On 7 x 5" panel.  Thanks for looking!
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Portrait Mix - original mixed media portrait drawing

A pretty model and lots of different art supplies is endless fun.  First came the ink, then the Caran d'Ache wax crayon, then the watercolor sticks, next the colored pencil, and a little oil pastel on the tip of her nose.  It really looks pretty much like the model - at least I think so - and she liked it, so time well spent, even if the approach is a little unorthodox.   It's 5 1/2 x 5 1/2" on cold press watercolor paper.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Songbird - original charcoal portrait sketch

I finished this sketch in the allotted time - I think it was 15 minutes - I should have gotten much farther along, but oh well.  If I noodle with it now, it will be ruined, for sure.  The model did a little singing for us and she was really good.  I like knowing more about the models and am so happy when they tell us what they do in their daily lives.  Helps make more of a connection between artist and model.  This charcoal drawing is on Strathmore 12 x 9" pastel 403 paper.  Thanks for looking!

Charcoal Portrait of Doris - original charcoal portrait drawing

This drawing is about 7 x 6", using vine charcoal on mixed media paper.  Thanks for looking!

Winter - original oil pastel portrait

As a lover of line, I'm always trying to keep the drawing from being covered by the paint.  This is the method in my madness here on this 7 x 5" oil pastel on Pastelbord.  Thanks for stopping by!

A Girl at Our Table - original charcoal figurative drawing

I, with my little sketchbook, am such a pest, but it's worth it to get drawings of people.  I just told her to go ahead and talk and visit and pay no attention to me.  Every time she turned my way, my charcoal suddenly became very busy.  Since she was with friends of mine, it worked out well.  It's from my 8 x 6" sketchbook.  Thanks for looking!