Portraiture - quick sketching

Here are some examples of quick portrait studies I completed back at John Tyler Community College, and while in Art (Honors Level) at Manchester High School. 

Deirdre - John Tyler Art Model

John - Classmate

Amerie - Classmate

Self portrait - duality

All of the above portraits were completed in a timed exercise in under 5 minutes using willow and vine charcoal only. Witch a model for reference.  The clock was started and it was "pencils" down (rather i say "sticks") when the alarm buzzer sounded. I loved how Mrs Diana Detamore punches me to see form and shape rather than preconceived visuals I "thought" I was seeing. This pushed me to become so well versed in facial emotion and expressions as well as not afraid of breaking the mold on proportions, scale, angle, and subject matter. 

Jennifer - Classmate Art Honors - Manchester High School

Self Portrait - VA Congressional Statewide Student Art-show 1st Place Winner

These last two were completed in Senior Art Honors class at Manchester High. The first of Jennifer is a "Da Vinci" style light study where the form is created by collecting and recording only information on the placement of highlights and reflective light areas. It forces the artist to see the forms of gradation and not tangible outlines and special references. The last portrait was painstakingly created partially from mirror posing, and from memory as well as a reference photo of my eyes nose and mouth cropped down as the only outside tool. 

Random sketching delights

Here are some recent sketches I completed for fun and just to get back into a habit of working with pencil again. I am going to be finishing up the edits for issue 2 of my comic/graphic novel script ad have every intention of beginning to tackle my rough page layouts again ASAP. I will still be working on my paintings in the down time and have every intention of posting a third and possible final stage to the lightning painting. In this collection of sketches we have some attempts at Don draper from MadMen, Superman, a female detective type, and a piece of a prisoner praying. As well as some brief studies of a skull. Hope you enjoy there will be more to come. 

Sneak peek at my graphic novel progress

    I am going to be posting over the next few months or so little teasers of my comic/graphic novel progress from scrip to toughs to initial pencils, inks, flats, and final colors. I will not be sharing any story details as of yet or any of the pages in sequence as I plan to set up a comic press blog and also put he end result to print. If you would like to know the general story plot email or call me and we can chat. When it comes down to it I am really worried about my ideas being taken or the story being spoiled before it is finished. Sorry! For now I hope you enjoy the teasers