I thought I’d post the first stages of a colored pencil study  of an Italian Greyhound. The photograph used as reference was taken with a Canon Powershot G10 series camera and can be viewed below.

The portrait is being created with the use of colored pencils. I have included an image of the first color stain and a close-up detail image.

 The color is a basic stain that does not include fur and whisker detail. This will come later when detail is heightened with sharpened fine point pencils.

Below are the first two images of the beginning portrait work.

My apologies for the delay in completing the latest portrait. For your viewing, Spent Wishes is finally complete. It is the latest child portrait in colored pencil.

Once again, the last stage of the portrait is done by reworking color on color, then burnishing it with paper towels, cotton swabs or cotton balls. By rubbing  repeatedly, I remove the wax of the colored pencil to leave a soft realistic effect leaving this shine only for the eyes, lips and hair.

Below is the completed portrait titled, “Spent Wishes” inspired by the photography of  Judithann.

The original artwork is part of a private collection and is available for sale by contacting me directly, however prints will be available at Imagekind.com. To view the portrait in more detail please visit my website at www.DauneSheri.com .

 —Daune Sheri
www.DauneSheri.com

My next portrait is based on a representational study of a photograph taken by Judithann, a wonderful photographer and grandmother to this young girl. It has been a pleasure working with such inspiration.

The first image posted is the reference photograph by Judithann, used to create the portrait.

Once again, I begin with a line drawing using graphite pencil. It is lightly drawn with a soft hand and the lightest grade of graphite to avoid any muddying of the portrait once color is introduced.

I then follow through with the basic first stages of the color stain. I work in circular motions to create a balance of color that will later blend easily with the color applied by its side. Basic shading is layed down to differenciate between where light and shadow will come into play.

  This next image shows a more detailed version of the pencil study.

 This first stage incorporates a literal stain of the paper with specified colors before introducing heightened detail.

More to come as the portrait process progresses…

—Daune Sheri
www.DauneSheri.com

The colored pencil study is complete. The last stage of the portrait is done by reworking color near color in deeper shades. To blend color seamlessly, I use either a colorless pencil or a white colored pencil and repeat the circling technique over the color stain previously done. This gives the portrait an oil painting-like effect.

The last step I do is to burnish the portrait by using either paper towel, cotton swabs or cotton balls. By rubbing  repeatedly, the wax of the colored pencil lifts thus removing the shine from the skin to leave a realistic, soft delicate look. I leave this shine of wax for the eyes, lips and hair.

Below is the completed portrait titled, “Her Promise” inspired by the photography of  Jennifer Rasmussen.

The original artwork is part of a private collection and is available for sale by contacting me directly, however prints will be available at Imagekind.com. To view the portrait in more detail please visit my website at www.DauneSheri.com.

—Daune Sheri
www.DauneSheri.com

The newest portrait in my colored portrait series is based on another of Jennifer Rasmussen’s photographs. The photograph I used as my reference and inspiration is posted below.

I plan to use colored pencil as the main medium for this portrait. I begin this study lightly creating the basic line work in graphite pencil. This is done with a soft hand to prevent any muddying later when color is introduced.  It is very important to be sure the line drawing is correct, without any flaws. Once the stain is down, it is unforgivable and cannot be pulled up… 

With the outline of the portrait complete, I begin to stain the paper with colored pencil. This is done by creating small circles repetitiously. By adding color near color a seamless tone is captured. Color added over color creates light and shadow and depth.

Following this pass, I use cotton swabs, paper towels, stumps… and begin rubbing over the color in circles. This blends the color together and creates the first color stain shown below.

The next image is a more detailed view.

 
Please note this is only the first color pass. I will update the post at a later date with the completed portrait.

—Daune Sheri
www.DauneSheri.com

Luck was on my side when I happened across a tiny little face captured by the lens of a camera. The light cast through the child’s hair impressed on my mind, an almost angelic effect.

I must say I was graced with having made the acquaintance of the photographer, Judithann . To find out this child also happens to be her granddaughter, Abbey, made it all come together perfectly in the end…

The original artwork is part of a private collection and is available for sale by contacting me directly, however prints will be available at Imagekind.com. To view the portrait in more detail please visit my website at www.DauneSheri.com.

Comments are always welcome…

—Daune Sheri
www.DaunesSheri.com

I am very excited to be introducing several new portraits in color.

This particular piece was an absolute joy to create. I had the honor of portraying this portrait in pastel titled “Baby Blues with Attitude”, through the inspiration of a photograph by the talented photographer Jennifer Rasmussen.

The original artwork is part of a private collection and is available for sale by contacting me directly, however prints will be available at Imagekind.com. To view the portrait in more detail please visit my website at www.DauneSheri.com.

Comments are always welcome…

—Daune Sheri
www.DauneSheri.com

This portrait is a work in progress. My reason for posting this particular image is to question first impressions… 

I’d like to know your first “gut feeling”,  your first emotion when viewing this portrait… I’d like to know the first words thought when viewing the image.

My interest is to know if each sees the portrait by how I, the artist felt when creating it, if it depends on the mood within you, the viewer or if it lies solely within the subject itself. What lies in the heart of one, and can it be reproduced with enough honesty for the viewer to identify that passion?

Below is an unfinished graphite pencil study of a young teen. This portrait is one of several that is inspired by photographer D. Sharon Pruitt. Her photographs can be viewed at www.pinksherbet.com.

I am generally adept at titling my studies, however this particular piece is a bit complex in emotion and I have been unable to conclude a title. I am open to suggestions…