Preliminary sketch for master copy

I began this preliminary drawing of Leonardo Da Vinci's "La Scapigliata" after having visited several art galleries whilst on a recent visit to New York and Philadelphia.  The proportions aren't quite right, but I think I shall re-work this as a master copy when I have more time.

Baby Orangutan

I've been wanting to find more time to practice working with pastels and had a first attempt by copying this image of a baby Orangutan.  I love the way I can apply layers of colour and create both incredibly smooth and also heavily textured effects with this wonderful medium.

"Val"

I think it was Leonardo da Vinci who once said that an artwork was never finished only merely abandoned...and so I am abandoning this one for a while as, although I have been working on it a little at a time over several months now, I am still not happy with the hand which has so much hair falling over it.  I think it might be best to come back to it later when I can see it with 'fresh' eyes.

"Jay"

Ever since I first saw a beautiful black and white photograph of Jay taken by Steve Horsfall, who is an amazingly talented photographer, I wanted to do this drawing of her.  After some initial sketches I worked the drawing  in venetian red and dark brown pencil on cream paper and I hope that I have captured the essence of Jay, just as Steve did when he took this lovely image of her.  (Drawing reproduced with the kind permission of Steve Horsfall).

EXHIBITION:

I am delighted to have been invited to exhibit some of my portraits at THE ELSIE WHITELEY INNOVATION CENTRE (CREATIVE SPACE)  in  HALIFAX
from OCTOBER until the end of DECEMBER 2012

"EARTHA KITT"

My portrait of the singer Eartha Kitt was taken from a very old postcard sent to me a couple of years ago and as soon I saw it I was fascinated by the pose and her expression.  I have used charcoal to hopefully capture her serenity.