Hello friends;I have just completed the study for one of my next portraits.The size is 26x46" the study is both charcoal and graphite on paper and the painting still-life-and-boywill be oil on board.  I am very inspired by the image, especially the combination of a portrait and a still life element.I do the studies to work out composition and to get familiar with the image.  I don't take the pieces to a very high degree of finish because it is not neccessary for these purposes but I do find them very helpful in becoming attuned to the energy of the portrait.  Each time I do one though, I do think to myself how I must make the time to do more finished drawings as I absolutely love the feel of drawing.still-life-and-boy-detail1Until the panel is ready to begin painting (my brother Jarvis at Jarvis Hall Fine Frames makes beautiful gessoed panels) I am working on the study  for another portrait which is of a boy around the same age in an outdoor setting.Thanks for your interest,Janine