WIP - Storyteller (and use of reference material)

Not sure if this qualifies as a 'work'...'sketch in progress' might be more accurate.  But it will be a fully worked detailed sketch.  It's in my A3 sketchbook, and will be drawn with an Inktense Sea Blue pencil.  This gives me the option to use water and a brush at the end, should I choose to.  We'll see. I always enjoy WIP forums, even when it's subject matter than I don't usually paint...so I feel I ought to make the effort myself occasionally.  I've done it before and it's a little strange.  At times you wonder if you're talking to yourself or boring people.  The new website doesn't give viewing numbers for each forum subject, which adds to the 'is there anybody out there?' feeling.  (Also you could make a right lash-up of it.) The bulk of my stuff comes out of my head, I don't use reference material.  I'm a little conflicted about using photos etc.  The resulting image never quite feels like 'mine'.  Complete nonsense of course, everybody does it, including many of my favorite artists and illustrators.  I've a book by Andrew Loomis, a master illustrator from the 1940/50s...he always worked from photos.  He could afford to hire models and pose and light them as he wished.  He used photos all the time.  Several artists I admire have quoted him as one of their influences.  Although dated in some respects, the book is a treasure trove of information and tips...it's also crammed full of beautiful art, or I wouldn't have it.  So copying photos is just fine...I'm just carrying my own baggage with it. Sometimes I'll use ref photos slightly different.  I like drawing people, so if I find an interesting photo of a face, I'll draw a different face and use the shadows, etc, on the photo...in other words I use the photo but alter it.  Then I think it's mine. I'm going to draw the face of a man telling a story.  I work better if my characters are supposed to be 'doing' something...they are not just there.   It's the same with my cartoons...what are they doing, how are they feeling...all that jazz.  I'll be using this photo...it's from a copyright free website. You'll probably recognise it...the man has a great face.  Loads of artists have used it...several on POL.  You can see why...a brilliant face to draw and paint. But I don't want to COPY it...just use the information on that wonderful face. So here we go...first I do a quick very rough sketch with an HB pencil...this takes moments, I'm not attempting to get a likeness, I want it free and quick. Sorry for the ropey photo, I've had to ramp up the contrast so you can see my faint drawing.  I've changed the angle of the head, changed the expression, broadened his cheek bones, given him a different nose, his mouth is open.  I think it looks like he's talking.  It doesn't look like the photo. I'll leave this rough drawing there, I may not stick to these lines, they are just a guide.  Now I start with the Inktense pencil on the eyes.... Some people like to work on the drawing as a whole.  I don't.  I start with the eyes, if they look OK, I work from there.  I'm right handed, I have to keep my hand firmly on the paper (or something), so I tend to work from left to right bringing the drawing ALMOST to a finish.  There'll be some fiddling at the end.  This is how I draw...probably not the best way...so don't do this at home, folks. A bit more...then I stopped to write this... What do I think of it so far?  Shadows here and there need adjusting...that's normal...I'll do that when the whole picture is at this stage.  His left eye is larger than the right...part of my changing his expression.  I'm hoping it makes him look lively as if he's telling a story.  I do this all the time in cartoons, but this isn't meant to be a cartoon.  If I'm not careful, it might end up as a caricature.  But I think it might be OK. I want to get the whole drawing to this state of finish, and then I'll adjust and tweak it.  Or, if I make a bodge of it, this thread will go very quiet. Got to get the dinner now...I'll finish it tomorrow.

Thanks Folks.  Yes Alan, he is looking like Gandalf, but I guess with my love of fantasy art that's inevitable.

Up with the larks this morning.  When it was light enough, I spent a little time on my drawing.  Just blocked in his hat and more hair.  I expect to finish this today, but it looks like the sort of day where I'll just be adding a little when I can.  

I wish that were true, Tessa.  There's always the thought you might make a hash of this WIP stuff.   Due to my early start today I've had time for two short 'goes' at my drawing.  My art table is in our conservatory, so it's easy to do 'bits' when there's time.  So I've done a bit more, mostly the beard.  I don't attempt to 'copy' that, of course, just get the look of it.  Bedraggled.  Here it is... Not much more to do, but life has intruded.  I may get to finish it later today.  Just his clothes to block in...that'll take no time.  Then it's a case of strengthening shadows here and there, plus some other tweaks.  But no rush.  Thought I'd post this stage in case I don't get it done later.

I'm managed to finish this drawing, it seems OK.   Here it is, with the reference pic...I've obtained a lot of information from it, but my drawing looks different.  That's what was intended. I may go further with it, using a brush and water the blend things.  But I'm wrapping this thread up...I have a rule of thumb, when the last three posts are all mine, I must assume it's run its course and is of no interest.