Sketch from Life. by Denise Cat

The sense of structure is coming along Denise.

I prefer this one, it’s more confident.

Very nice Denise

It’s a really good portrait Denise , you are becoming very skilled at portraiture due to the hard work you put into learning.

I agree with Marjorie,I think!

Nice form to the face on this one Denise

Another excellent piece Denise. I think I just prefer the graphite one, but they are both very good.

Charcoal has always been one of the artist's favourite mediums - I struggled with it for years, and thought I couldn't do it; much happier with it these days, combing it with water sometimes, and also ensuring the drawings are fixed before moving on too far in one go. Other traditional media include conté crayon, in the original shades -bistre, sanguine, black, white; carbon pencil - I was told it "flatters your technique", as if that was a problem: far from it, it was just what I wanted! Other good 'uns are Staedtler's Mars Lumograph pencils, Derwent Graphic (try the F grade), and something I'd like to see you try, because I think you'd be good at it - silverpoint. You need to spend a bit of money on the pen, and silver wire; and to prepare the paper: I've not used it for years, but I think you'd enjoy it, as well as be good at it. As the silver tarnishes, the drawing gets stronger - it's a fascinating medium. Anyway, all that's to one side, really. I like this drawing, the proportions are good, you've lifted some out (and perhaps could do more of that), and have got a good sense of volume. If you ever visit YouTube, see if you can find Andrew Barrowman's sketches in charcoal, liquid charcoal etc - excellent artist, well worth studying him.

"Combining it", not "combing it".... I must get those new glasses...

Fine drawing.

Nice work Denise.

Many thanks for your comments John, Marjorie, Julie, Paul, Russell, Frank, George, Robert, Lewis and Shaun.

Your really are coming on a storm Denise. This is so competently executed and I especially like the eyes.

Thanks Carole. Robert, I do have the F and H grades in the graphite and I've recently started using them to soften some transitions. They are perfect I'm finding just for this action.

Lovely strong face drawn very well

Another very good life portrait Denise.

Really like this - great depth and contrast Denise.