I haven’t got a lot to share with you this week as I’ve been working hard on my illustrated map of the Canal du Midi. It doesn’t look very attractive in this sketchy stage, hence no photographs.
Instead I thought I’d show you this family portrait I did a while ago as a commission. I don’t take on a lot of portrait commissions because they take a lot of time, but I didn’t have anything else on at that stage so it made a nice change.
I worked from a photo and used grey paper to give the portrait a bit of depth. It helps to bring out the lighter colours and give a bit of a base for the darker ones.
I used Faber Castell polychromo pencils which blend really nicely. The skin tones are built up in layers, avoiding using black for the shadows as they make the colours quite muddy. Instead I used a dark navy colour and a bit of grey.
And here I am with the final piece!
It was commissioned as a birthday present by someone from work, so I was able to see it framed as well!
52 Faces
Wayne Rooney is this week’s face, suggested by Sam (though he doesn’t support Manchester United!). I thought I’d go for a coloured pencil portrait this time.
That’s all for now, see you next week!
I’m sharing this post on the following blogs: Handmade Harbour and Blue Chair Diary Illustrations!
Aww i love the portrait! So much amazing detail as in all your work, i can well believe it took you a long time to complete! x
Clare your work is simply amazing!!!
The portraits are gorgeous! How fortunate the recipients are!
That little one in the green coat is such a sweetie pie. Awww. Nice portrait work!
Oh my goodness, that is just amazing. What a beautiful piece of art.
Very nice job! Colored pencils can be tricky to do portraits with! But you did fabulous! Love your soft touch.
What a super portrait. I bet they loved it. Just an idea for next week – have you drawn Paloma Faith.
What a CUTE bunch of Strapping-Young-Lads! 😀
FAB work as always!
What beautiful work. Whoever received the gift must have just love it!
The family portrait is excellent, so lifelike
Your work is absolutely incredible. The portrait is so lifelike and the skin looks so soft.
#SundaySketches
Absolutely wonderful portraits, Clare. Wow! Very nicely done and something I wish I could do. Excellent work. I hope you’re having a good week.
really nice family portrait
I always recommend polys when people ask me what pencils they should be using 
They’re great aren’t they! I only bought them at the beginning of the year, so they’re fairly new to me but I love them. I’d like to try prismacolor pencils too though, as they seem really vibrant from artists’ work I’ve seen.
Such a lovely portraits Clare, I’m sure the family were delighted with it.
Thank you, it’s a shame I don’t have time to do more like these!