LAST THREE OBAMA SKETCHES DONE

I was impatient to get this project done, so the price was paid. When working with a new image, I like to do quite a few drawings in my sketchbook. One has the choice of working with an erasable mark or drawing over and over making mental adjustments each time. I prefer to do lots of drawings with no erasing. Consequently, some of these sketches look pretty accurate and others are way off. So, I guess I will cut up the book , mat the ones I like and gesso over the failed images. I may try this again sometime, but for now I will consider it completed.

I received a note from Jill asking about the manuscript part of the image. That is from a stamp. It is illegible so I'm not even sure if it is English, but it looks like a hand written document of some sort. I wanted a visual reference to the Constitution or some other important document. She also thought I had planned where the different elements would fall on the head. Actually I just moved the stamped things around a bit from frame to frame for variety. The fun is seeing how the random elements come together as a whole image after you add the drawing.

MORE SKETCHES OF PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA

Here are two sketches I did of our new President Elect. The papers are filled with excellent source material so I thought I would practice drawing his face. Subtle facial muscles make a big difference in getting a likeness. The first one missed the mark but I think the second one is pretty accurate. The first place winner of the Smithsonian portrait competition not only receives $25,000 cash but also a commission to paint a famous American (to be decided with the committee) I have decided to think as big as I can, so I am practicing in case I am selected to paint the new president's portrait. Well, I guess you can't think any bigger than that! You know what they say, "Success is when opportunity meets preparation" or something to that effect. Don't know about the opportunity, but I definitely am going to be prepared. That is the one thing I have control over. I am reading a book by Eric Maisel, an art coach. It must be influencing my thinking.

I worked on the collage painting today,too. This is going to be a slower process than I usually do but it should be an interesting painting when I am done.