Find the silhouette and simple shapes to establish the composition. Leave the detail to the end. That’s the aim, at least. But sometimes with portraits — especially after working with a subject for a while — I go straight for the juice.
Straight for that element that I know instinctively will deliver an adrenaline rush and mental focus. It may be a gesture line or a pose. Or, an eye. It’s that essential something, upon which the drawing rests.
This time, cramped in an airplane seat with no room to swing my arms, I draw the peregrine falcon’s eye. It doesn’t look like much. But the rush and focus are there.
Now — can I make something interesting out of this?
Closer look: It is exciting to start this way. Whether it’s from a messy set of marks hinting at the composition, or starting from the inside and working my way out, or catching an essential element in a line or stroke of charcoal. I like these pictures. Still exploring how this can be a consistent part of my process.
Wow Caroline! How fun to watch the video of the process. You are making a case for keeping it simple and watching how it can unfold. Kudos to you!