First Post!

I officially have my blog up and running! I've updated the about me section with information...about me (duh!) and why I've started writing here. The drawing section has been updated with my drawings.

If you know what the title of my blog is referencing, you either 1. know me pretty well or 2. are a nerd. Kudos to you either way!

I figure that for this entry, it would be fitting to show you the steps I take during the whole process. How about some pictures?!

This is the photograph I took which would act as my reference. I set up the props, added a source of light, took the photograph, and printed it out. The transparent paper on top is what I use for the grid.

Using the grid I outlined on the paper, I first make a rough outline.

Next, I erase the grid completely.

...and then begin drawing/shading, starting from the left. I'm a righty, so beginning in the upper left-hand corner is the smartest way to go about drawing to minimize the amount of smudging. I'd be lying if I said I always followed that rule. 

And voila, the final product!

It's smart the different stages while drawing. Each of the drawings I've done has taken between 30 to 40 hours to complete, so it's nice to have a collection of the progress. If anyone is interested, I can show the progress pictures for other drawings as well. In the very near future, I am going to start a new portrait, but I will not yet disclose the subject! That's it for now; I hope you get some enjoyment out of reading this blog!