Life Drawing Practice with An Old Family Photo

Inspired by my current life drawing class, I've been practicing with small scribbles in my sketchbook.

But it's a little hard to find models who will  hold still--at least outside of class.

So I've been working on capturing proportion from photographs.   And the other day I used a vintage photo--from about 1968--of my family members.

Here's one I did of my grandfather.

I love it for two reasons.  First, I completed it in about two minutes and it feels like a complete and whole portrait.  I'm pleased to have been able to reach that effect so quickly.

Second, it looks just like my grandfather.  I'm thrilled that I've captured some of his most distinct gestures and postures here.

Can't wait to try more.