Newborn baby commissioned graphite drawing - 11x14"

Custom piece requested as a gift for the father of the newborn baby. 11x14" - on 100lb. acid free vellum - using graphite pencils, powder/brush, and a white gel pen.

Started out with a grid for this piece. I have a variety of methods I use to begin drawings, if I have plenty of time I will often go freehand, but utilizing a grid does help with the accuracy when drawing from a photograph. If I do use a grid, I tr…

Started out with a grid for this piece. I have a variety of methods I use to begin drawings, if I have plenty of time I will often go freehand, but utilizing a grid does help with the accuracy when drawing from a photograph. If I do use a grid, I try to use no more than 4 indicator lines (horizontal and vertical) so that my guides are used as minimally as possible, as I prefer free hand.

The image that was used as a reference.

The image that was used as a reference.

Chimpanzee - Wildlife series #3 - 18 x 24" - Graphite pencils + powder and a white gel pen

The Chimpanzee is the third piece of my wildlife series. This one was unique in that it was the first time I incorporated pen with my drawings. I used a white Gelly Roll pen for highlights in the face and the light sheen in the hair, then toned it down for fades with a makeup brush (much better quality than art brushes) and graphite powder. While it did make this piece take a little longer than I had planned on spending, I think it was definitely worth it. You will probably see it incorporated more often in future graphite work because it allows me to achieve the perfect highlight that an eraser alone can't achieve. The original is FOR SALE and limited edition prints (50) are available for each previous and future works. If you would like to see other animals drawn, feel free to make suggestions below, as this will be an ongoing series. To purchase prints or originals checkout my etsy page, link above in the main toolbar, or contact me at Jon.Cotroneo@yahoo.com. Thanks and enjoy!