Portraits in Pencil

Kate Middleton, Portrait in Pencil

I took a four-evening art class through Hempfield Adult Education.  I lasted two evenings.  I found it to be very helpful in focusing on drawing faces, and I learned some nice techniques in shading, highlighting, and getting the correct proportions. The instructor could not have been nicer.  I did not go to the last two classes because I didn't like the subject he chose--two eyes, a nose, and a mouth which were disembodied from anything else.  I also had artistic differences with the instructor--his idea of excellence was as close to his work as possible.  Additionally, I do not see myself doing portraits in pencil.  I would prefer using pastels or watercolors to add color.

I was interesting to see that ten people wanted to take this class.  The instructor did an amazing amount of prep work to facilitate our learning, and he showed us quite a few portraits that he had done that demonstrated a lot of talent and persistence.