Laura Carmichael (?)

Previously, on Downton Abbey..

I felt very rusty with pencil, pad and paints this week and so decided to just blaze on. Unlike the Maggie Smith piece, I tried for a tonally realistic base for Lady Edith's skin. 

Proportions in the eyes put the whole piece out of balance but I'll try remedying it in the second layer.

Lady Edith

Maggie Smith

Last year my buddy Zan introduced Downton Abbey. I resisted. I was dreadfully wrong.

Now Maggie Smith has drolled her way into my heart and into the site!

I'd taken off a few months between my last work and this one, but a fun way to kick off the year.

Time's Up!

Like any piece, you've got to know when to stick a fork in it.. Now is that time.

A3 - Wood / Acrylics / Pencils

Running out of steam usually leads me to rush, economize and make mistakes. It was excellent motivation to focus on one of the greatest men of our time, and again when my skills up to par, I'll be back for another bite of the apple.

Little known facts about Brian Blessed

• He is one of the few men to box with the Dalai Lama.
• Would've been the oldest man to climb Everest but returned just a short distance from the summit to save a hiker.
• Blessed provides sanctuary for more than a thousand birds and animals at his home.

Brian Blessed - drafting

A British icon and legend, Blessed has a booming personality, something I'd love to capture.

Previously, I'd been struggling with smooth skin tones and had moderate success. 

Focused more on complex features such as wrinkles and beards now.