Friday, March 8, 2013

Almost a Smile

'Almost a Smile' 
7 x 9 inches
graphite on paper - not for sale
This is a beautiful little girl that lives in my neighborhood. Last fall I started asking some fellow moms I knew to see if there were any willing models nearby. And I had a pretty big response which made me SO happy! Then the holidays came and well, I am just now getting around to working on the photos I took of this darling little girl.

When I ask someone to model for me I give them the option of either me paying them for their time, or giving them a sketch. Her mother chose the sketch. I want my models to know how much I appreciate their time, so I always try to compensate them in some way.

Except for my children and my nieces and nephew who are exempt from this rule. They work for free, and occasionally cupcakes! :)))) Mwa ha ha!!!

With this sketch I wanted the emphasis to clearly be on her eyes, so that's where I kept my darkest values and the most detail too. I am really happy with how it turned out. But let's face it, having such a beautiful model makes my job pretty easy right? Happy weekend everyone!

14 comments:

  1. A treasure for sure, both model and sketch!

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  2. Just lovely! I'm sure the little girl and her family are THRILLED to have this!

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  3. Really beautiful sketch! Lovely fresh, not overworked, quality!

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  4. This is such an incredible sketch..She's a beautiful little girl and a lucky little girl to have this drawing!!! Excellent work, Crystal!!

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  5. That is so cute and I love how you put all the focus on those eyes.

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  6. Hi, Crystal,
    I really, really love this work!! Congrats!
    Best wishes, Sadami

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  7. Crystal, she is a beautiful child, and you have done a superb job!!! Darkening her eyes was brilliant!
    I thought they worked for peanuts, not cupcakes??? OK ... bad joke. :)

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  8. Smart mom-a Crystal Cook sketch is a treasure

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  9. What a great idea to give them the sketch as payment! That's what I'd choose too... And she is so pretty! You never seem short of gorgeous models to paint! And as always toy have drawn her so beautifully :0)

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  10. Lovely sketch Crystal, her mummy will love it!

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  11. Love this "stripped down" version of your signature works of children. Really shows your skill with value - it's just wonderful. Congrats on getting some new muses, too! :)

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  12. Love that 'less is more' style ! Beautiful sketch!

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  13. On sent la sensibilité et la fragilité de son âge dans ce joli portrait...
    Vous restituez la douceur et la candeur.
    Gros bisous

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment they really do mean so much to me! Because not all bloggers have their email enabled so I can reply directly through email I will try to reply here in the comments. If I don't please forgive me, life must have been hectic that day! :)) Huzzah!!

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