It was agreed upon that we would focus on the kids this Christmas. Not worry much about buying gifts for the adults. But we were going to visit Nicki’s parents in Asheville and I felt bad about not having something for them. So… I packed up a few art supplies.

I figured they might like a portrait of their grandaughter. So earlier I had printed out a few photos that I liked and used those to start three drawings. I bounced around between these sketches until it dawned on me that there was no way I was going to get all of them done. I had been slipping away to their basement to do a few minutes of work here and there. I am sure they were beginning to notice and they were probably thinking I didn’t want to be around them. I had to make this quick. What I decided to do was focus on the first one that started to feel right and come together. You know it when you don’t want to stop. I’d Leave the others for another day. Maybe.

My original idea was to do loose pencil drawings and finish in watercolor. I decided that I didn’t have enough time for that either. Nor did I bring any painting stuff. So I went on with my cheap mechanical pencil, using my fingertips to smudge the graphite here and using a kneaded eraser to highlight there. back and forth. Constantly shaping and reshaping. I liken it very much to sculpture.

I used a little artistic license and added the top teeth that had appeared since the reference photo was taken. I also see things now that I would have changed a bit. Whatever. I firmly believe you work to your ability in the time allotted for the job. I did cheat a little on our intial arrangement by buying a cheap frame and some workable fixative spray at the local Michael’s (I should get free stuff for that plug!)

In the end, I want to show off my work here, yes. But I also want to stress the value of the handcrafted gift. I find it satisfying to do and I hope they are enjoyed by recipients as well.