Can I panic now? - Presenting Keira Knightly in a "Dragged through the hedge backwards" hairstyle.

I spent most of today working on some abstracts which are now drying. At 2.00pm -midway through painting a wash- I had a call. One of the local schools is having a fundraising event. A Christmas fair on 25th November. It's too good an opportunity to miss, even if I don't sell anything it will be good advertising. I've decided to try some live caricaturing again- what have I got to lose? The realisation is now setting in, I have less than a month to hone my skills. I feel a rise of trepidation as the reality sinks in. With this in mind I spent the last hour practicing. I did a recognisable David Tennent, not my best. This is my second attempt at Keira, the jaw line is off but otherwise, I think it works. This was a 10 minute sketch. Her hair is a mess, but it's designer mess and pretty close to the photo I used. I really must work on Hair and Bodies...oh yeah and lips, still very nervous about lips. One slip and it looks like the subject has done a round with Mike Tyson or a spider's just escaped from the ink pot all over the page!

Kiera Knightly and Nicole Kidman

I've not posted for a few days as life has been too hectic to post, but I've still been drawing. Here's Kiera Knightly in marker pen, whom I finished today. There is also a watercolour of Nicole Kidman which is really a straight portrait. I was playing with using just watercolour and no black lines. I'm still struggling with the scanning of images. I think I'm not pressing it close enough so the colour's distorting at the edge. I'll try and have another go later, if I have time. In the meantime I'll just have to live with the black lines.

I've also dusted off my airbrush and been practicing using paper masks. I've ordered some masking film as the paper has a tendency to fly off! and I've got lovely green/blue fingers from holding the paper in place.

Just chillin'

Finally got Saturday's pictures to scan, so here's Keira

and here's Trevor. This morning I've been playing with some new Copic marker pens, trying to get used to the technique. I'm working on Noel Fielding and am pleased with the likeness. I'm hoping to finish adding the colour to him and post it later on today, but as I'm out tonight he may have to wait until the morning!