I had to return the big book of portraits by Ingres to the library today. While the artist's paintings are truly talented, I get really excited by the pencil sketches he did a studies for his paintings. Man, could Ingres catch the expression on a face in delicate shades of graphite! Amazing stuff.

Having to take the book back finally triggered me to launch into a fun project I've been waiting to do for a friend: in exchange for some warm wool hats, here's a poppy-themed composition coming into shape.



Not sure at the moment how much I want to punch up the contrast and how much to leave more subtle. Best to sleep on it and see what the morning brings, I think.