I'm not sure about the post title this time. It probably comes from the fact that I might be subconciously hung over by parting for the first time with my artwork. My friends tell me that I come off to be possessive at times; sure it reflects in everything.

The Emotion.
A friend requested her son's portrait a couple of months back. I didnt give it a thought at that time since I usually am way too possesive about parting with any artwork I create - especially graphite. My experience taught me that the process of creating for someone else vs. creating for self is definitely lot different. Dont get me wrong it doesnt affect the work (atleast not negatively), but since sketching or even painting for that matter is a very meditative process, by the time i finished this sketch I was ready to give it away. Infact, towards the end, a few finishing touches away, I couldn't wait to hand this off to my friend - its true owner.

The Procedure.
There are a lot of "Firsts" with this graphite sketch. "First" one I parted with, also the "First" portrait of a child. Some artists may disagree that sketching a child's face is far more challenging than an adult's, but I stick with my theory even after completing this portrait. Children look innocent and cute more due to their disposition than their features, which is probably why a lot of Horror movies have been created with a Child as its main character. I believe it is the same when I try to sketch a child's face. A cutie-pie can end up looking like a scary dwarf by a slight change in the "mood" of the picture. I was concerned every moment to retain the innocence on this face and not over do it. Another challenge I faced (ofcourse being an amatuer) was the teeth. Long years back, I overheard an artist telling another - never pick a face photo with teeth exposed; you are guarenteed to screw it up. I always stuck with his advice, until this time.