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Start Art 8 26 www.painters-online.co.uk Demonstration: Young woman STAGE 1 Using the harder water-soluble graphite pencil (2B), sketch out the basic shapes of the face without pressing too hard.The shape of the nose is based on a wedge shape. Pay particular attention to the profile line – it is important for the likeness.That is why the drawing must continually be compared with the sitter and corrected if necessary. It is useful to calculate all the distances by measuring. STAGE 2 Now work on the shadows using a light stroke and dense hatching.The light, loose stroke leaves the rough texture of the watercolour paper visible.The graphite dust should only adhere to the raised areas of the paper, as otherwise the subsequent glaze could appear too dark. Draw the flow of the hair and the upturned eyes with the soft graphite pencil (6B). Emphasise the contours with this pencil too. Compare your picture again with the sitter. You will need… l Watercolour pad in beige, with a slight grain, about 20 30cm (8 12in) l 2B and 6B water-soluble graphite pencils l Fine to medium round watercolour brush l Water l Fixative t t This seated young woman is listening to something someone near her is saying.The graceful way she holds her head, her soft profile and her attentive gaze make the subject an attractive one.The combination of graphite pencil and watercolour technique enables a play of graphite and paint effects that make the face appear very much alive. Let’s put everything you have now learned into practice with this portrait of a seated woman Exercise Prepare some practice sheets on which you have drawn eyes, noses, mouths and hairstyles in different views and shapes and use them as reference material.