It's important to remember that it's almost impossible to make your drawing look exactly like a photo. My intention is to use a photo or image as a “reference point” and then make small changes making the drawing my own. I often change the background, clothes, facial expression or whatever strikes my fancy. When I do that, it makes it my own. I try and put my emotions or moods into my art work.

Some of my best drawings are accomplished when I am listening to music. Music can inspire you, and if the celebrity you are sketching is a popular singer, such as Adam Lambert, Kelly Clarkson and Michael Jackson, who just passed away the other day, try listening to their music when you sketch them. Michael became special to me since his death. He was a truly gifted performer. My drawing of Michael Jackson was created shortly after his death.

Drawings don’t have to be of real people, it is also fun to sketch cartoons. I particularly like drawing Donald Duck, Goofy and others. Let’s not forget the scary ones. Jaws, now that is a one scary fish!

I go through phases with my art. Sometimes it is all pencil, actually most of the time it is. Every now and then I like to add some color and life to my drawings. I will work with pastels if I feel like cleaning up a mess afterwards. Pastels to me are much easier than painting with a brush. Using a pastel stick is similar to drawing with a pencil, and adding color. Either way you can create a 3-D look if you use the contrast to shadow your drawing. Use your reference photo to see where the light is. Where the light hits the object that is where it will be the lightest. Away from the light will be the dark or shadowed areas.

I hope you enjoy this blog and leave me plenty of comments below. I am looking for fans, so be sure and sign up! I will add more drawings from time to time. If you become one of my fans you will be notified every time I add some.

PS If you would like to get a personal hand drawn portrait of you or a loved ones, please visit this address www.soulreflectionsbyjeff.com