JR portrait in progress 5 - More attention to symmetry

The direct straight-on view of JR’s face is one of the things that makes this portrait so eye-catching.

1

I’m working on both sides of his muzzle and lips at the same time because I’m really focused on keeping his face perfectly symmetrical. Where normally I’d finish one side of the muzzle, then the nose, then the other side.

2

To make sure the features are symmetrical on both sides, I drew a very light center-line (you barely see it below on the throat) up the middle of JR’s neck and face, so I could measure out with a ruler on either side to double-check the proportions as I go.

You also see I drew horizontal lines with white pencil just below the “flews” (the upper lips that hang down on either side of the chin) so I can make sure they hang down exactly the same amount. In the reference pic the left one appeared to be just a little lower than the right. You may remember that Diane’s reference photo of JR was enhanced with AI. I don’t know if the uneven flews were an artifact of the AI, but I’m correcting that.

I have to mention also that it’s been so much fun getting emails back from Diane after sending in-progress pics! 🤗 

Diane wrote:

“OMG KEVIN!!!  You ACED it!!! It’s OUTSTANDING!!!  Everything…the EYES, the EARS, the COLOURS!!!  The highlights and sheen, the white gold on his muzzle!!!

You captured JR PERFECTLY!!!  It takes my breath away!!!  ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANTLY BEAUTIFUL!!!  Ohhhh Kevin, I am just in awe!!!  WOWWW!!!  Thank you, you wonderful artist person!”

🎨 Prismacolor pencil on “Felt Grey” Canson Mi-Teintes paper, 12 x 18 inches.

"JR” (Am/Can CH Gatehouse Who Shot JR NTD CGC ATT RN CGN)

❤️  Commissioned by Diane and Michael Schurman as their anniversary gift to themselves.