bDecided to practice chiaroscuro this week to prepare for this Spring class. I peeked ahead on my degree plan and saw the book needed for head drawing too so I decided to purchase it. I really like it because it shows some step by step demos to doing the face features and the drawing prints are very clear. The reading is very clear and to the point and helps as well. So I purchased the pastel pencil recommended ( Caput Manguum and white) but because I didn't have the velvet grey charcoal paper I used the light toned paper I had on hand. I used only the red pencil and used the paper as a tone (the highlight) so no need for the white. I also found that mixing the white with the read gave a pinkish color and I didn't like it( the book recommended not to as well) but I had to test it for myself. 
Put in about 11-12 hours started Tuesday and finished Saturday at the Chocolate and Art Show. The show was nice a lot of guest watched as I drew live ( motivated me :) also I sold prints and a original so that was a plus. This show I didn't get as much sold as I usually do. Next show Houston-Pancake and Booze -  March 23.
For the drawing of the head- I used a sample in the book but changed it up. I didn't not use any sort of technical measuring for the face and features; more of sight measuring. Started with  the contour of the nose and went from there. Steps are show in the video. Overall I love the smooth yet hard pastel pencil (never used before) I will be using it more on some person work until I have to use it for a class.. plan to take Head Drawing this summer.
I am really enjoying learning new techniques and styles during grad school. I have changed my plan to MA: 36 hour program so that I can get the master degree and start teaching a local community college. From that that career change I will complete the other 33 hours for the Masters in Fine Arts program. I just do not want to stay in the elementary or grade level class room anymore. Hoping to get the 36 hours complete by Summer 2019 or the latest Fall 2019.
Book->​The Artist's Complete Guide to Drawing the Head Paperback – January 1, 2004
by William Maughan  (Author)

This painting came to me in my sleep a month or so before I decided to create her; after some research I stumbled across the Five Elemental Symbols all of which expresses the vision I had. The lady is one with all of the elements; Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Spirit. 

Earth representative of potential and transformation; the point where the old gives way to the new; the empty fertility readies to feed new creations.
Water is the element of  emotion and wisdom, particularly the wisdom of age
and the unconscious.
Air is the element of intelligence, creativity, increase and new beginnings.
Fire is associated with strength, activity, blood, and life-force. It is also seen as highly purifying and protective, consuming impurities and driving back the darkness.
Spirit is a bridge between the physical and the spiritual. In cosmological models, spirit is the transitory material between the physical and celestial realms. Within the microcosm, spirit is the bridge between body and soul.
​

 It is still winter break session from class and between practice drawing figure poses I am testing my skill in a portrait painted with oils. My usual medium for portraits would be Acrylics. However, during the Fall semester of class I really enjoyed painted with oils. I found it different and educational painting with the limited color palette; yellow ochre, terra rosa, titanium white and ivory black. 
I decided to render my color for my portrait using the same limited palette. I started with calling in a model to pose for me. She did pose several shots and one was chosen. I did sketch out with charcoal the portrait and transferred it to my linen canvas. Size 18 by 24. The video shows the painting stages; transfer sketch, under painting and as of now laying the first stage of color. I am having somewhat a difficult time with the skin tone working from the reference photo and now wish I would have created a small color study before beginning my large painting. Lesson learned for the next painting. Below: photos and Video of this work in progress......took a week long mini break from my painting. I have learned when I feel overwhelmed with a piece or unmotivated to take a break. Photo below of how much completed. This painting has undergone many stages... mainly because of experimenting with my brushstroke technique. To complete; hand holding breast, and pearls.