Jinxie in graphite

I'm pleased with progress on this one as it's a technique I've never tried before.  I attended a workshop in  June with Clive Meredith (www.artofclivemeredith.blogspot.com) and was very inspired by his use of layering different grades of graphite pencil to get a truly lifelike depth.  This is my effort so far and is probably about 15 hours' work by now (it is A3!)

Sophie

This is the original photo I've chosen to work from.  It's quite an old photo, but despite that, I can see the direction of the fur and enough detail around the eye and  nose.  

I've made a start.  The portrait is quite small - A5 - the pencils need to be razor sharp for the detail!  I'm using Fabriano 50% cotton rag paper.

Gemma finished

20 x 30 cm coloured pencil on Fabriano 50% cotton rag paper.

My next project is feline . . .

All very bright

Oil pastels on Hahnemule pastel paper, A3

Toffee: the first few stages