To become good at most things takes a lot of practice. This would include playing the piano, singing, dancing, and art. I draw four or five portraits per day. Quite often I am using a ball-point pen. I find that if I can draw well, my painting does well. Also I’ve found I do much better doing a portrait from a live person than a photograph. People have asked me to draw from a photo, but this method is rarely satisfying because the photos usually are flat looking, have no dimension to the face, and are just too hard to read. I recommend doing at least a half hour of drawing practice every day, and to draw from life.
Comments on Ball-Point Pen Portrait
What a beautiful portrait! I am amazed that you can get such detail with a ball-point pen!! Who would have ever thought that such an acccomplished artist would still be practicing every day? Such good advice for art–and life.
Tom, your art is magnificent. I love all the drawings and paintings you have done of Norene. Your true gift is that they show the deep love you feel for her, every single one. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady!
I think it is so neat to see you constantly drawing people with whatever you have at hand, whether it’s on the back of a program or in a notebook, with charcoal, pencil or ballpoint pen. That to me is the mark of someone that loves their craft.