The Ascension

 Podcast Portrait

For this piece I was given the task to draw the Ascension of Jesus. I chose to use the medium of colored pencil on paper.

Secrets Revealed

I don't often give away secrets to my drawings, but today is an exception! As you see in the above picture, it is the first step in my process. For I always tell my students, (that is if I had students), if you don't get the face right, the whole drawing is ruined, or at least compromised to its potentiality. And in this case the face was to my liking, so I moved on to the next step.

The next step that is, is to continue down the page with more details. Adding color, value, and what not to achieve the look you want.

I thank you all for reading through and viewing my post. You now have all the necessary insight on how to go about drawing a portrait, or for that matter, drawing in general.

- "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

 Happy Easter

This is my latest drawing for the Podcast Portrait Series. I drew the angels and Our Lord with colored pencils and to contrast the main subjects I used charcoal. I think charcoal is one of my favorite mediums - I will plan another charcoal drawing soon!

Thank you for viewing today's drawing!

Crowning of Thorns Drawing

Crowning of Thorns Artwork

In my latest drawing, I sought to capture the intense and poignant moment of the crowning of thorns, where Jesus was mocked and humiliated by Roman soldiers before His crucifixion. The image portrays the cruelty and sorrow of the scene, with the thorny crown pressed harshly onto His head, symbolizing the physical pain and the immense emotional suffering He endured. The contrast between the harshness of the thorns and the calm expression on His face speaks to His divine grace and unwavering sacrifice. Through this artwork, I aimed to reflect on the profound significance of this moment in the Passion of Christ, a powerful reminder of the depths of His love and sacrifice for humanity.

Ultimately, the crowning of thorns was a moment of real suffering that Jesus experienced. It was not merely a symbol but a brutal act of humiliation and pain that He endured for all of us. Through this artwork, I hope to encourage others to reflect on the reality of His sacrifice and the depth of His love for humanity.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the reference photo I used and my final drawing. This comparison highlights the differences between the original source material and the artistic interpretation, demonstrating the process of adaptation and personal expression in art. Just for reference - pun intended - I just finished my calculations of all the videos put together, in total this drawing took 8 hrs and 10 minutes, plus or minus...

Watch the full video here

The Nativity in Colored Pencil

 The Nativity

Merry Christmas! I know it may seem early, as Thanksgiving merely ended on Thursday, the 28th, but Advent has begun and leaves us with four weeks til Christmas Day...even a little less than that. Another Podcast Portrait for you to take in - This one comes with a video as well - I know many of you anticipate, even look forward to the time lapse videos.

This one is done in colored pencils in a byzantine/eastern style icon. I have never done an icon before, so I decided to try it out. Obviously icons are not traditionally done in colored pencil.

Nativity Time Lapse Video

A little different style post, as this one comes with a poem I wrote a while back. Let me know your thoughts on it. It is called, "The Bright Star" It is about the Magi and Christmas time. If you like this poem, I have a few more to showcase.

The Bright Star

Not long after the birth of Christ,

By a bright star three Magi were enticed.

Now Herod was king of Judea,

Hearing of the Messiah, in him came an idea.

For his heart became very jealous,

He feared a threat to his rule they tell us.

So he sought the new babe's way by,

Sending the three Magi.

These three men traveled from the east.

With every step, their love increased.

For the one they came to seek.

They ever increased for the King's mystique.

And entering into the city,

They sang a small ditty,

For above a small house, stood a great star.

The Magi did ponder, and thought it bizarre.

But they knew it would be Him that would be within.

Entering they found both the Child, 

And Mary, his mother undefiled.

And then giving gifts to her,

For the Child: gold, frankincense, and myhrr.

Now being unladen with gifts for Him,

And Herod's heart was still very grim.

To the Magi was sent word,

Go to Herod not, so another way they deffered.

And to Joseph and angel appeared.

To Egypt he should fly,

With the Child and Mary he did comply

Until Herod should die.

And from the twenty-fifth of December,

Until Epiphany, we must remember,

The twelve days of Christmastide,

For in our hearts the Lord must reside.

Thank you for reading, until next time! 

And yes, there will be more...or will there?😉