I have been asked repeatedly to do a portrait class. i thought last year at this time that i would do it but Covid and other things just did not let it happen. so, I’m giving it a try and the class is full already. everyone will bring their own photo references. The photo i feature on this post shows my two great grandsons along with the grayscale image graphed in one inch squares. then i cut paper the size of the canvas and begin by drawing the first graph lines in the middle, always start in the middle. i have calculated that my graph must now have squares of one and a half inches in order to make the image fit the area of canvas correctly. Then i use the proportional dividers you see here to mark the positioning of the features. it can be done freehand but i dont have time for correcting mistakes so i begin with this tool. then i draw the image lines onto the graphed paper using the squares to get everything correct. making a perfect drawing at this point is not as important as having the measurements right. i will teach my process, my method and also advise my students on how to handle the oil paints to achieve the skin tones and texture quality that give my work its special wow factor. please excuse the typing errors in this post. for some reason the ipad has decided not to punctuate or capitalize. first it does, then it doesnt. i wish it would be consistent! sorry guys. Happy painting. And for those who are now students, you can use these posts to help you get an idea of how things will be done in class. see you then. Diana