The Crayon Art of Gene Rivas

The Making of the Lady in Lavender

Step 1: Draw the layout and most of the detail. In this case, I worked from three photographs. I turned the head, re-drew the blouse, shortened the love seat and simplified the sheet.

Step 2: Working with pencils, waxed pastels and linseed oil, I paint the figure to look at the viewer.

Step 3: Completing the blouse and hands.

Step 4: The long legs and feet.

Step 5: The sheet demands a great amount of time and a great deal of patience.

Step 6: Starting the background prior to blending.

Step 7: Finishing the background and going back for touchups.

Step 7: Working with a professional model for the best pose.

Step 8: Appreciating the artistic talent of the model.