Sketch to Finish

I set out to paint a boy at the beach that just noticed an unfortunate change in the weather. Here is the sketch I started with.

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Sketches are rendered loosely and I often like them better than the finished product. There is just more life and movement in the line. This one is no exception. I love his fat little hands. But his jaw is a little too square and head a bit small for the age I was shooting for.

Here’s the final painting:

In this image, the boy’s face is rounder and a bit larger making him look younger. I am disappointed that his chubby toddler hands didn’t translate from the sketch, but I’m happy with the sky. I also think the boy looks a bit more surprised at the change in the weather. That’s what happens when you’re having so much fun!