Over two hours of me working in the studio. I'm posting because someone may find this interesting, or even useful.
The final version of my commissioned portrait of Frederick Douglass for Mechanics Hall was rendered in oil paint. To prepare for the painting process, I had to first cement my completed idea in charcoal. Now, I normally don't make art using such a strict process, but due to my inactivity both as a portraitist and as a traditional oil painter, following a measured process of creation was key for me to complete this work successfully.
Big changes I made to this drawing from my original sketch include restructuring right Douglass's hand, and defining the outline of his very dramatic silhouette.