Scarey, Huh?

I took a class to learn how to draw a portrait. The class ended with the instructor giving each of us a  mirror and told us to do a "self-portrait".  ​
I couldn't hide so I spent 90 minutes staring at myself; studying all the wrinkles, white hair, age marks.  Is that the beginning of a double chin?  Where I used to have a cheek, it seems to be slidding down the side of my face to make a jowl!  And, what's with  those nose hairs? 

The class looked at my sketch and said I looked too "stern".  In reality, I was surprised to see what age and gravity is doing to my body.  No escaping it.  I'm getting old!  Not happy to see that, and my self-portrait shows it. 

Get over it, I tell myself. If I don't want reality, I'll have to make caricatures. At least I feel confident now in learning some techniques of drawing a portrait. 'Part of this continuing process of becoming an artist.  

Check out this sketch, and some other portraits, added my website gallery.   Thanks Abby.

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