My cat had sneezed on the first almost finished drawing of these sweet kid’s eyes. I cannot lighten up the highlights any more because the paper is off white. I’m debating to leave the highlights as they are or add some white gel white pen or posca marker plus dark matte graphite. Any critique and or suggestions are welcome!
Sonia
Hi Sonia -
Pure white, especially in a different media will look out of place. I vote to leave it as it is. You are being too tough on yourself.
Terri w2Rs
Thank you Terri w2r @robichon,
I will leave highlights as they are. I think i still need to smooth out some edges/transitions plus anything else noticed by others here in the forum.
Sonia no r
Finished this tonight. Gouache underpainting with oil pastel and colored pencil on top. I took the reference photo a couple of weeks ago, when it was bone dry and I had to water my plants. Given the floods we’re having now and the fact that my front yard is currently a pond, I shouldn’t have to use this watering can again until 2026…(also, while I could be called eccentric, the brick facade of my house isn’t really pink, that’s just me using that handy artistic license)
Continued…I pushed the values more and so am uploading a second version to this post. If anyone sees it, please tell me if you think it is better now.
Hi All
Hope you are all well.
I posted on this thread back on the 1st of March with an attempt to draw my cat “Pickle”. It ended up in the bin because I couldn’t draw the wispy hairs in his ears to my satisfaction. Terri @robichon and Sonia @Meme5 were both very helpful with advice. Not long after attempt number two, we sadly had a family member pass away, it was unexpected, he was only 59… so a bit of a shock. Therefore, art sat on the “back burner” for a while and I haven’t posted since.
Anyway, second attempt at “Pickle” I hope I’ve managed to get his expression which says “get that camera out of my face or I will bite you!” 
.
All comments and constructive criticism gratefully received. I tried to make his markings as dark as possible. Not sure if using black charcoal as background was a mistake but it has definitely made him stand out more. I added so many layers of graphite up to 10B trying to darken his markings but it began to look more like blobs than fur …so I stopped.
Sue
Hi Sue @snookypooky -
So sorry to hear about your loss.
I think this drawing is very nice. I do have a suggestion for future graphite drawings. If you are looking for darker darks, with a lot less shine, I use the Staedtler - Mars Lumograph Black pencils. They come in a metal tin with 6 pencils (1-8B, 1-6B, 2-4B, and 2-2B). I use these all the time and love them.
Terri w2rs
Thank you Terri w2rs @robichon. I will definitely get the pencils you have suggested I do feel more confident working with graphite so will need these for future efforts. However, Thanks to Mothers day and some lovely gifts of watercolours and Pastels from kiddies, I’m going to be brave and attempt these next (I’m new to both). I’ve also purchased some Prismacolor pencils. All very exciting. 
Sue
The water coming out of the tap looks so realistic and I like the pink bricks. The angle of the painting makes it interesting, seeing the water flow into the watering can and the leaves underneath. I hope the flood waters subside quickly and your plants survive the excessive water load.
Sue
Hi Sue @snookypooky -
WOW, a gift of watercolors AND pastels. Lucky you! You are going to be having a lot of fun. Look forward to seeing your creations.
Terri w2rs
Hello @snookypooky
I am sorry for your loss; it is good you found your way back to your art.
I think your drawing is beautiful. Taking a picture of graphite drawing can be deceiving because all the shine can skew the perception of value, at least it’s been my experience. I can see a full range of values on Pickle as well as his attitude lol
I don’t think the charcoal addition was a mistake at all.
I agree with @robichon about trying matte graphite pencils, but also think your piece
works fine.
I took it upon myself to just add contrast to your picture for a maybe more accurate in person perspective of values, so you can judge for yourself?
Sonia Alonzo
Thank you Sonia @Meme5
Just dabbled with photo and edited it myself adding contrast. Thats a handy tip for future postings 
It does look different when you post photos from the drawing in front of you. Especially if you don’t get the light or distance right. I’m so pleased I joined TVI I’m learning new things every day. I think you and Terri w2Rs @robichon are my “go tos” to help me progress (if you dont mind). You’re both so knowledgeable…and Matt of course.
Thank you 
Sue
I appreciate your trust, and kindness however, I only post based on my personal experience, I never dare offer advise on anything I am not familiar with.
Sonia Alonzo
Hi Sue.Thank you for your feedback and your well-wishes. I’m grateful that the waters have started to recede. I’m also grateful that since it’s early in the season, I can replant anything that didn’t make it.
@snookypooky… Sorry about your loss, life sometimes crazy… I send you heartfull 
I like your drawing of your cat very much💓
Sonia @Meme5 You are so talented. Thank you for sharing your update.
James from Covina
Doing great. Almost done.
Terri w2rs
Hi Jim @1kidneyJD
Just wondering if you have / are willing to share your reference photo for this. I’m looking at this on my phone and will wait to comment until I can see it on my bigger computer screen.
Terri Robichon
I love how you captured the reflectiveness as well as the transparency of the glass table. All the sunlight shining on your cat, through the blinds plus the cast shadows on the wall! I think you should send it to the members minute for Matt to critique! Maybe just crop it and adjust the lighting a little.
Sonia Alonzo
