Out of Practice

I've been attempting a lot of portraits lately, which have all proven to be a much bigger challenge than they once were. I used to be able to grab 3 crayons, some copier paper, and a willing model and in 10 minutes, I would usually have at least a recognizable likeness (and from there, I could start making it a little more abstract--which is the fun part). But these days, hours can pass and I will have what usually appears to be a rendition of Tolkien's Smeagol, and I will have used more eraser than anything else.

But I suppose I just need to practice to get 'back in shape', so to speak. Pictured here is a [relatively] successful self portrait.