Oyster Gatherer's WIP

WIP of project I am working on for art class...middle lady done, now starting on the second figure on the right. Lots of hands in weird positions and drapery in this one. This exercise is less about likeness and more about the elements of art.

John Singer Sargent's Oyster Gatherers of Cancale

Just wanted to post what I am working on in art class.  This image is a cropped section of John Singer's Sargent's painting The Oyster Gatherer's of Cancale.  I am drawing this for as a class exercise.  I am on my third week and just finished the lady in the middle.  I will post a wip later on.  This one is quite challenging with all the folds in the clothes.  The lady on the right holding her basket is giving me a fit...her hand keeps coming out like a lobster claw.  I love my art class.  My teacher is fantastic and really loves teaching about art. 

Finished self-portrait

Here is the finished version of my self-portrait. I am pleased with the way it came out. I used up to 7b for the blacks in the hat, jacket and backbround. I waited to finish this one until I was a little further along in my art class. I am glad I waited because there are some things I learned that I incorporated . Overall, a nice portrayal of a very happy night in my life...one of my best friends in town, spending the evening at Marlow's watching my friend's band play and wearing Justin's hat!

Purple tree painting

Here is my finished painting of the purple tree for my aunt. I love the way it came out. I have not done much painting so I found this challenging to do. I added a little orange on the horizon line to break up the purple somewhat and I really like the effect. I had a lot of fun with this one! Let me know what you think!