I've finished the layout work on the large commission I've been writing about and today will start the fun part...developing the shadows and highlights that make the drawing come to life.

(my photo reference)

The subject of this commission is Abraham Lincoln...so there isn't a lot of creativity involved except for my chosen composition and of course the infusion of my "style" into the drawing.

Abraham Lincoln was born on Feb. 12, in 1809.  Illinois will be celebrating Lincoln's 200th birthday all next year and of course my home town of Lincoln and our local college, "Lincoln College" (what else!), will be celebrating big time.

This piece was commissioned by a patron of Lincoln College to be donated to their Lincoln Museum. It's been quite an honor to be asked to do this commission, but with the short time line for completion (August 19) it puts me under considerable pressure to produce.

Historically, I work well under pressure...in fact, I've even been known to thrive when the pressure is on. I just pray that this proves true in this instance!

Well I'm off to the drawing board, will try to find time to give you a progress report next week... perhaps with a photo or two if I have time to pause for a "snap".

Enjoy the weekend...do something special for yourself.