Moria: Initial Drawing

Initial drawing in raw umber. I don't always use this method, especially for plein air work, where I try to use a colorist approach and complete the painting "alla prima" since the light changes so quickly, and I try to get the color and value correct as quickly as possible. Starting with a monochrome wash-in allows me to concentrate first on the drawing, which is 90% of portraiture - if it doesn't look like the person, in my opinion, you shouldn't be doing portraits! My teachers have said I have a gift for likeness.