A Challenge ... in so many ways!

To test my analytical and interpretation skills, I chose a beautiful oil painting from 1879 by Sir Frederic Leighton (an English painter and sculptor) for my study.

Since I worked with graphite pencils, examining the nuances in value became the priority.  To make it my own, I changed the facial features just slightly. I think it turned out ok.
I now have a better understanding of why Sir Leighton is Sir Leighton. :)

Realizing what could be achieved and what needed improvement, I called this one done.

Anticipating the arrival of spring, I will now take a break from portraits.