1950s lady

So while I was looking for new fonts I came across this great font site and also has stock photography:  Tackorama.  I downloaded about 500 photos from the 50's that are pretty hilarious.  Women smiling holding glasses, talking, crying, reading, you name it.  There's one of a happy woman holding a jar of what looks like pickled eggs.  I was totally inspired to draw them and thought I'd try greying them in. It was a nice change from concentrating on colours.   I wasn't going for a straight caricature but used the photo as a jumping off point.  I have a few more I want to finish so that'll be on my plate for a while.

I really liked her expression....

First I just did quick sketches of a bunch of my favourites to see what jumped out at me.  I saw potential in this one...

Then I spent some more time redrawing her pose.  Funny how sometimes you can draw something and then think "Did I do that?" (in a good way).  Feels like my style is on the verge of changing.  "On the edge of the bubble about to break through" is what we said in college.

It took about 2 hours to grey her in with Illustrator.  Again, did I do this?  I do love my vectors.  I'm hoping to get faster doing this and better at likenesses.  Plus a little practise just drawing like this never hurt.  I know I should probably draw more men and kids and objects but it's just so enjoyable doing a cute lady!