Portrait Studies

When passing through Charing Cross, I'm drawn again and again for a quick wander through the National Portrait Gallery. Each time I'm stuck by new details: a bit of lace, a great big mad wig, a devious expression on a face... even just a short visit get s my imagination going.

In Room 21 (what I can the Victorian Zone), there's a flock of black portrait busts arrayed on one wall. With impressive titles, and especially fine examples of creative facial hair, these gents struck my fancy for a little sketching.







Result: studies of the busts of Tennyson and the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, (and a little 10 second study of a greatly bearded bust.)












Earl of Shaftesbury portrait bust sketch.




Tennyson portrait bust sketch.