whew! Some pressure involved but I got it done! This is my submission for the Portrait Pencil Art heroes contest. Even if I could have managed to submitt two drawings, I would never have. This is my one and only hero. Leona Hillman, aged 78, mother of 5 natural children, and 35 foster children during those years. And then came me. My beautiful grandmother is less a grandmother then she is a mother to me. She is all that I shall ever strive to be, and in these declining years, while it pains me to watch that woman slip away, set firmly in my mind are her words. She took no bull, she handed none out. She taught me lessons of compassion, empathy, respect honesty, insight and how to look to myself for the strength I needed to grow into a 'good person'. I only hope that I've done her proud. She is my best friend, my mother and my hero. The wisest woman I have ever met, and also one that never fails to make me smile or laugh. (She's a hoot too!)
My humble pencil can hardly do her justice, as I struggled to ensure that her essence was captured truly, and had to put the pad away when I became emotional. Most of all, when life gets rough and the path seems filled with obsticles, with a few words she can set me straight again. Her wisdom sets aside the clutter and reminds me of what is important in life. Love and Happiness. This is my hero.

The progression for this piece can be found here: My Hero-Progression
This piece featured in the News by ~Keijunlilja


A little history....
Years and years back, I attempted a portrait of my grandmother and grandfather. I drew both, but sadly poor grampa came out looking way too female. (I should try it again, really) I was having issues at that time with drawing masculine figures.
So I settled for drawing Gramma. Looking at it now, it is a rather childish attempt, but she always said, if only she were as beautiful as I thought she was. She proudly displays my effort in a frame on her side table in her living room. I am touched she shows such love and pride, but I am also somewhat embarrassed when she shows it off. I wish it were as good as she feels it is!

Fast forward ten years, and hosts a heroes contest and most forward in my mind is my Gramma, who is ever and always my grandmother. This is my tribute to my grandmother, the strongest, warmest and most beautiful woman I know. Maybe...she'll put that other one away and show this one off! *hopes!*

I love you Gramma.