I tried to do this pencil work in a classical way with subtle gradations. This was after a many years' gap. Took a lot of my time and tested my patience. This is romantic imagery – restrained and elegant. Afterwards, I took the help of Picasa to slightly soften the skin, increase the moonlit backdrop and improve the contrasts. I did the drawing on smooth 9"x12" Strathmore drawing paper.

'Soft midnight wraps her quiet frame,
Thoughts drift like tides beneath the moon.
Between the hush of leaf and flame,
She breathes a tender, wordless tune.'

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Sketching & Detailing • Graphite pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
Blending & Soft Edges • Blending stumps (tortillons). Soft cotton pad
Highlights & Corrections • Kneaded eraser (for lifting soft light)
Depth & Background • Soft charcoal pencil
Fixative -spray