A Good Start

I use several reference photos with different elements I want

I made a good start to my "Kettle Korn" painting today. I've been collecting reference photos since last week when the inspiration struck me. I could just see my dad carrying that oversized bag and smiling with his blue eyes. He makes a good model, and follows instruction very well. He seems to understand that I have something in my head that I am trying to re-create on paper, so he plays along. I love my Dad for understanding me!
At this point in the drawing, though, I have to forget who I'm studying and concentrate on the expression I am trying to convey. The word "MIRTH" is in my head. I will keep drawing the eyes until I get them looking out at me the way I want. I am drawing this part right onto the paper, because I found that if I "get it right" on the transfer paper, it is difficult to get the same result when I transfer it to the watercolor paper. I have to be careful erasing, so I don't rough up the surface of the paper. I am using a soft white eraser, very gently as I draw. I use several reference photos with different elements I want: eyes, hands, main composition. Hopefully, it will all come together to make a fun character portrait!
It is also difficult for me, as someone who likes to pencil sketch, not to put too much graphite on the watercolor paper. I tend to want to fill in and blend, but this would muddy the transparent watercolor. So, I am just trying to get a good line drawing at this point.

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