A close-up of of my process. I started with a really light sketch to get the basic shape, and then gradually add layers of shading for texture and depth.

Two of the best to ever do it! Richard Sherman and Kam Chancellor! Working my way through Sherman’s jersey. So many tiny details within the various textures including the hair, skin, jersey, etc.

Working on Kam Chancellor. The angle of the lettering on the back of his jersey has been pretty challenging. It’s such a sharp angle that the letters are distorted, and my brain wants to draw them one way (to look like letters) but I’m trying my hardest to draw exactly what I see.

I’ve never drawn dreads before. Proud that Richard Sherman’s are my first! 🙂 The hair is deceivingly intricate – especially with the intense lighting. Had to study them for a while to ensure I could capture the correct texture. Still need to go back and add darker shades to give them greater depth and a heightened level of detail.

Adding the first layer of shading to Richard Sherman’s helmet. Similar to painting, I like to build up layers of gradations to give the piece a more realistic look and feel.

Finished with Tye Smith. I think I’ll start on Richard Sherman next…

Just about finished with Earl Thomas. Pretty happy with how he turned out, all things considered. Started drawing our newest #LOB member Tye Smith. Excited to have him on our squad!

Just started drawing Earl Thomas. In the original version of this pic, he is not in this location (he’s in the back and you can’t really see him so I moved him to the front). I have to freestyle most of him since there’s no image to look at and see how the shadows hit his name, numbers, etc. He will literally make or break the piece so I hope I can pull it off!

I approach my drawings like a painting in which I build up layers of shades to get a more realistic look and feel. For @earl, this is basically the first layer.

Capturing the essence of the texture is critical to making the piece come to life. From the jersey, to the sleeves, and now the skin: each has its own unique “feel” and if I can’t accurately draw each texture then the drawing will appear flat, static and without life.

Pretty much got the helmet dialed in. It’s amazing how many subtle shades and reflections there are on the helmet. Tried to capture them all the all to make the piece more “real”.

Making a little progress on the Seahawks LOB drawing. There are eight players in this piece so it’s definitely going to take a while.