Mexican Lady

It was either two or three years ago that we visited some friends in a village outside of Guadalajara, called Ajijic. It is a beautiful place beside a large lake, and full of culture and history. Our friends took us into the heart of the village where the shops are, and outside the grocery store was this lady, sitting on the hard cold concrete, "begging". My friend had befriended this lady, who was really very sweet. She allowed me to take her picture (for a little bit of money). It was so very bright that she had her eyes squinted, but she had a big smile for the camera. I knew I wanted to paint this picture, but since I have begun pencil portraits, I decided I'd like to try her in graphite first. I have really just begun this picture, so will show you the finished results when she is fully rendered.