Laura's Birthday Portrait

I know this technically isn't comic art, but I'm so proud of this sketch I had to post it. This is a 9 x 12" illustration of my best friend which I gave her for her 25th birtthday. Since Laura's going to be a teacher, I felt that would be a great idea to indicate that's the road she's on (which I hope to be soon). This took graphic leads from 6H to 3B, but for the writing on the blackboard, I applied a white marker. I'm especially proud of the smile since it's the first open-mouthed smile I've done pencil portrait style, and how the hair in the sketch mirrored the style she had the day I gave this to her. All of that, however, pales to the feeling of accomplishment that I got when she welled up upon seeing this. Happy birthday, Schoolgirl.