Ghost Candle

[USA]

Just started drawing. Need help with EVERYTHING. This pencil drawing done from a candle I set on my desk. Comments needed.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-May-2003/8237-Ghostlycandel.gif

www.mybrushwork.com

[lisilk]

I like the basic drawing. I think you need to follow your light source. Since the candle is lit, radiate the highest lights up and out from that, go darkest at the bottom and outside wall.

On the candle itself....well think of being a kid when you turn the lights out and turned the flashlight on your own face from above. The light would only hit the most obtrusive features ( brow, eyebrows, nose, etc., ) and lessen as you go down.

Hope that helps a little.

Cheers,

Li

[lisilk]

Me again. Do you have a digital camera ? Take a picture of a lit, bumpy candle ( if that's an imaginative one you are drawing ) with the lights out and maybe a little light from another room. That might help as well.

Li

[USA]

Li,
Thanks a lot for the suggestions. Yeah, I have 3 lights actually. One on the ceiling in my room, one over my drawing, and another next to the candle. Is is best for still lifes to sit in a dark room, with 2 lights, one on the subject and the other over your drawing?

TIA,
www.mybrushwork.com

[lisilk]

Hi,

Of course you need good lighting for drawing. I just meant that it might help you understand the lightening and shadows on the candle if you could observe it in a darker place. Keep us posted.

Li

[USA]

Thanks,
for the lighting suggestions. We'll do.
www.mybrushwork.com

[Bendaini]

Basic design is good. Its an interesting candle (this is a real candle you actually have????)

I think the thing you need to start with is the lines.... your candle is tilted, and its the lines that are throwing off the perspective of the whole candle.

Look at drawing below. I would suggest you lightly sketch in the basic shape of the candle base, then add the figures tothe outside of that....

[sassybird]

You have been given some good advice on the perspective, and the light and shadow effects that candles give off. Here is a link to an article that I believe will help you.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Articles2/6561/299/

[lisilk]

On a side note....just checked out your website. Beautiful landscapes !!! Esp. taken with " Winter's Eve" and " Hollow." Bravo ! :clap:

Li