The Second Annual Great WC! Holiday Portrait Swap! Post your work & wips here!!!

[Anda G]

Here is my update on Nora. I think she is starting to come out of there. :) I put a lot of 6b charcoal on an blended with a stump thingy. The eye still looks wierd. Comments would be welcome.
Andagail :wave:

[ottwork]

Mark - I love what you are doing with Mr. Rimbaud - fantastic crop...I can't wait to see it finished!


Here is Candle in acrylic - still a WIP at this point. As I look at the picture on the monitor, I see that her left eye (our right) got a little tilted up on the outside edge, so I'll have to fix that. I need to go back to the skin tones again, too - I've lost count of how many layers I've got on this so far! Bear with me, all - this is only my second acrylic portrait! :D

Okay - seeing them side by side, I can see a lot of problems - sigh...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Nov-2005/64088-Candle_in_acrylic_1.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Nov-2005/64088-SelfPortraitresized.jpg
Thanks for lookin'!

[Mark_xiii]

Once again, thanks for the positive comments :)

Nora - There will be grey hairs in the beard, I think they're one of the key features that make Dave look like Dave, but I'll be painting them in, currently they're just white paper. The beard and hair will be one of the last things to be refined.

Lauren - Gouache can be tricky. On one hand it's not a very forgiving medium, on the other, it's opaque so you can easily paint over any errors. I've sent my letter to Santa asking for some oils, I really want to try my hand at them.

[shells]

Thanks Leah! I'm still not done though and will be having another go. I'd hate to be the only one to put in a shoddy piece of work here and everyone else is doing so well. I think I needed some time off, as I was trying too hard and as with all things, when you try too hard you never get it right. So I'll be sending you something soon... hopefully before the last date!

[Anita Murphy]

Jay - Outstanding!!!! And thank you for the WIP!

Andagail - this is looking better and better!!!!

Diahn - great start!

[Lauren F-M]

Andagail -- your drawing of Nora is really looking great! I can't see any problems with the eyes -- but if you could post a detail shot of them, that would help. From the picture you show, the eyes look fine to me. I think her left shoulder (right side in drawing) is a bit high; shoulder & the line across that disappears into the hair. I checked the photo, and the shoulders should be at an even level -- her right shoulder is good. Otherwise, it's a great likeness, and I love the hair!

Diahn -- your acrylic of Candle looks great -- you've really captured something that is 'her.' Wondering what your plans are for the background.

Jay -- thanks for popping in to show us your Cavelier -- why don't you post it, with the WIP shots, on the November Gallery in the Portraiture forum. You'll get more feedback there, and I know it will be enjoyed.

Cheers, Lauren :wave:

[jocelynsart]

Hey, some great new work!

Andagail, I did not want to comment towards any techy stuff but you are askin'... so

The eye is fine except, bring that angled down lower rim up more horizontal, cutting across and over up into the tear duct. At the moment, the only thing that is causing it to be off is that angled down right side of the eye on our left, the bottom rim. Correct it's path, curving around and over the eyeball into the corner where the duct is, and it'll be perfect.

Nora is a very inspiring subject, she has a great face! :-)

Worked on Lauren this morn and will post some progress later. I wish I could have done it larger and on canvas but right after I signed up, things got busy again.

Jocelyn

[dollardays]

Here is my update on Nora. I think she is starting to come out of there. :) I put a lot of 6b charcoal on an blended with a stump thingy. The eye still looks wierd. Comments would be welcome.
Andagail :wave:

It's really looking good Anda. I am a little cross-eyed - that's probably what's throwing you off. Not really cross-eyed- just one eye tends to wander. More noticeable when I am tired I think.
I think my hair looks a bit stringy- like it needs washed though. Could you clean that up a bit? :cat: :evil:

[Dea]

Hello All,
Here is my painting of Striver so far, I think the face is mostly finished. I need to do some more work on the hand and shirt and maybe the background. The photo is a bit blurry because the light wasn't too good when I took it.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Nov-2005/40985-Roll_99_-_5.JPG
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Nov-2005/40985-les.JPG

[ottwork]

Diahn -- your acrylic of Candle looks great -- you've really captured something that is 'her.' Wondering what your plans are for the background.



:D I'm wondering the same thing :D

[rimbauds shop]

Hi

Finally got round to putting some paint on the canvas...
Here it its...give it a couple of days and I'll get back to it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Nov-2005/57264-Mark5.JPG

Mark... Your painting just gets better.

Some really nice work here, but (other than with Mark ) I won't embarrass you by pointing out my favourites. There are some real goodies in this thread.

[Anita Murphy]

Dea - OUTSTANDING!!!

Rimbauds shop - great stuff going on here - love the colours!

[Mark_xiii]

Cracking start, Dave! I've been looking forward to seeing the paint go on :D

[Lauren F-M]

Dea -- your portrait of Les is wonderful! I love it -- it shows his character so well. :clap: :clap: Is it in pastel?

Dave/ rimbauds shop -- What a wonderful start in paints. So strong, even in the underpainting. This is going to be one strong and skillful portrait. Looking forward to what's yet to come! :clap: :clap:

Cheers, Lauren :wave:

[jocelynsart]

Dea and Rimbaud, those are looking fantastic!

Ok, here is my start. Still about 1/2 to go. I liked this pose too Lauren! You have great bone structure so I don't want to mess up those cheeks and overwork them, lol!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Nov-2005/8354-laurens.jpg

[Anda G]

Hi, all. Thanks for the technical help, Jocelyn. I will work on that eye. I need to imagine a round eyeball in there. :D I love your start on Lauren. I love that hair.

All the portraits in this thread are so good.

Nora, I will wash your hair for you. :p I usually have to work harder on eyes, but I usually get them in the end. It used to be noses. :)

Andagail :wave:

[cascadeoflove]

Its really great to see the works of great maestros here. Very soon I am also going to share my WIP *portratit* with you all.

Jocelynsart! the portrait in monochrome looks great. Nice pose selected.

[cascadeoflove]

Yeah! "I got my Paint brush"

Dea! What a different pose you have selected. Nice Pallete i must say. I can imagine what this portrait will look after the completion of Shirt and BG part.

[Lauren F-M]

Ok, here is my start. Still about 1/2 to go. I liked this pose too Lauren! You have great bone structure so I don't want to mess up those cheeks and overwork them, lol!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Nov-2005/8354-laurens.jpg

Wow! She sure looks familiar!
Jocelyn -- This portrait is really coming along nicely -- I love my hair! Glad you like my bone structure -- this is sure a boost for my ego. Better than a make-over!

I plan on working on your portrait today -- trying to get other things done so I can spend time in my studio without guilt!

(would have put some Smilies in, but my geriatric computer isn't cooperating.)

Cheers, Lauren

[Striver]

Have to rush out so a quick look, suddenly realised not been getting emails from this link so searched for it. Who is that handsome chap you painted DEA, my sad offerring is being colored this week so wait awhile. Every one been busy and I have been missing out, who said life is fair anyway, still good to have alink back , I Hope.
Les

[ottwork]

Okay - I just gessoed over my first "Candle". Direct painting just wasn't working for me!!! I headed over to Acrylics, where Nitsa is teaching a portrait class, and sat in on the lessons - decided to try an underpainting first. This one still has some problems, but I can definitely see improvement! The nose is SO much better - her left eye (our right) is a little off, but it is still fixable! Now, to figure out how to make her skin look good...she's got such pretty skin!

12x16 acrylic on canvas board

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Nov-2005/64088-Candle_take_2_underpainting.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Nov-2005/64088-SelfPortraitresized1.jpg

Ooh - I can see it now - her eye is a little too big, and they look like they are gazing off to the left...hmmm I CAN do it...:D

BBL

[Studio224]

While I have been drawing my commission (almost finished) I had to stop working on Yabby, and this thread has been growing and growing... I have read all the thread and marvelled at the works presented here. They are so good and so reflective of each artist, it's wonderful!!!! As soon as I finish my commission, I'lll give Yabby all my attention again!!!!

[Cntrymouse]

This has sure been a challenge for me! But I think I am finally done with Janet's portrait! There are things I would do differently next time ... especially in her shirt! I hope Janet likes it! All C&C's welcome. Janet ... I am glad you noticed the cross! I would never have left it out! I also wear one and it means the world to me too.http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Nov-2005/1530-janetsmdone.jpg I am so impressed with everyone's work! It is so interesting to see the WIPs and the varied styles and mediums! This has been fun and a great learning experience! I hope to comment more on each piece ... now that I can relax and feel I am done!

[Striver]

Carolyn
Nice one, such a high standard here certainly making me strive. Is it Oil?
Les

[ottwork]

Carolyn - Beautiful!! I'm sure Janet will be very pleased. :clap:

Here's an update on Candle - I've worked on her hair (the yellow will be toned down in the final), fixed her eye (I hope) and started the flesh color glazes on her face and neck. Any C&C at this point would be greatly appreciated!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Nov-2005/64088-Candle_starting_flesh_glaze.JPG

[rimbauds shop]

Hi All...more nice paintings and drawings since I last checked in...Ottwork..I just want to say I'm very impressed at the improvement in your reworking...everything works that little bit better...and the likeness is much stronger. Good (and brave ) move on the decision to redo it. :clap:

Sorry to say I'm in a rush again...so I'll post the next stage...

Here we go.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Nov-2005/57264-Mark6.JPG

You might like to know that Mrs Shop has become a keen lurker on this thread...she's mightly impressed with everyone (Mark xiii, you'll be unsurprised to hear, holding the top spot as her firm favourite).

[Anda G]

Hi. I'm just popping in to show what I am doing. I erased some on the face. I am making adjustments as I go.
I caught a few of the other portraits here. SO GOOD! :clap:

I erased some problem areas of the eye so I can start to fix it. I am following what Jocelyn told me. :D I hope I spelled her name right.

I'm adding more to the hair and will blend. I think that will effectively "wash" it. :p I am using that putty eraser a LOT.
See ya,
Andagail

[ottwork]

Hi All...more nice paintings and drawings since I last checked in...Ottwork..I just want to say I'm very impressed at the improvement in your reworking...everything works that little bit better...and the likeness is much stronger. Good (and brave ) move on the decision to redo it. :clap:



Thank you, Mr. Shop. Sometimes the best fix is just to throw it out and start again - it only increases the number of portraits, and thus the experience! I'm just hoping that the rest goes well!

I'm loving what you are doing with Mark xiii's portrait - looks great so far!! :clap: back to you!

[Mark_xiii]

Diahn - That's coming along really well! Glad you mentioned muting that yellow hair because it's very bright, especially against those gorgeous purple skin tones, but the hair itself has great form. Keep up the good work.

Dave - Wonderful colours! It's no secret that I'm a fan of bold colour schemes, so I'm well impressed so far! Looking forward to see how you work the hair...

I've had zero time this week to work on paintings so I'm afraid Mrs Shop will have to continue hold her breath for a while ;) - I'm glad she likes it though.

I wish I had time to comment on everyone, but I've got to dash...

[ottwork]

Thanks Mark iii! It's coming along - I've not dealt with the hair again yet, but here is an update on the skin tones - I've added some more layers of color, so she doesn't look quite like a purple alien anymore :p !


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Nov-2005/64088-Candle_flesh_glaze_2.jpg

I've started losing some of my darks, so I'm going to have to go back in and correct that. Off to paint!:D

[jhercilia]

Anda, Diahn - very good portraits.

Rimbauds - Mark is coming to life!

Carolyn - you did awesome with me! Thanks. Love the necklace and cross. It looks so real. Thanks again.

[Striver]

Dea, time problems this week to finish yours, and now the grand children are coming for w/e so painting is a no no.Looks like nxt wed/thrs before I have time to finish all being well. Life certainly gets in the way does it not.
Mark xiii, what area of Cardiff are you, I was born and lived there most of my life.
Cheers
Les

[rimbauds shop]

Well...managed to squeeze in a couple more hours painting tonight. Still got loads to do (sort out nose, sort out eyes...etc...etc).
Anyway...the next bit

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Nov-2005/57264-mark7JPG.jpg

[terence p]

It's been a week or so since I had a chance to check in. Very very impressive work done. What a great idea this was.

[Mark_xiii]

Les - Life really does get in the way! I know the feeling. I've been working flat out all week and I'm going to London at the weekend, so no painting for me either... :( I moved to Caerphilly from Southampton in August, it's such a beautiful area and still plenty to explore! It almost makes me want to paint landscapes, almost ;) (Although I guess New Zealand is even more impressive!)

Dave - At this rate you'll be finished before me! It's got to be the first time I've enjoyed looking at my own mug! :clap:

[Striver]

Dave, No shortage of landscape subjects where you are apart from the castle and mountain. Was posted to Southampton when in the Army, no doubt all very changed now over the many years.
Enjoy
Les

[rimbauds shop]

Les...I think you might have meant Mark...I'm Dave...But as we're talking "places I've lived" I had to pipe up and say that I spent some of my childhood living in New Zealand...including a spell in Auckland...as well as in Wellington and even a year or so living on a bus that we toured up and down the North Island in. Sadly never made it to the South Island :crying:

And...my Mum lived in Carphilly for a short while...but that was on a notoriously bad estate and was rather grim.

[Striver]

Apologies Mark & Dave, its now 4am, been up a while and sleepy I guess.
There you are, it's nice to travel, Stayed overnight somewhere in Northampton, spend many week ends in above Peterborough Airfield in another life.
Bed time
Les

[Mark_xiii]

Yes, Caerphilly is close to so much breathtaking scenery and the castle is just gorgeous... I was there yesterday when the sun was setting, I really needed my camera! Sure, there are some grim estates, but every town has them.

Southampton has changed a lot since the war, it changed a lot in the 7 years I lived there too!

I've done a fair amount of work in Northampton but sadly I've never been to New Zealand.

Dave, no sorry, Mark.

[ottwork]

Mr. Shop - your portrait of Mark is coming along brilliantly! I'm looking forward to seeing you pull it all together!

[jocelynsart]

I agree, love that portrait!

[Lauren F-M]

Wow!! What a neato surprise to see my drawing of Jocelyn as her avatar! I am touched! :clap: :clap: :eek:

Actually, I started the watercolour final version of my Jocelyn-portrait yesterday, and worked on it today as well. Took a bunch of WIP shots with the digi camera, and will hopefully post them up on here this weekend. Still a fair bit to do on it.

The reason I say 'hopefully' is that our computer is not cooperating again, so I might have some problems. I'll be optomistic, though! :D

Meanwhile, I'll need to come back later and catch up on all the latest work from others on here -- tonight or tomorrow morning.

See ya!
Lauren :wave:

[jocelynsart]

Hi Lauren: Oh, I just love that drawing! It is so funny how you got my gaze so precisely! And the lip, it is just so exactly how it looks. You took out my miserable sort of look though and I look less tired, which is so nice! Thank you for your wonderful drawing of me.

I hopefully will get yours moving more this weekend. I can work real early early in the morns, before the kids are up. Figures, right after this and going back to work, commissions then come in. Nice but life always seems to be that way. lol

[Lauren F-M]

Hi Lauren: Oh, I just love that drawing! It is so funny how you got my gaze so precisely! And the lip, it is just so exactly how it looks. You took out my miserable sort of look though and I look less tired, which is so nice! Thank you for your wonderful drawing of me.

I hopefully will get yours moving more this weekend. I can work real early early in the morns, before the kids are up. Figures, right after this and going back to work, commissions then come in. Nice but life always seems to be that way. lol

Jocelyn --
I hope I've kept the parts you like in the final colour version. I found your look as an 'in deep thought' look, and am trying to portray the pensiveness of it.
It can be hard to keep the freshness of a sketch in a finished painting, I find. Drawing has always be so immediate for me. Watercolour can be that way, but it's different.
Anyway -- hope to post up what I've done on Saturday or Sunday, and then you can all let me know what you think. The scary thing about watercolour is that it's hard or impossible to get back the lights once they are gone, and to keep it fresh-looking without overworking it, when trying to fix things.
Cheers,
Lauren :wave:

[rimbauds shop]

OK....here we go again with another update...I only paint a little each evening so this is coming together very slowly indeed.

Tell me to stop if you're getting bored :D

Right...here we go.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Nov-2005/57264-Mark8.jpg

The light this was photographed in makes it all a little yellower than it actually is.

Just the hair, background and some (lots of?) tweaks left really

[Mark_xiii]

Wonderful! I've never looked so good.

A couple of niggles; There's just a touch too much shadow on the lower right (my left) cheek, it appears to receed a bit to much, maybe a tone or two lighter and a slightly softer edge would match it to the left (my right [there really must be a convention for describing this sort of thing]) side. I have to say though, I love to colours in the upper half of that section!

Other gripe is the left (my right [see, same problem again!]) pupil is a fraction too far right... But you've captured my "really should be wearing my glasses right now" stare perfectly!

...and great work on the jacket & jumper.

So not bored of this!

[Lauren F-M]

Wow, Dave/Rimbauds Shop -- your portrait of Mark is looking mighty good! And that pose looks so strong and kind of monumental, looking up at the face. You and Mark are well paired; you are both awesome artists! :clap:

Meanwhile, I've been working on my watercolour portrait of Jocelyn, and have some WIP shots. The size is 8-3/4" H x 6-1/4" W, and it's on Arches 2000 140 lb. cold press watercolour paper.

I tried to keep track of how long it took me, but lost track after the first two WIP shots.
#1 is after 1-1/2 hours; #2 is 1/2 hour more.

I'll post the WIP shots over two posts -- first 4 here. Most are taken with the digital camera using artificial light, so the colour is a bit off.

All C's & C's welcome!

Cheers, Lauren :wave:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Nov-2005/20772-Joc_001_wcp.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Nov-2005/20772-Joc_002_wcp.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Nov-2005/20772-Joc_003_wcp.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Nov-2005/20772-Joc_004_wcp.jpg

[Lauren F-M]

..... continuing on with the WIP pics of my Jocelyn portrait.....

About my palette -- it's not limited, but is rather a mish-mash mix of various brands of artist-quality watercolours that I've collected over the years, in tubs, and in tube; I squish out the tubes on to portable palettes, but my sytem takes up a lot of space and isn't very efficient.

So, trying to figure out what actual colours I've been using is a bit of a task. For the skin, I mostly use an English Red , some Burnt Sienna, and various reds like Crimson Lake. I do shadows with Sepias (I have a few different ones), Payne's Grey and Grumbacher's Natural Mineral.

Getting Jocelyn's hair colour was a bit of a challenge, but I love the colour and have a good range of Winsor & Newton paints that I recently picked up to use for painting a particular iris that grows in my garden (called 'Change of Pace') that work well for that shade of hair colour. So, I started with English Red for the light part, and used Caput Mortuum Violet and Perylene Maroon, with the Sepia, Payne's Grey and Natural Mineral for darkening. The First 3 reds are very opaque, so darkening them was a bit of a challenge.

Anyway -- here are the rest of the WIP shots, up to where I am now, with a detail shot.

Cheers, Lauren :wave:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Nov-2005/20772-Joc_005_wcp.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Nov-2005/20772-Joc_006_wcp.jpg
Taken in natural light:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Nov-2005/20772-Joc_008_wcp.jpg
Detail:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Nov-2005/20772-Joc_009_wcp.jpg

[Anita Murphy]

Lauren - this is SUPER. Thank you for the WIPs and your palette. great to see!

[Mark_xiii]

Strong and monumental?! I've been called many things in my time, but never THAT! You've made my day lol ...and "awesome" in the same breath? Where's my pen? I gotta write this down! But yes, I am very pleased Dave and I were paired up, I've learned a lot seeing him carve out my monument (sorry, I just had to remind myself of that again!) from sketches to where it is now!

Anyway, you're pretty awesome yourself, watercolours are not easy toys to play with. Jocelyn is really glowing! I was a bit distracted by the green stripes on the b/g before the hair went in, but I'm over that now :)

Nice to hear your palette, but I'm jealous of the range of colours available in watercolour! You're not the only one with tubes of paint all squeezed out everywhere... The beauty of gouache is that you can squidge out nice thick paint from the tube and use it 'fresh', but when the lump has dried you can use it like a pan watercolour, because gouache can be re-wetted over and over. 'Dave' is currently occupying two cheapo white china dinner plates covered in blobs and dried lakes of various colours (sorry, Dave!).

[jocelynsart]

Oh Lauren, it looks great! I thank you for all your time and hard work in this!!! I love seeing the stages, particularly, because some of the stages make great finished portraits in themselves. Image 2 and 3 are great little studies! My hair is hard to paint because of the waves and layers. I have trouble with that type of hair in portraits.

The skin tones are perfect. I have ivoryish skin, bordering on yellow or sallow (in winter especially). My tanned skin is always yellow based as opposed ot red based. Neat hearing all these pigments, many I have never used personally. Nice to know and see some results of other's palettes that differ from my own.

Jocelyn

[Samseb]

Here is my portrait buddy, Amaranth. The drawing looks a little (not much) better IRL. It's my first attempt at a portrait using Derwent drawing pencils on Strathmore 400 paper. I would really appreciate any counsel that any one can give regarding sharpening these pencils. I couldn't seem to get them very sharp. My drawing doesn't look quite as grainy as it does in the scan. I'd appreciate any guidance that anyone can give regarding improvements.

Amaranth, Hope this isn't too awful! I enjoyed working on this and I am totally in awe of everyone's work.

[Striver]

Samseb
Hey that looks good to me, as good a start as any.
Les

[jocelynsart]

I rather like that drawing Samseb. It is very lovely and I think it looks like her alot. Her eyes are dark in a bit of shadow in the reference and you really brought them out.

Here is where I am with my partner's, Lauren FM. I have her about 1/2 way there.

I hope you like it Lauren. :-)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Nov-2005/8354-laurenhalfdone.jpg

[Lauren F-M]

Here is my portrait buddy, Amaranth. The drawing looks a little (not much) better IRL. It's my first attempt at a portrait using Derwent drawing pencils on Strathmore 400 paper. I would really appreciate any counsel that any one can give regarding sharpening these pencils. I couldn't seem to get them very sharp. My drawing doesn't look quite as grainy as it does in the scan. I'd appreciate any guidance that anyone can give regarding improvements.


Samseb,

You've got a wonderful start here! My advice would be to even out the eyes a bit more. Her left eye is larger than her right. Looking at the photo -- which also has a great deal of shadow in the eyes -- I can see how that happened. Her left eye (on the viewer's right) is probably the best, and the other eye can be made larger by carving a bit off the eyelid to add to the eye.

As for advice about how to sharpen your pencils -- I find that using a good little hand-sharpener (as opposed to one of those wall-mounted contraptions or the powered kind) is easiest on the pencils and gives more control, esp. those with a variety of sharpener holes. Also, using an x-acto knife to sharpen, and/or some medium-fine sandpaper to taper the tip work well.

I'm looking forward to seeing your progress -- she is a lovely subject! :D

Cheers, Lauren :wave:

[Striver]

Jocelynsart Interesting to watch the progress, professional of course
Les

[Lauren F-M]

Jocelyn -- you've got such a wonderful, wateryness with those watercolours. Fluid and free!
I love the eyes - so moist and expressive! You've got me in the eyes, nose and hair! There's definitely me-ness in the rest, too. It is weird for me to see a portrait of myself.
Glad to see I'm is such capable and talented hands. Looking forward to seeing what you do next!

Cheers, Lauren

[jocelynsart]

Thanks Laurie.

Yeah, I know, I tend to romanticize faces somewhat in some cases. Alot of my recent portraits for fun have been the type where I am working more freely and not concentrating on likeness. Probably I was treating yours subconciously the same way! lol! I am trying to correct the likeness now but not overwork the painted surface. It seems to be going well. Hopefully I can get an image up for you today.

I showed my husband the one you did of me. I had to explain the whole thing to him lol! He said, "yup, looks like you" :-) The kids thought so too. I really liked it so far. Thank you.

Jocelyn

[jhercilia]

Samseb - the portrait is very good. I would just darken the hair a bit on the sides because it's in shadow, and add some pinkish colors to the face. Looks great though.

I sharpen my pencils with an electrical sharpner and from time to time I sharpen graphite on it. This will extend the the life of the blades that can get worn out quickly with colored pencils.

[jocelynsart]

Ok, hopefully I have the likeness a little more on. I scrubbed back the jaw area and all the edges near the hair, to widen the face. I worked a bit on the eyes as well.

I am almost done. I am unsure if I will use a little pencil crayon in the background and such.

Jocelyn

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Nov-2005/8354-laurenredone.jpg

[cascadeoflove]

Jocelyn! This is beautiful. You have successfully achieved the Transperacy in your portrait. I wanna suggest one thing, Eyes don`t need anymore brush stroke. Little bit highlighting is needed on nose, lips, ears and eyebrows, and face is complete.

This is the toughest medium and you have hold on this medium. Congrats.

[amaranth]

oh my goodness karen, I love it! You did awesome! I haven't ever had anyone do a portrait of me before, and I'm all bubbly happy now! about the eyes, I think they're fine. funny thing is, someties my eyes do that, so it still looks just like me. I'll have to bring in your picture and scan it in. I hope you like yours<:|
oh and lauren, thank you for saying i'm lovely. that made me all bubbly too :D man today is turning out to be a good day!
THANK YOU HEAPS!
ebie

[jocelynsart]

Oh, thanks Jay. The nose I am going to leave as noses tend to not be the strongest highlight, something I used to always do. It does need a bit of scrub back in the fat back end of the nostril though. Yeah, the eyebrows could use some picking back to expose the underlaying skin tones, to suggest hairs more. Yeah, I think the face is almost done :-) I love wc, you can get very tight detail with very minimal laying in of paint. All the highlights are the white surface left clean or thinnly washed.

Jocelyn

[cascadeoflove]

Right Jocelyn :clap:

[jocelynsart]

Thanks again for your help Jay! I did scrub back some highlights in the lip too.

I have what I feel is a finished portrait.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Nov-2005/8354-lauriedone.jpg

[Mark_xiii]

Very very well done indeed! 'nuff said. :clap:

[alfredart]

Sorry Samseb, to get these pencils sharp... sharpen often. And even then they're so soft they aren't really sharp. Looks like you're off to a good start now push the Terracotta and Venetian Red. As you layer your colors the will get darker.

Peace,
AL

[rimbauds shop]

Hi All (yet again).

Mark...as it happens the cheek was on the tweak list ( for "tweak" read "rework" :D ) but I had decided to forget about the eyes until later...so your niggles helped to remind me that I should be paying attention to the whole thing rather than just the bit I'm working on...the eyes will get another review as this finishes (as will the rest).

Please let me know if your rather sharp eyes spot anything else...if I can change it I will....If it looks too difficult, I'll throw an artist's strop and insist that that's the way I WANT IT! :evil: :D

Anyway...here's stage wherever we've got to...I forget .

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Nov-2005/57264-Mark10small.JPG

Again...all a bit yellower than in the real world.

Jocelyn...fantastic water colour...the Monty Python Rabbit of paint. Looks harmless enough but should only be tackled by the brave (or foolish). Anyone that has this much control over Water Colours can have a piece of my admiration any day.

Which brings me nicely to Lauren...another top watercolour. I'm envious of you both. I think that there have been a number of great pairings in this thread and you guys are one of them.

Samseb...that's a fine drawing and a good likeness too. Good stuff all.

[Anita Murphy]

Jocelyn - I love your work and this is no exception! Lauren - you must be thrilled with this!

Samseb - watching interestedly as I rather like these pencils too. What a pretty girl you have to experiment on!

Rimbaud's Shop - I think this is SO cool. Heavy rocker, biker dude with serious attitude!

[jocelynsart]

Oh thanks very much Mr. Shop. Loved that movie. As kids, we used to set our alarm and get up in the night to watch it if it was on! lol

I really like the portrait of Mark, it is coming along great.

Thanks. I hope she will like it too.


Jocelyn

[Striver]

Jocelyn, looks great
Les

[Mark_xiii]

That's looking great Dave! The cheek is much better, less like I'm sucking lemons ;) To be honest, I'd call the face done and dusted (except the eye!). One of my major problems is knowing when to stop, I could just re-work, tweek and fiddle until I'm left with a brown puddle of... well, it wouldn't look like the subject! I'm also guilty of looking at the one section I'm working on and to hell with the rest. The computer helps with 'looking at the whole', I reduce it, flip it, rotate it, greyscale it, anything that stops me just looking at the bit I've just completed.

Back to yours, I don't wanna cause a hissy fit, but the hair could use a bit more volume... A few strategically placed highlights / dark darks will set it off nicely! Unless that's the way you want it of course ;)

I'm being put to shame... I haven't had chance to put brush to paper for days, in fact it's only about half an hour further on than my last post. I should be free of work by Thursday / Friday, then have a marathon session or three and have your portrait wrapped up by Sunday.

The Monty Python rabbit of paint LOL What an analogy! Mrs XIII hates Python so I don't get to watch it as often as I would like... She just doesn't understand the simple beauty of using coconuts for horses. But watercolours are definately more perilous than bed and breakfast at Castle Anthrax.

"Hard rockin' biker dude with attitude", that's going on the list with "Monumental"! Thanks Dave, you're making me look far cooler than I really am :D

[Studio224]

I stop coming here a few days... and there were 5 more thread pages to read!!!

Rimbauds shop impressive how you work!

Lauren, beautiful watercolor portait of Jocelyn!! And Jocelyn, beautiful watercolor also!!!

Samseb, your portrait of Amaranth is so delicate and gracious... Lovely!

Here is my portrait of Yabby finished at last... It's graphite. I had fun drawing him, I usually draw kids, it's only the third or fourth time I draw an adult.

[rimbauds shop]

Hi Mark...as it happens the hair is still ongoing...and indeed has some more of those highlights you were talking about...letting the dark bits thoroughly dry before adding those last pesky bits. I shall try to eak out the process until the very last day...if my bosses were to ever catch wind of that I am capable of completing a project ahead of deadline, I'd have to work harder than I do at present :D .

Mrs Shop actually quite likes Python so ... *pressing thumb to nose and wiggling fingers* ...ner ner ner ner ner.

Glad you think biker dude's are cool...(speaking as an ex-biker dude...if I ever catch the ragamuffins that torched my bike I shall reprimand them most severely) but what I really want to know is does Mrs XIII? I'm fretful now that this painting will end up living with your Monty Python DVDs :rolleyes:

Oh...and what's wrong with sucking lemons? Want scurvy do you?

[Lauren F-M]

Ok, hopefully I have the likeness a little more on. I scrubbed back the jaw area and all the edges near the hair, to widen the face. I worked a bit on the eyes as well.

I am almost done. I am unsure if I will use a little pencil crayon in the background and such.

Jocelyn

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Nov-2005/8354-laurenredone.jpg

Well, the 'surgery' went very well, Dr. Jocelyn! The widening of the face/jaw is right, and I am now more 'me'! And whatever anyone says, DON'T TOUCH THE NOSE! It looks like mine! :clap:

Now -- two things I notice that seem not too hard to adapt are the lip -- the top right rounded bit (what do you call that?? the bow?) is a bit bigger. If I had to compare my lips to anyone's it would be Joni Mitchell.

The other thing is the chin. You've got the right-hand edge of the chin -- on the profile -- dipping in. It doesn't do that so much -- the chin/jaw is stronger, I think. Hard to explain this stuff.
But, my husband really agreed with me about the changes being very good, and that now it is more me!! This is SO fun! :D

Sorry to give you more work, though. I will get back to your portrait in a few days; needed to give it a break, and also catch up on some other work 'must-do's' Funny how I just would rather paint and draw than do the 'must do' work. :wink2:

Dave/Rimbauds Shop -- lovely!! I am really enjoying watching your work progress. BTW, I like Monty Python a lot too... and Black Adder! :D

Cheers, Lauren :wave:

[artbabe21]

Lauren....my thanks for posting the stages of your excellent work. I so appreciate it! Gergeous painting!! :)

All the work here is outstanding!! You all rock! :)

[Anda G]

Here is my update of Nora. I worked on the eye, shading on the face, and I darkened the hair some. I need to go in and erase the eye a little on the upper lid. I am going to put more shadow on the shadow side...

rimbauds shop/ Dave: I love your painting of Mark. Bold.

Jocelyn, your painting of Lauren is so pretty. One day, I want to be able to get that looser style.

Everybody has such good work on here. :clap:

Comments are welcome and very helpful. :)
Thanks,
Andagail

[Studio224]

I just modified Yabby, after seeing on the monitor, I realized his left cheek was a little off, so with the help of other photos, I softened it a bit.

[Dea]

Just looking in, Wow! what a lot of excellent portraits :clap:
I haven't found time to finish mine yet (sorry Les) hopefully I will soon.
Deanna.

[jocelynsart]

Ok, great Lauren! I'll re-read the 2 little crits and make those adjustments. That's it! Joni Mitchel! Maybe that was what was nagging at me about your likeness. You reminded me of someone, the nose and mouth especially, and I could not place it. Sissy Spacek came to mind but it was not quite accurate.

I know what you mean about "have to do" and "want to do" stuff during the day lol! No rush Lauren, don't feel pressured to finsih.

I really like that portrait of Yabby!

Jocelyn

[Mark_xiii]

"have to do" and "want to do" stuff

Why, oh why does my "have to" list keep growing?! The deadline for this is the 28th, soon my "want to" will become a "have to", so I won't feel so guilty putting off the boring stuff :D That's my logic.

Mrs Shop actually quite likes Python so ... *pressing thumb to nose and wiggling fingers* ...ner ner ner ner ner.

Well, I have got her to watch horror movies recently, so I'll wait a while before trying her on the Python again. Anyway, behave. We'll have none of that childishness in here young man. :evil:

Glad you think biker dude's are cool...(speaking as an ex-biker dude...if I ever catch the ragamuffins that torched my bike I shall reprimand them most severely) but what I really want to know is does Mrs XIII?

More of a four wheel man myself (2.8i Capri, vvvvrrrrroooooom). They did what to your bike?? They'd have been better off stealing the bike so I couldn't catch the little ****ers. Was this recently?

As for Mrs XIII, yes, she does like biker dudes and monuments. Unfortunately she's stuck with me. But she does like the painting, actually she said to ask you if you could make me look a bit more like Brad Pitt, at the moment it's looking too much like me. I don't really know what she meant though.

[Striver]

Hello all
No problem Dea, in that spot myself, hope to have a few hours later today, also some tomorrow and that is my deadline. So much to do , so little time. The list increase as i get older.
Happy thankgiving all Americans
Cheers
Les

[Lauren F-M]

Andagail -- your portrait of Nora is looking quite lovely!

Anne-Claire -- also, a lovely graphite sketch of Yabby -- I just love the crop!

All the best to all the other busy portrait artists on here! :D

Oh -- and regarding all those WIP shots I posted; I want to thank my very patient husband, Jim, who does the scanning or digi downloading and prep work for those. :clap: :angel:

Cheers, Lauren :wave:

[Striver]

Hi all and especially Dea. :clap: Here is my humble offerring, time and experience now stops my efforts. Pleased to say I have stretched myself but any more and I shorly will muck it up. Do think there is more tweaking could be done but outside my limitations, so I prudently will stop here. Feel it's almost but not quite, do see parts I could alter, or start again might be better. Cant do that now. So Dea please accept as is. C&C most welcome especially if it's how to improve it.
Regards
Les :wave:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Nov-2005/8824-this_time_dea.jpg

[Mark_xiii]

Here's an update on Dave.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Nov-2005/40453-Dsmall.jpg

I think it's running away from me... I always have that feeling after completing a section. The work done in the last session always looks the worst. 99% of the time it looks fine when the next section is done (because that bit looks bad now), so I'm moving on, but something is nagging at me.

If you have any suggestions, please fire away! I'm going to be working on this for most of today & tomorrow, and hopefully have it wrapped up by Sunday evening, but I'd rather fix the problems sooner rather than later.

:wave:

[rimbauds shop]

Hi Mark

I have to say that I can't see a single thing that should really be bothering you...this looks nigh on perfect to me. The irises might be a fraction different in size but I'm not confident enough to say that for a fact.

Perhaps it's because the lens distorts the right (my left...yes I wish knew what the convention was too) eye that you're feeling uneasy...or the huge expanse of white left on the paper due to you still having my hugely expansive forehead to work ("Tefal" and "Mekon" have been among the plethora of nicknames I've had in my time :D ). Whatever the cause of you're unease I can't see it I'm afraid.

I do have one small issue with the painting...and it's a problem that arises from the photo not the painting. My eye's are actually quite blue and here they're looking far more green. That's all .. and as I say...that's down to the quality of the photo.

As for my torched bike...well that happened a couple of years ago, but I haven't bought another bike since as I still live in the same house and still have no garage...it's odd...ther'e not much car crime around here...but they do like to joy ride bikes. Mine was ridden around for awhile and then returned to the end of my street where there is a nice quite bit of land and torched.

No childishness? Spoil sport :(

Brad Pitt? Get youself a pair of overpriced sunglasses and you're quite the spitting image of the man already

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/57264-brad.jpg

[Mark_xiii]

Hey Dave,

I think you're right about the lens distortion on the (whichever) eye... It makes that one look more open. I'm hoping more people *get* the distortion, because that's gonna be my excuse.

I can do a klingon forehead if you want?

Blue eyes?!?!?! :mad: Y'know, I nearly e-mailed you to ask what colour they should be, but I was certain they're green in the photo! If I can figure out how, I'll fix it. (Any chance of a close up shot of yer peepers?)

What is it with these kids?? I mean, the road outside my house is like an ice rink right now, really dangerous and parked cars to avoid etc... There were 2 cars full kids, speeding, braking and skidding up and down my road! Luckily, one of those parked cars belongs to a policeman who lives 3 doors down :D :evil:

I suppose I do look a bit like Brad, if you catch me in a certain light - Like, pitch black darkness.

Anyway, heres where I am. I'm not as far on as I hoped because I had a last minute rush job on yesterday afternoon... But now is a good time to judge likeness issues. The light's going fast, so I'll leave it alone for today.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/40453-Dave6small.JPG

[loop]

I have been following this thread, and finally have something to share, but it sure if fun just to watch, these are great.
I was aloso able to set a timer and get progress shots
so here we go.. this is oil and all the photos are at an extream angle to cut the glare
after 15 min
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/6307-trade1.jpg
another 15 min
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/6307-trade2.jpg
and another half hour
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/6307-trade3.jpg

[rimbauds shop]

Likeness issues?

As far as I can see there are none...that's my face and no mistake.

I'll see if Vik (Mrs Shop) can get a good shot of my eyes, but with the light going it could be tricky by tomorrow.

You've mentioned a couple of times that you're calling it a day as the light is going.

Do you only paint in daylight? It must be rather difficult this time of year.

[loop]

here's another half hour
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/6307-trade4.jpg
another half hour
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/6307-trade5.jpg
another half hour
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/6307-trade6.jpg
one more half hour
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/6307-trade7.jpg
this is where I am now, a few things to fix up...mainly the hair shape, he's looking a little "poofy" now

[rimbauds shop]

Right...I've just gone downstairs...stood under a light and pointed a camera at my face. (Vik is out and about in town)

This is the best shot of my eyes I could get.

If it doesn't help let me know and I'll get Vik (who has a far steadier hand) to try later. Colour is about right tho (perhaps a half shade too light in the photo but not bad.)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/57264-eyes.JPG

Loop....fine work ...looking good.

[Mark_xiii]

eek! Scary eyes ;) Thanks for that, Dave. This will be tricky, but I'll see what I can do...

Yeah, I only paint by daylight and the short days are a nightmare! I've had this conversation with Mark HH (in fact he's got a thread about it somewhere), I'm tempted to get a 'daylight' lamp, but they cost at least two limbs and I've heard that they're not so great anyway... I'll settle for real daylight and pray for summer.

[rimbauds shop]

Right then...
To all intents and purposes...this is done.

I could tinker some more but I really have run out of time and I'm happy enough with where I'm at. I may do a tweak here or there tomorrow but nothing major.

I have to say (at the risk of sounding like an "Oscar" speech) thanks to Joel for starting this thread up. Mark...for doing such a fine job that I had to learn something about paint quickly in order to produce something that was even half worth swapping...and an honourable mention to Holy (yet another Mark) who provided the inspiration to go for the cinema screen format. Cheers all.

Right here's the last (probably) installment.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Nov-2005/57264-Mark13small.JPG

As usual...this is a fair bit yellower than the real thing. Perhaps I should try photographing it in daylight :D

[Mark_xiii]

Honestly, I'm thrilled. It's odd, I usually hate looking at photos of me, but I'll have no problem proudly displaying this. Great job! Thanks, Dave!

I feel like we should swap these over a pint. Whadya say?

[rimbauds shop]

My thoughts exactly Mark.

In fact the reason I asked whether you frequented your local cinema is that my company has recently taken over the UGC in Cardiff ( you may have recently the signage change ) and I have to go down there sometime in December. I figured it may be the ideal time to exchange...or...you're more than welcome to come up to Northampton.

Let me know what you think.

Chuffed you like this.

[Mark_xiii]

I think I know the one you mean... and it sounds like good timing :D Drop me an e-mail, let me know when.

I'm chuffed that you're chuffed I'm chuffed.

[dollardays]

Here is my update of Nora. I worked on the eye, shading on the face, and I darkened the hair some. I need to go in and erase the eye a little on the upper lid. I am going to put more shadow on the shadow side...

rimbauds shop/ Dave: I love your painting of Mark. Bold.

Jocelyn, your painting of Lauren is so pretty. One day, I want to be able to get that looser style.

Everybody has such good work on here. :clap:

Comments are welcome and very helpful. :)
Thanks,
Andagail

Hi Andagail,

I'm looking lots better. I think maybe you should check the top of my head- it's looking a little cone-shaped and i am definitely a fat-head. :)
And (my) left shoulder is a little high.
Great job you're doing!!

Nora

[Lauren F-M]

Mark and Dave/Rimbauds Shop -- wonderful work, both of you! I have been entertained not only by your work, but by your commentary and interchange with each other. Glad you're 'chuffed' :confused: -- don't hear that expression here in Canada! (don't think I've heard it on Coronation Street, either) :D :clap: :clap:

Loop -- I have really enjoyed the WIP shots you've shown so far. Even though you are working in oil, it seems like you are 'modelling' the face, as if in clay; to see it molded, shaped, changed .... thanks so much. :clap: You are really working it out well. Can you show the ref. photo as well?

I hope to finish my portrait of Jocelyn this week. Have had to paint walls (cupboards, actually!) instead, and painting them white. :crying: It will be good to get back to colour! :D

Cheers! Lauren :wave:

[Candle]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Nov-2005/69946-Copy_of_pic_002.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Nov-2005/69946-Portrait_for_exchange_1600x1200.JPG Here is my effort at a portrait of Diahn. It was done with soft pastel on paper, 12"X16". This is my second attempt at a portrait in pastel. I thought about using graphite or charcoal, which I'm more comfortable with, but I really wanted to show her lovely blue eyes. The color is more rich on the original than on the photo I took, but you get the idea. C&C are most welcome.

[Dea]

Hello All,
I think I have finally finished my portrait of Striver, I had a lot of fun painting your face Les.
Thanks for your painting of me I really like it. I have never been the subject of a portrait before, it is nice in a weird sort of way :D
Anyway here is my effort, Pastels on colourfix paper.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Nov-2005/40985-Roll_101_-_4.JPG

[Anda G]

Ok, I have a couple of hours. :D
I'll get there.
I like the new attachment window thingy.

[ottwork]

Here is my effort at a portrait of Diahn. It was done with soft pastel on paper, 12"X16". This is my second attempt at a portrait in pastel. I thought about using graphite or charcoal, which I'm more comfortable with, but I really wanted to show her lovely blue eyes. The color is more rich on the original than on the photo I took, but you get the idea. C&C are most welcome.

Wow! I go away a few days and come back a pastel portrait!! This looks great, Candle - I think you've really captured my eyes! They can be kind of tricky, being so light! Pastels scare the bejeezus out of me!! :eek: Great job handling them.

I will be one day late with yours - I hope no one minds too much, but with WC down all day and Thanksgiving travel interrupting my plans, I can't help it much! I just have a few niggling details to work out, but it shouldn't take long at all!

Dea - that is an absolutely DELIGHTFUL portrait of Les! You've done him justice...lively, light, fresh...I love it!

[Anda G]

I decided to quit tweaking it to death. :D

11" x 14" Charcoal on Strathmore Bristol Vellum

[Anda G]

I'm not sure that my picture is the right size. I thought I saved it to 400 something by 600, but it looks the same as the previous one. :confused:
Let me know if I need to put up a bigger picture. Then tell me how to do that. :evil: :D

Andagail

[Gilberte]

I hope this helps :) This is beautifully done, your painting I mean. I uploaded it as per www.imageShack.us. Since the site was down I can't seem to find the uploader under the above quick links ........... (?)

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7013/okdone5ds.jpg

[Mark_xiii]

True to form, I was using every final second of a deadline, then I find the site was down! Anyway, heres Dave.

Gouache (and some soft pastel) on watercolour paper 270x305mm

As always, all praise, gifts and offers of marriage are greatfully received, but constructive crit would be a whole lot more useful :D

I've thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this thread, there have been some amazing works produced this year and I've got to know some of you better. Thanks go to Joel for sorting it all out, and Joel... please sign me up for 2006!

[eileenclaire]

WOW!


These are all incredible!!!!


:clap: :clap: :clap:



Fantastic work, everyone take a bow!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anita Murphy]

It was such fun to be a part of this. Looking forward to next years now! Everyone has done the most amazing work!
Thank you Joel for doing all the behind the scenes work!

[imstriver]

For sure it's been a great idea, and what a standard has been set. I have stretched myself most certainly. Thank you all for participating and showing your WIP as well and Joel of course.
Dea, Striver looks good and I feel humble thank you for doing such a good job of this golden oldie. Oh I still cannot get into wc, and Striver appears locked out. Quick link on email does not work and now I am not even receiving emails. So I re registered as imstriver, still have trouble.
What now
Enjoy
Les

[rimbauds shop]

Mark...as you already know I am blown away with your rendition of me. This is top notch work young man. If I were any more chuffed I'd be a steam train.

Lauren...glad we entertained you, I have to say I've really enjoyed being involved in this thread...even given that it's taken up all of my arty time for the last couple of weeks, and it's been splendid getting to know Mark and everyone else better. Incidently..."chuffed" means "rather pleased".

Some top work by everyone...when you've finished taking your bows make sure you pat yourself on the back.

Sign me up for next year too... but I'd be hard pressed to find a partner as amusing and handy with a brush as this year.

Cheers All.

[Lauren F-M]

What an enjoyable month this has been, being involved in this project.:clap: :clap: :D

To get caught up commenting on the great portraits posted since I was last on:

Candle -- what a lovely pastel portrait of Diahn! You have a lovely, gentle touch with the colour, and I agree that she has lovely blue eyes! :clap:

Dea -- Your portrait of Les is utterly charming and so well done! I know he will love it! What character you have portrayed! :clap:

Anda -- You have really done a superb job! I love the face -- I am drawn right to her strong gaze! I've enjoyed watching this work develop! :clap:

Mark -- Well, this is just amazing! So strong and it looks like you worked fast to finish up!
I have enjoyed following you and Dave as you have produced stunning portraits and great commentary! Bravo! :clap:

I wish there was a "Portrait Gallery" of all the finished works, together. Perhaps we could do that next year?? :confused:

Meanwhile, I guess I should wrap up work on my portrait. I need to sit down and decide if it is finished yet -- it is practically done, but knowing when to stop can be a tricky thing. ;)

I want to do a good scan of the finished portrait to post here, as the colour will be truer, but can't do that until it's off the board ; hope to do it this week. When is Joel closing down this thread? Will it be up for at least another week? :confused:

Cheers! :wave: :music:
Lauren

[Anda G]

Thanks, Gilberte! That helps a lot. A really big difference.
I am so glad that I was able to participate. I learned so much. :clap: :clap:
Thank you Lauren, for your comments. I am so happy that you liked the eyes. They were so difficult. :D

Andagail

[Candle]

What a first-rate thread this is!

Ann - I like how you think. Your portrait of Joel is so creative.

Ria, thank you for showing the step-by-step. I am grateful for expert input like yours.

Yacov, your painting shows a lot of life in Ria's expression, and the two of you were obviously well matched for skill!

Leah, you were very brave to use water-color, and it came out nicely.

Rimbauds shop, you had a tough angle to work from, and you nailed it.

Mark, good grief. Did you have to go and raise the bar that high? I feel as though I should start over.

(Hmm, maybe I should go plug in a Monty Python DVD, as apparently those who watch regularly develope superb artistic ability. Must stimulate the brain somehow). :D

Nanc, Lauren FM, Eileen Claire, and many more that would take all night to list; nice work all of you.

Diahn, I'm glad you like it. I think you will like the original better. Looking at the post again, the flash really did wash it out. There are certainly things I wish I could have done better, but that will take a lot of practice, and I figured you wouldn't want to wait on my continuing self-education! I can't wait to see what you've done with mine!

[ottwork]

This thread has been marvelous! What a treat to see so many beautiful portraits by so many talented artists! Just look at the diversity of style! Wow! :clap: to everyone! I would love to see a portrait gallery, too - all the finished works together!

I tried all day yesterday to upload my final of Candle, to no avail! So, here it is now, only 2 days past the deadline! I can still see a lot of things that I would "tweak" but in the interest of time and deadlines, I'm calling it done. the color in the photo is off - night time photog and all. But, overall I'm okay with it - it is only my 2nd acrylic portrait (if you don't count that first attempt in this thread...please don't count that one, okay?????:o )

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Nov-2005/64088-candle_final_2.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Nov-2005/64088-SelfPortraitresized.jpg

C&C still welcomed and appreciated! Candle - PM me your mailing info, and I'll get it sent quickly to avoid the holiday rush :D .

[Gilberte]

Bravo to all ... this was an exceptional quality thread !:clap:

[dollardays]

I decided to quit tweaking it to death. :D

11" x 14" Charcoal on Strathmore Bristol Vellum

Just want to tell you (publicly-- as I did see it in my email already) how much I love it, AndaGail. You made me look very beautiful! Now we have to figure out how to ship this thing without all the charcoal falling off.

Thanks again for all your effort! :clap: :clap:

Nora

[imstriver]

Dea, if you are happy to receive my effort, then email your address and twill be done.
Les

[jhercilia]

Diahn - it is very nice. I just see her eyes are wider (horizontally) on the photo. Same as the mouth: wider and fuller in the photos.

[ottwork]

Diahn - it is very nice. I just see her eyes are wider (horizontally) on the photo. Same as the mouth: wider and fuller in the photos.

Hi Janet - thanks - I see what you mean - it's so strange how you can stare at something for so long, and not see what's wrong until you post it here! I knew I was having trouble with the mouth - I kept losing the corners during glazing - I actually widened it once, but I can see that I didn't go far enough. The eyes I just never saw!! I kept thinking that I had gotten the left side of her face too wide - but I think it's the eye width instead. :eek:

[jocelynsart]

I have been unable to be around here much. Lauren, I'll make the minor corrections to yours and we can do the address thing.

My computer Internet service was down for most of the morning. As well, I have been extremely busy with stuff with the kiddies, etc. Need to catch up on art stuff now. Tomorrow, I have my first full day available for about a week.

This was a really great year of swaps here!

Jocelyn

[jhercilia]

Hi Janet - thanks - I see what you mean - it's so strange how you can stare at something for so long, and not see what's wrong until you post it here! I knew I was having trouble with the mouth - I kept losing the corners during glazing - I actually widened it once, but I can see that I didn't go far enough. The eyes I just never saw!! I kept thinking that I had gotten the left side of her face too wide - but I think it's the eye width instead. :eek:
LOL. It happens to me too. You are right. The more we look at our own paintings the less we seem to see some differences. It had happened to me here that it is just after I post both the ref pic and the painting and see it side by side on the screeen that I get to see many things I still need to correct, and it always happens AFTER I hit the Summit button! LOL:p

[Dea]

Hello again,
I really injoyed being part of this project, my only regret is I didn't have enough time to look in regually and comment on the great work in this thread.
Les if you would like me to sent your portait let me know as well, and as soon as I figure out how to stap the pastel from being rubbed I will send it.
Deanna.

[Samseb]

This thread has been AMAZING! I am so impressed by all of the incredible artwork.:clap: I really enjoyed participating in this project and before the thread closes I wanted to say thank you to those of you who gave me some really helpful pointers and constructive criticism about the drawing that I did. It was really encouraging and in the future, I hope to do more 'posting' and less 'lurking' :)

[loop]

here is the final of Dragonshade, lots of glare.
Great work everyone
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Dec-2005/6307-dragonshade.jpg

[Anda G]

Thanks, Nora! That really means a lot to me. I think I will check out the framing area on this website. I think there are answers on how to ship a charcoal. I also want to ship the graphite picture I did.

I've gotten advice here and there. Somebody told me so spray it. :eek: I will probably dissolve all my hard work. :eek: I'm afraid to do that. That same person told me to roll it and send it in a tube. I don't know. :confused: I'll look it up.

Well, shoot, you would know more than I. You can tell me. :D

Andagail :wave:

[mark malone]

WOW!! Some amazing work here...a bit sad that I missed out on this one...nevermind.
Mr S....So this is where you have been hiding out...great looking portrait of mark...and his of you.Was a little worried you wasn't doing any drawing or painting, but this has put my mind at rest....

Everybody you deserve plenty of these :clap:

[Candle]

Diahn, you did a really great job. I think the likeness of my nose is darn-near perfect. How funny that this was only a second portrait attempt for each of us! I showed my husband, and he likes it too. I will send you a pm with my mailing info, and I will be happy to ship yours out if you would like to do the same.

[dragonshade]

Well looks like I missed all the fun. Loop and I got a real late start after a real late entry, so I think we're officially last lol. Loop....I saw the portrait above, I REALLY like it, thanks!! That background green, and all the colors....awesome! Hopefully some folks still check this thread. Here is where I am on Loop's portrait. It is about 14 hours in with maybe 20 to go, done in graphite, on Stonehenge paper. This is my very first attempt with "circularism" (no blending) so it's slow going, but with Troy Rochford's help coming along. Still have a lot of contrast to add and skin tone/texture balancing to go.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Dec-2005/70376-Loop_2_circ_in_progress_12_16_2005_small.jpg

[loop]

dragonshade: that's coming out great, I have never seen circularism before, sounds pretty cool,(looks great too). I see what you mean about it adding texture. is there a chance you could post a close up so we can see the circles.

B.T.W. RE: unstreatched canvas. you CAN streach it before framing, I think it would be even easier to glue it to board instead of streatching. If you have any questions at all on how to do it....... just ask.

[Dana Design]

The work here is absolutely amazing! Great portraits from everyone. I'm just so sorry I had to back out.....too much work, I fear!

Congratulations to everyone for participating, many thanks to Joel, and keep up the good work everyone! I know that I've learned a LOT by watching this terrific thread.

[dragonshade]

Heya Loop, I'm really glad you like where it's going. Actually I have put maybe 5 more hours in the face, and it looks so much better (realistic skin & values) then in the pic you saw above. I'll post a closeup in a couple days when I do more pics of where I am. Thanks for your patience on this as I I'm learning this new technique.

[rimbauds shop]

Dragonshade...looking great so far...judging by Loop's avatar you're doing a fine job with the likeness.

Mr Malone...hello matey. Yes this thread has taken up my rather scarce arty time for November...I haven't made a single life drawing session for the best part of 2 months :o. I'm quite happy with the painting of Mark but oddly happier with the one of me ( which is currently sitting in my portfolio awaiting a trip to the framers). So...did you miss this thread or did you avoid it in case you got paired up with me and found yourself doing yet another portrait of yours truly?:D

[Lauren F-M]

Hi, all! :wave: Happy New Year!! :clap: :D :clap:

It's been quiet on here for the past few weeks -- now the holidays are over, and I'm posting my finished version of my watercolour portrait of Jocelyn. It's been mailed and received. Jocelyn's portrait of me is in the mail -- I'm SO looking forward to receiving it.

This project has been a joy, and has given me to opportunity to get to know Jocelyn, whose work I have admired for some time. I've also really enjoyed everyone else who particated, and all the great portraits -- from start to finish. Bravo! :clap: :clap: :clap:

I look forward to participating again in the next Portrait Swap! :wave:

Here is my final:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2006/20772-JOC_portrait_05.jpg

Cheers!
Lauren :wave: :music:

[jhercilia]

Lauren, that's beautiful. I am sure she will love it.

[Studio224]

It's beautiful Lauren!!!!!

[JCoop]

Lauren, your portrait of Joss serves as a beautiful exclaimation point to the end of this project. I thank not only the awesomely talented participants, but anyone member who has taken the time to share their comments to make this holiday project that much more fun and interesting.


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jan-2006/30872-clapping
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jan-2006/30872-thanks
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jan-2006/30872-the_wave
SEEYOUALLNEXTTIME!

:) T:clap: H:clap: A:clap: N:clap: K:clap: S:clap:!:)
A special thanks to my portrait partner, Ann (ColorMyWorld)http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jan-2006/30872-blue_flowers.

[Anda G]

Lauren, that is so beautiful. I love it.:clap:
Andagail