Basic 101 Class 34 - Female Realistic Portraiture

[Robin Neudorfer]

Andagail, here is another tip, but practice in a small area. You can put a piece of paper carefully over the hair, and then pull from the paper, away from the paper to blend. That way you don't run the risk of smudging the hair. Sometimes you will have to tear the paper to the curve of the hair, and move the paper to different areas. Even if you just do that in a few areas it will break up that halo look. Now as I have stated I have never done a portrait before, but we use to use dry pastel in this manner, and to put a color next to a product, we would swipe the ground chalk in the same way. That was a Tip of the Day.

[Fireman's kid]

Andagail, your portrait looks fabulous!! The likeness is spot on and I love the background! Way to go!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Robin, thanks for the fixative tips. I've had a can of fixative for probably a year or so and never used it because I'm worried about wrecking my drawing. Now I can practice your tips before spraying anything important. :)

[Striver]

Fixative spraying
Wise to spray outside, also to use a face mask. Also leave outside studio for a little while after to let the spray on the paper disipate.
This stuff slowly and gradually builds up on the lungs. Poison.
Les

[Striver]

Anita
Just found your post and comments, will do, many thanks. Thought you didnt love me anymore, was feeling lonesome. gosh.
Thanks and enjoy the moment, it wont come again
Les

[Anita Murphy]

Thought you didnt love me anymore
:eek:
:p
:heart:

[Robin Neudorfer]

We all love ya Les

[Reinhard1]

Spaking of love: I LOVE YOU ALL !!!! :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :wave:

Seriously, it is a pleasure and an honour to be allowed to be a part of this group.

[jmfletch]

Spaking of love: I LOVE YOU ALL !!!! :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :wave:

Seriously, it is a pleasure and an honour to be allowed to be a part of this group.

And you know we are all honored that you let us tap your brain and talent!

Joe

[Robin Neudorfer]

Are you sure you aren't just sleepwalking Reinhard?
Seriously back, I am thankful you have kept us company through out the ups and downs. How are you on perspective? Why not take a trip down the wild side?
You might like it.

[Anita Murphy]

Hey Reinhard - I was just thinking today that you had been quiet - are you completely better?
And you know we are all honored that you let us tap your brain and talent!
I have to agree with this completely! :clap::heart::clap::heart::clap::heart::clap:


Bring on perspective - I'm not scared.....................much!!!!!!!! :eek:

[Reinhard1]

Joe, too kind of you, thanks.

Robin, I might not be sleepwalking but I'm still standing more or less next to me. Your question about perspective got me thinking. I think I will have to do the class from 1 up to 34 myself since I never really learned how to draw. I just sat down and started portraits. I never knew it was that obvious that the basiscs are lacking though.

Anita, thanks for the question. Unfortunately not. Still recovering from the first and having "asked" or an extra I'm now back on antibiotics - again. Seems that I can't get enough. From an artistic point of view I hit a tremendous wall. The things I do seem to go o.k. for about 80% (IMHO) and then all of a sudden turn south completely - at least with respect to my own expectations. I think that Robin made a good point that I need to start learning the basics.

[Anita Murphy]

Reinhard - I think we all hit this wall - its not just you. I also have this theory that the wall is there on purpose, to make us think more carefully and after each wall there is a great leap forward. I find this with my painting all the time. I go through canvas slashing phases when everything I paint is DREADFUL and then suddenly it goes right again. Come and join us with the perspective class - its going to be fun, Robin assures me ..........perspective - fun? :confused:
Get better soon!!!!

[Robin Neudorfer]

Reinhard, I did not mean to say it is obvious that anyone has any trouble with the basics. I would never have known you feel you lack any drawing skills. I just like to have fun with the "P" (perspective) word, since most people find it intimidating. I would love you to join us. I even ask my students why they are so hard on themselves. If they already know how to do something, why are they in the classroom. The classroom is suppose to be a safe place to experiment, and fail, in the process of learning.
I also hope that you get well soon.

[Anda G]

Help! I can't seem to figure out the chest area. I am trying to imagine it there, and :confused: She is small, so I don't think I should put deep shadows in that particular area. :D Please help me to get that area. I will know to get a better shot next time, huh?

I have been darkening a LOT and smoothing and lightening. Let me know. I think I am close to being DONE. :clap: :clap:

Andagail
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Mar-2006/59007-effie11.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Mar-2006/59007-effie4aweb.jpg

[Striver]

Ok, So I am a glutton, there again Anita said i can continue drawing pretty women!
Got started on this early am and suddenly it was midnight, yawn. Stuck on a boat for the weekend and crappy weather forecast. Back home now so will post what I did and pray, beg , grovel,get apples for the teachers etc etc.
This is kathryn the wife of Bruce that first portrait I done in 33. Yes they look like chalk and cheese. Oh Kath was concerned about her many wrinkles etc, so have some consideration here for her.
Any way teachers, If before the 27th cut off time you feel able to give me the benefit of your opinion and what is left out, will appreciate. Or if you wish pass it by, no problem I have done well out of this class.
Your smiling appreciative student.
Cheers
Les
Oh , end of class nosh and BBQ at my place, all welcome.
L

[Striver]

Anagail, thats a cracker, very pleasing.

Reinhard
Please get better, warm healing thoughts to you my friend from this side of the world. Having gales today, the edge of a cyclone, yuck my studio roof is leaking, where's the bucket.
Les

[Robin Neudorfer]

Andagail - I am thinking from where the light is coming from, right underneath the bottom of her hair, it would be darker. Gradually gradate from dark to light, think about it as one plane straight across. I don't think you want to draw any attention down that direction so don't try to shape anything. Her face is so right, that is where the attention needs to stay.
Has "she" seen it?

[Anita Murphy]

Les - I don't see an image!!!

Andagail - I think Robin is right - less is more in the chest area. Just fade it out, it shouldn't detract from her face.

[Striver]

Looks like i never checked, well smack my hand
Les
Thought
Been tryimg to lose some of the negative parts to make her pretty, as she is really
So lowered the hair line some, lost and faded some wrinkles and lost the gum and top of teeth shape.Are they too straight now.
Now i think while its a pretty picture i am losing her.
Hmm
Les

[Striver]

ok, what are your thoughts on gums showing above teeth, particularly where they curve and show.?
Les

[chaz]

Hi everyone. I've been delayed completing this portrait for over a week due to real life obligations. I've finished it last night, but I'm afraid the delay has caused me to lose focus on this project. I just can't revive my interest in at all, So I'm posting my final update today. (possibly not my final final, but who can say. ) This has dragged on too long and other things are pressing.

C & C welcome and Encouraged.

Chuck

[Que]

Here is an update.

I still have to do her lips, which is the next thing I am working on. Then I will move to her neck and shirt then start on her hair.
My scanner does not do anything justice.

Everyone else is doing a great job on theirs.

[Anita Murphy]

Les - HI! Check the left (our) cheek - the angle looks a bit off, you've made it more rounded than it is.
Also check the shaping of the chin, the distance between mouth and chin should be greater as well.
Check the neck - there is something odd going on under the chin - I think you have the angle of the neck wrong. Keep up the good work!

Dan - check the shape of the eyes and the shadows carefully. Remember that the eyeball is a sphere and needs to be shaded accordingly so that it does not look flat. Because of the flash bleaching out the shadows, I would strengthen the shadows you have - the only way you will get nice contours and stop the face looking flat is to use your artistic license. :D

[Anita Murphy]

Chuck - I think the chin is the main thing that is pushing out the likeness. Check the jawline and chin carefully against the ref. The nose is a little too long between the nostrils. And the eyeshape is not quite right. These could be easy fixes if you want to work on them some more.

[Striver]

Anita
What will I do without you arrgh
Les

[Anita Murphy]

Hey Les - going to join us in the backrow of Robin's class????

[Striver]

Anita
I am already there, the one in the sleeping bag patiently waiting.
L

[Anita Murphy]

Les - now that is desperation! I'm stocking up on fudge, chocolate chip cookies and other necessary supplies to get me through the perspective ordeal!

[Mary Woodul]

Hi All! Everyone's work look so good. I'm sorry I slowed down this passed week but I had a little trouble with my blood pressure. It is okey now, so I will get to work tomorrow.

Anita, I promise I will work hard on it tomorrow and post by evening. BTW, I love your flowers on your signature line. You paint such beautiful flowers.:clap: :clap: :clap:

[Anita Murphy]

Hi Mary!! I missed you! Hope you had a good weekend!

[Anda G]

Hi, Dan and Chuck. :wave:
Hi, and thanks, Les.

Here you go, Robin and Anita. I think I accomplished what I needed to do. I blended, darkened, and faded out that problem area. I darkened that arm in the shadow. I worked on the shoulder wrinkles, darkened some more hair. I don't think I'll ever get the hair as dark as I want it. It is starting to get shiny. The hair is. :p

Ok, unless there is something staring out at y'all, I am done. :cool: :clap:

Thanks a million. I have learned so much from you guys. :heart:

Andagail
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Mar-2006/59007-effie12.jpg

The skin doesn't look that splotchy in reality. Really.

[Anita Murphy]

Andagail - :clap: :clap: :clap: The hair is Lovely! I think you should call it done too!! Well done!

Are you coming to join the perspective class?

[Robin Neudorfer]

Andagail - she is beautiful!

Les - Where do you keep finding these pretty ladies? In a sleeping bag, there is a seat especially for you. I may have to move you away from Anita, if she starts passing out chocolate. You know how that can stain the art work Anita.

I am glad you are feeling better Mary.

Chuck - I know how life can take all interest in creative projects away. I hope you have learned something from this lesson.

[Striver]

I am a softy for chocolate
Les

[gustave canelli]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Mar-2006/79617-vovo.jpg

mio nono

[gustave canelli]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Mar-2006/79617-filha.jpg

[gustave canelli]

in progress...
oil in canvas

[gustave canelli]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Mar-2006/79617-ISIS1.jpg

THE DRAWING IN CANVAS

[gustave canelli]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Mar-2006/79617-ISIS2.jpg

[gustave canelli]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Mar-2006/79617-ISIS3.jpg

NEW LAYER...INK

[gustave canelli]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Mar-2006/79617-marechal.jpg

my work
oil in panel

[Anita Murphy]

Gustave - thank you very much for showing us your super portraits. Do you have the drawings for these? As this is a drawing class we would really like to see the preparation sketches, drawings for these.

[chaz]

Anita, thank tou for your comments and suggestions on my portrait. I did make some of the changes you suggested but, to be honest, I don;t have any idea on what to do with the eyes. I was away so long from this project that i lost all insight and thoughtss I had about it. I will post the corrections I did make as soon as we get some sun or hazy sun to take a picture. Been raining for the last two days and I don't have a good setup for photos indoors as yet.

Thanks again for the advice

Chuck

[Mary Woodul]

Les, Anda, Dan and Chuck, your work is looking very good.

Hi Anita! I think before I continue with this I will post it because I feel kind of lost with it. I don't like the mouth but the position makes it look bigger that it really is in real life. My shading is also getting blotchy.:o Should I go over with another layer?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Mar-2006/43096-101-34-4.jpg

[Anita Murphy]

Mary - you have lost the highlights from the ridges (no idea what the real name is) below the nose that lead to the mouth.
Think about the shape of the lips, curving and do the shading on the underside of the upper lip to show that.
Because the tonal values are so subtle in the ref you need to use what you know in your head about facial contours.
On the center of that shadow to the right of her forehead (our right) the shadow needs to be a bit deeper. A
nd the reflected light on her right cheek is not as bright as the direct light to her forehead - in your picture they are almost identical in value.
Down the left side of her face the shadow is deeper.
And don't forget that her teeth are in shadow, so they could be a tone darker.
The line from the right side of her nose is at the wrong angle.
And notice that though it is very subtle in the ref there is a slight difference in tonal value where her cheek rounds down near her nose on the left side.
Don't forget to compare values - like her hair round her ears is almost as dark as her pupils.

Its all very subtle and you are really close to getting there. I don't think you are lost at all!

[Anita Murphy]

Chuck - will look forward to update.

[Mary Woodul]

Anita, thank you! I really didn't know where to continue but now you have got me back on track. I'll try to get enough done to post again tomorrow .:D

[Striver]

Question teachers
If i do any more portraits of male or female and want to post, is it leave 33 & 34 alone now and post in general for C&C.
Regards
Les

[Anita Murphy]

Les - you can go on posting here as long as you like - you will probably get more concentrated C&C here than in the main forum. Its totally up to you.

[Judi1957]

Question teachers
If i do any more portraits of male or female and want to post, is it leave 33 & 34 alone now and post in general for C&C.
Regards
Les

More Les? (is that an oxymoron?:D:lol: :lol: )
You are making us look bad you know! j/k Looking forward to them!

Mary-She is looking ever so lovely!:clap:

[Fireman's kid]

Mary, I may be wrong, but to me it looks like in the reference her bottom lip is shaded on the bottom edge near where it curves under and the highlight is up more toward the teeth. Your drawing has the bottom edge of the bottom lip as one of the lighter spots. Does that make sense? It's hard to explain this stuff in words. :rolleyes: I think you are doing a great job! How many more grandkids do you have to draw after this one? Because you know they are all going to want one. :evil: :D

By the way, did the other grandaughter see her cp portrait? I'm interested to know her reaction.

Les, more portraits?!? You are a glutton for punishment. :)

[Mary Woodul]

Stacy, thank you! Yes I do see what you are talking about and I'll print that out with Anita's C&C to remember while working on her. Ana Paula loved her CP, in fact she has it on her homework page as her Avatar. I still have to do the two boys and there is a baby on the way so maybe I'll finish the boys before the baby arrives.:p :D

[Fireman's kid]

Mary, two boys and a baby on the way...a grandmother's work is never done. ;) I'm glad Ana Paula enjoyed her portrait. It certaintly was beautiful. And this one is too!

[mauricar]

I hope you will all allow me to ask a question here. How do you cover large areas of dark? I have 7-8 layers on a dress and it still looks blotchy. Forgive me for interrupting the class, but the dress is on a female. If you want to see what I am talking about, I posted her in the D&S under a question. THanks for any help you are willing to give. Midge

[Anita Murphy]

Midge - I answered in your thread - try blending with a tissue. It lifts out some graphite but smooths out the layers. Then you can add another layer and continue blending and layering till you get the darkness you want.

[sultry]

I am finally posting my first line draft. The work season has started for us and we are busy (added to both of our many doctor appointments we barely have time to enjoy free time now). Carmelo still wants me to keep up my art which is great for me. :)

HB mech pencil Canson smooth 11x14 (may transfer it to Bristol)
when features are in measurement.
Planning a dark smokey background so her left side will be subsiding into it.

It was so light I had to darken it in Picture Publisher to get the sketch to show. It really is on white paper.

No time to comment on everyones work but I did see alot of beautiful female portraits.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Mar-2006/29757-naj1.jpg

[Anita Murphy]

Hey Sults!! Good to have you here! Looking forward to seeing more of this!

[sultry]

:) Ty Anita, your doing such a wonderful job and I think everyone who has attended this class is improving leaps & bounds with your and bros comments (and all the other subbies).

Mary, as promised I would take a look at your rendering...

Your grand daughters portrait has her likeness sooo much.

Ok, I did read anita's & stacy's comments and I agree.

I am seeing the line drawing in some parts of her outer face.

Blend the skin into line drawings (remember to look at how you rendered your sphere, your cone, your cubes).

you did not sketch them as light at the edges but you had it blended into the middle with tones.

Light side is not as dark as the lightest highlights on the shadow side.
Dark side is not as light as the darkest shadow on the light side.

Where you need shadow tones are by the line drawing edges, (face edges).

That will pop her face out of the paper.

hugs,
sults

[Mary Woodul]

Sults!!!:clap: :clap: :clap: , I'm so glad your posting and I am really looking forward to seeing your portrait.

Thank you for your C&C's and I will print that out also with Anita's and Stacy's and work on her today.

[Judi1957]

Yay Sults! Glad you are here! Looking forward to seeing more too.:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Que]

okay here is the latest up date of Mara. I think I scanned this in better so you can see the darks and the lights better.

I am trying to get the hair right, but I feel I am not on the right track.

[Anita Murphy]

Dan - could you put the ref up please! :D

[Que]

Im sorry. DUH here is my sign.... :lol:

[Anita Murphy]

Dan - this is coming along really nicely! On both cheeks there is a bit more definition as the cheek rounds to the side, that roundness caused by her smile.
At the sides of her chin deepen the shadows slightly. YOu could make the shadow around the bottom of her face a little darker. Think how the face rounds out from under the chin and jawline and shade accordingly.
Darken the creases above her eyes (she looks like she is wearing eyeshadow), and the line of her upper lashes is deeper. You could draw these in as eyelashes rather than just shading a line.
At the corner of her left (our) eye there is a dark shadow.
And on that same socket look how it curves down from her eyebrow and shade it to match the contour.
The line of the jaw on the left (our) side of her face is wrong. It needs to be straighter to the chin, not curved as in your drawing.
With the hair don't forget those lovely highlights!

Dan are you working from a greyscale or just from the colour image?

[Que]

Dan - this is coming along really nicely!
This is my first ever portraiture. I was hoping to give it to her tomorrow, but I think it will be next friday.

On both cheeks there is a bit more definition as the cheek rounds to the side, that roundness caused by her smile.
Should I darken the sides to define the cheek more?

At the sides of her chin deepen the shadows slightly. YOu could make the shadow around the bottom of her face a little darker. Think how the face rounds out from under the chin and jawline and shade accordingly. are you talking about the shadow on the right (our)?

Darken the creases above her eyes (she looks like she is wearing eyeshadow), and the line of her upper lashes is deeper. You could draw these in as eyelashes rather than just shading a line.
yeah I had the lashes dark it seems I have smudge them gone again. Now when you speak of the creases your talking about just the crease right or the top of the lids going darker also?
At the corner of her left (our) eye there is a dark shadow.
And on that same socket look how it curves down from her eyebrow and shade it to match the contour.
that corner of that eye has been giving me fits. I see the shadow, yet can not render it correctly, but I shall keep trying.
The line of the jaw on the left (our) side of her face is wrong. It needs to be straighter to the chin, not curved as in your drawing.I did not notice this beforeyoiu broght it up, but after studing the drawing and the reference image I can see it now, I shall fix that also.
With the hair don't forget those lovely highlights!
I was going to start laying in some highlights now as I work on the next lighter shade of her hair and run them into the darker area.

Dan are you working from a greyscale or just from the colour image?
I am working from a color, a greyscale and a greyscale that has been posterized, which reduces the number of channels in the image and breaks lights and shadows up a little more.

[Anita Murphy]

This is my first ever portraiture. I was hoping to give it to her tomorrow, but I think it will be next friday.


Should I darken the sides to define the cheek more?

are you talking about the shadow on the right (our)?

Especially on the right but also a bit more on the left too.

yeah I had the lashes dark it seems I have smudge them gone again. Now when you speak of the creases your talking about just the crease right or the top of the lids going darker also?

Yes - can you see in that space between the upper eyelid and the crease it looks darker?

that corner of that eye has been giving me fits. I see the shadow, yet can not render it correctly, but I shall keep trying.
I did not notice this beforeyoiu broght it up, but after studing the drawing and the reference image I can see it now, I shall fix that also.

shade in the direction of the contour - it makes it easier.

Dan - you have to decide when it is finished. I will go on nit-picking until you tell me to stop.

[Que]

no no, it is not ready even without your advice. I still have a long way to go on the hair.

You are also talking to a prefectionists. I was ready to throw this in the trash today, but someone talked me out of it.

I guess it will do for my first time.

[Anita Murphy]

Dan - I am a perfectionist too - if there is one thing you should learn, is not to be one! It drives you nuts. I am only ever happy with a piece of work for half an hour and then I start to see the mistakes. You are doing very well for your first time!

[Que]

I know the prefectionist thing does drive me a little batty.

How would I added a shine to the eyes and lips?

I am also going to add a highlight to each eye, since the one in the pic is dead on the pupil and makes the draweing look wierd I figured I would add one according to my artistic license you told me to use earlier.

[Anita Murphy]

The shine is just by leaving the paper white. You need to erase on the lips. In future it really is best to leave the highlights as untouched paper to make sure they are really bright. If your paper doesn't come back very clean you could use some white pastel or white CP to bring the highlight back after you have erased.
With the eyes - if you put the highlight slightly to one side remember to make sure they are on the same side on both eyes or it will look very odd! :p If you make them slightly oval it looks more natural too.

[Striver]

Just a hello all, ta for kind words etc etc.
Wonderful that I can continue in this and 34 class, will do for sure for I am on a steep learning curve thanks to you all and especially the teachers.
Thought I would have a day of drawing today but life got in the way, like yesterday with grandchildren arriving. Also seems we/I am babysitting the w/e as well, so serious drawing is out until next week. My perspective is sufferring as well. More late nights I think, undisturbed then.
Is there an age restriction in class for the subject? I would like to draw some older wrinklees and especially my latest g/c age 2+.
Enjoy
Les

[Que]

okay, I will try that. I thought you could go over an area with a higher H type pencil to make it like a glaze?

[Anita Murphy]

No age restriction Les! :p

Dan - You can use a harder pencil to make the dark really shiny but it wont put in highlights.

[mauricar]

Another question for any of you that are willing to answer:

This is part of a series I am doing of Women of the Scriptures. I need to make her appear even older. How would I go about doing that?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Mar-2006/71456-naomi_ver_1.jpg
This is Naomi (Ruth's mother-in-law = Old Testament book of Ruth) and she is at least 60-70 years old. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Anita Murphy]

Midge - I would suggest looking at reference images of older women and try and use some of the features from them - like the lines and wrinkles. I actually think you are doing really well with this. Older skin has more texture to it than younger skin I think, and you need to deepen the shadows in lines and wrinkles.

[mauricar]

Thanks Anita. See you around. Bye the bye, this class is doing really well. Keep up the good work.

[Anita Murphy]

Thank you Midge! :D

[JayD]

Midge when you look at older women--look at NOMADIC old women--this was a period where appearances are effective by struggle with the elements--I think you will find that there are textural elements to consider when doing the skin--perhaps a harder leathery look--wind, sand, sun--desert element. Remember that age is effected by many factors--harshness of envioment is definitely a qualifier here.

By the way--I am looking forward to your series--I am very interested in Biblical History.

[mauricar]

Hi JayD. Good to see your smiley face again. Do you have any suggestions on where I could see some of those types of faces?

[Striver]

Thanks Anita.
Been out in the sun all day and fair worn out, the boy is going full steam, have too many things here for him to do, what have I done. Still he is a huge part of my life and its a small price to pay being worn out to have him around. Thats what Grandads are for isnt it! Swimming and dingy's tomorrow another full day.
Cheers
Les

[JayD]

You know, I would look first in our reference library--I tried "wrinkled old women" in google for fun and I got a girl in a bikini. I put in my father's name and got a sheltie puppy. so it seems that internet search is a bit hit and miss.

I would just look at some of the women here first--then consider where the region would be that Naomi would have come from.. I would focus on women from the fertile crescent--those countries today would be Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel. These are old testament areas where women like Naomi would have been found. I would look for photos of older women of these countries.

[Striver]

Hi Midge
Want to find some older wrinlees myself, so if you find a source would appreciate the contact, meanwhile I will look in the library
Cheers
Les

[Que]

Dan - You can use a harder pencil to make the dark really shiny but it wont put in highlights.

Duh, my blonde is coming out, and I have no blonde on my head. I meant shinyness to the eye and not highlights. I am just throwing around words like I own them or something. You can ask JayD, I do on occasion resemble some model of intelligence. :lol: :lol: :lol:

thank you for your help though Anita. Ill be doing an update again sometime tomorrow, with some of the corrections you suggested.

Thank you

[Que]

midge,

see if this one will do for you?

www.worldofstock.com/ closeups/PCT1295.php (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/www.worldofstock.com/ closeups/PCT1295.php)

There are several images by that guy. I found them through google images. I hope this helps.

[mauricar]

Thank you Dan. I went to www.worldofstock.com/closeups/PCT1295.php and got a wonderful shot of an Indian woman. Yes. She does have a nomadic face. She is a great example. Its a shame I can't afford his stock pictures. There are some good ones there.

Thanks JayD. I'll keep you posted.

[JayD]

Yeah....heck....I will vouch for Dan-shinyness and all!

[Que]

Thank you Dan. I went to www.worldofstock.com/closeups/PCT1295.php (http://www.worldofstock.com/closeups/PCT1295.php) and got a wonderful shot of an Indian woman. Yes. She does have a nomadic face. She is a great example. Its a shame I can't afford his stock pictures. There are some good ones there.

Thanks JayD. I'll keep you posted.

I did not even look that there was a price on them. I did a search for nordic elder women and that was one of the images that appeared. (google) If I had one in my files some where I would gladly let you se it.

Hey what if we put JayD in a dress would that work? j/k:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Anita Murphy]

Hey what if we put JayD in a dress would that work?

ROFLMAO!!!!

[Robin Neudorfer]

Oh my... we have another class clown.
Being that it was for the development of art, JayD would probably oblige.

[mauricar]

FOr my use, he needs to wear a vail, as his lip has this growth. (LOL)

[Anita Murphy]

This gets better and better - JayD in a dress with a veil!! :lol:

[jmfletch]

Have not finished reading the lesson or all the posts, just now posted my final (??) effort in lesson 33 and wanted to get started so here is my ref and the line drawing.

Joe

[JayD]

Midge, that growth on my lip is caused by "Man-o-paws"! A dress huh--hmmmm.....

[Anita Murphy]

Joe - great start - everything seems to be in the right place! Looking forward to next update!

[Que]

Midge, that growth on my lip is caused by "Man-o-paws"! A dress huh--hmmmm.....

and I thought a herd catapillars fell a sleep on your lip. SHould we shop a victoria secrets for some knickers to go with the dress and veil?

[mauricar]

ROTFL - giggle giggle giggle. MAN-O-PAUSE giggle giggle giggle.

I did take your advice JayD. As you know, or perhaps you don't know - these are just workups for the real work. The costumes will be here on the 15th of the month and then the serious stuff begins. I have been trying to figure out who will do for the harlets, and who will be the others. The men parts are also interesting. I have one man that has a nice white beard and mustache. Sort of an older Abraham to the Sarah. Know what I mean? Phew! Hard work getting all the wrinkles, and weathered look............

[jmfletch]

Have not finished reading the lesson or all the posts, just now posted my final (??) effort in lesson 33 and wanted to get started so here is my ref and the line drawing.

Joe

ABORT!! ABORT!! Ref photo was way too blurry and lacking in detail. Scrounging the old photo albums looking for a better reference. The subject is my MIL who past in the mid 1980's and who hated having her picture taken. She is talking or making a face in virtually everyone I found today.

Will start again when I get a good reference.
Joe

[Anita Murphy]

Standing by to see new ref Joe!

[Que]

Well here it is the final image. I dont care for the hair much, but I didnt have much to go on with the image the girl gave me.

Let me know what you think Anita.

I think I will try my son next.

[Anita Murphy]

Great job Dan! :clap:

[Que]

Thank you. I hope Mara will like it. I think I will take it to her tomorrow.

Now I have a question children and teens, is it better to use a blending technique or circulism?

[Anita Murphy]

Dan - it is entirely up to you which method you use. I suggest you try both out on a scrap piece of paper. Remember that children and teens have very smooth skins normally and so you need to get that sort of texture. Let us know what Mara says about her portrait.

[Que]

I will have to try both and think about it. Should I post him here or start a new thread in the main forum area.

Oh I will let you know what she says about it.

thank you for your instruction, it helped me with my first ever port and gave me new knowledge I didnt have.

[Anita Murphy]

You could post him in class 33 - the male portrait class - you will probably get a more detailed critiqus there than in the main forum.

Its my pleasure - its great to see people learning new things! Oh and have you posted in the classroom yearbook? We'd love to see you there!

[mauricar]

I need to age these hands. Any suggestions?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Apr-2006/71456-sarah_ver_5.jpg
Before you make any comments on the age differences, the woman is Sarah from the bible. Read Genesis 17 and you'll see that she is 92 years old when she gave birth to this child. Now that we have that cleared up, how would you age her hands?
:rolleyes:

[Anita Murphy]

Midge - I seem to remember that there are some wonderful old hands in the ref lib that you could take a look at.

[Robin Neudorfer]

Midge, I agree with Anita you will most likely be able to find some good hand references. When I was holding my 87 year old father's hands I noticed how thin the skin was. The veins and tendons are very pronounced. The knuckles are a bit more knotty, and perhaps the fingers have a bit of arthritis, so they aren't perfectly straight. Oh and age spots, especially out there in the sunny environment.

[mauricar]

Thank you ladies. I checked in the library. THere are lots of young hands, and even a man's hand, but nothing on older lady's hands. I will add the veins, etc. Thanks anyway.

[Anita Murphy]

Midge - there is definitely a reference of a young hand holding an old hand.

[Reinhard1]

Midge, might these help?

try this link as well

http://www.morguefile.com/archive/index.php?display=88483&&start=12

[mauricar]

Thank you Reinhard. These are perfect.

[Que]

I delievered the drawing to Mara. She was so taken back by it she said she was ready to cry. She said she could not wait to show her mom.

I love getting all the great comments on here, but the reaction she gave made me feel like I actually did something special and great.


ANita by the way no I have not poste in the yearbook, not sure what it is or where it is.

[Anita Murphy]

Dan- isn't it wonderful when you get a reaction like that? Makes all the hard work worth while! The yearbook is here (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=315743)

[Que]

yes it does make it worth it. It actually makes me feel like a ral artist.

Ill have to get a recent pic made before I post in the yearbook, but I will I promise.

[KABart]

Okay,

SO here is what I ended up coming up with. There is a little bit of a glare on the right side of the portrait, the eye is as dark as the one on the left.

Thanks,
Rina :p

[Anita Murphy]

Rina - could we see the ref pic alongside the drawing so we can help you?

[mauricar]

What a cute little girl. She will be wonderful when she is completed. You have great teachers here, so keep going.

Bye the way, thanks for helping me with the hands. All three of you gave me wonderful suggestions. I don't know if you know just how much you are appreciated. But you are.....so there!

[KABart]

Hi,

Here is the ref pic along with the portrait. I took some artistic liberty with her hair.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Apr-2006/28567-sierra_ref_edited.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Apr-2006/28567-Sierra_1.jpg

Thanks
Rina :p

[Mary Woodul]

Dan, you did beautifully with this portrait.

Midge your line drawing is so good, it could stand alone like that.

Rina, what a precious child and she is coming along nicely.

Anita, I just can't seem to finish this but I won't give up even if it will be only as practice because I really chose the wrong reference. As I near the end I see problems with that contrasting highlight so I will not go that light. I think I still have to darken the hair quite a bit plus many other details.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Apr-2006/43096-101-34-6.jpg

[Anita Murphy]

Rina - do you want critiquing?

Mary - the lips and eyes are fabulous! I think you need to push your darks more so that you can work the forehead more (artistic license is to be used here!) If you just took everything a tone or two darker I think it would work well. Also the hair needs to go darker, especially around the ear.
Look at the neck and see how it is almost the same value as the shadow on her (right) cheek. In the drawing you have it highlighted. And under her chin, where her neck meets her chest there is a dark shadow.
You are really close so don't give up!

[Mary Woodul]

Anita, Thank you! I definitely need your eyes for this. I will work on those details tomorrow.:D

[Judi1957]

Mary! Wrong reference???? I don't think so! I cannot wait to see her done-this is so fabulous!:clap: :clap:

[Judi1957]

Hi Rina :wave:

Very nice!:thumbsup:
I would say you need to re-adjust a few things as in measurements for example the size of her eyes and the width and angle of her mouth. She is looking a bit older and that is due to her facial feature locations. Check her jawline angle.If you note in the ref that her features fall a bit lower on her face. Gentle shading would help too as children are 'softer'.

[Mary Woodul]

Thank you Judi, that makes me want to finish it!!!:D

[sultry]

ok this is very very aggrivating (2nd attempt to post)

Everyone is posting nice female portraits here sorry cannot comment on all of them. Midge you amaze me on how fast your popping out such good portraits and I do see your improvement.

Mary, question, What pencils are using? Wooden? Mech? 0.5? HB2? I have been using 0.5 HB mech pencil all the time and just bought a 0.3 & 0.9 mech pencils and Wow what a difference in detail with the 0.3, and also what darkness I can acheive with a 0.9. I only have the HB leads and I am ordering the darker Bs online. Even though I have HB lead, I can push harder without the lead breaking and it gives a darker value than the 0.5 it also covers more surface nicely. You can see what I mean on Dee's Scamp. lol, I have been taking with me to all my Dr appts and physical therapy appts (posted his update on my website, I just redesigned that too). I used a chamois to rub on the background and it was so easy to get the darks scribbled in and smooth it out with the chamois.

Ok Mary, I agree with Anita and I just wanted to add 2 more cents lol.

Look at the dark shadow coming from her chest under her neck on the left side in the ref pic. Do you see how it curves towards the neck? Your rendering needs to show more curve as it will make her look more 3D.

Same with forehead show more curve and if this ref photo is not working for you (even posterized, just find another one with better lighting and similar head position). Many artists use more than one ref photo to complete a rendering. Posterize it and make sure to keep the lighting as the same in the first ref photo (YOU CAN DO IT) I am know you can gf, I am so proud of you and I agree with Judi, I see such wonderful detail and life rendered from you in this portrait (and your one of Beto). I see the love you have for them in their eyes, you do not always see that life in the eyes from artists.

Well hope this posted,

[Anita Murphy]

Hi Sultry!!! :wave!! I'm going to go and buy some 0.3 pencils today (thanks for the tip!).

[Mary Woodul]

Hi Sults!:wave: Wow, thank you for the feedback. I will print it out also. It helps me to have the critiques on hand while working on her. I have been using HB Mech 0.5 and 2B mech. 0.5. The only sizes I see here in mechanical pencils are 0.5 and 0.7.

Anita, if you find different sizes in Mexico City, let me know. BTW, at first I was using and f wooden but I seem to get it smoother with the mech. pencils

[jmfletch]

Anita, I just can't seem to finish this but I won't give up even if it will be only as practice because I really chose the wrong reference. As I near the end I see problems with that contrasting highlight so I will not go that light. I think I still have to darken the hair quite a bit plus many other details.


Mary - Wish my finished work looked as good as your "practice"! I think it looks great, you just ned to "make the darks darker" :rolleyes: (seems to me I have heard that a time or two myself.) Someone already commented on the lips which are extraordinary.

By the way a beautiful subject!:thumbsup:

:wave: Sult!

Joe

[Mary Woodul]

Thank you, Joe! We have missed you!:D

[mauricar]

Mary, she is beautiful. You are really going to town on this one.

[sultry]

Hiyas Anita hope you get one I love mine.
Hey Joe!!! Saw your fantastic male portrait great job bro!
Hugs Mary glad you could use my little 2 cents lol
Well, I have my stage 2 posting but I did not transfer this to the good paper you would not beleive what kind of crappy paper this is on. lol
I will dilly dalli and render here as a practice rendering and then do another one of her most likely just to see if I can do better.
<cups hand and whispers :I am getting good practice Anita, really I am lol
Hb 0.5,0.3,0.9 mech pencils, 2H & 4H wooden pencils.

Don't laugh too much, I am still trying to get those eyes right.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Apr-2006/29757-najwc.jpg

[Anita Murphy]

Sults - so distinctively your style! The hair and the feather are looking grest. I love the highlights! Could we have the ref pic alongside so we can compare the features?

[Shelly B]

Hi. Been periodically "peeking" and admiring. Meant to join earlier, but life had other plans for me.
If you don't mind I would like to jump in now, if I may.
Thanks for sharing.
Shelly
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Apr-2006/78008-Michelle-wip-attachment.jpg

[Robin Neudorfer]

Is this THE Shelly B?
Welcome!!! Your very first post and I get to say HI. Nobody better beat me to it before I am finished here.
You will have to wait for the portrait guru's to critique this, but from where I am sitting this is looking might nice.
You do this rather well my friend.

[Anita Murphy]

Ah - hope this is THE Shelly B!!! This is looking just lovely!! Could we see the ref pic (if its not copyright of course)? The hair is wonderful and the softness of your style. Looking forward to more!

[Shelly B]

LOL You guys crack me up!
If I can ever figure out how to attach a photo that isn't billboard sized, sure, you're welcome to see the reference. No copyright issues as it's a snap I took. (sorry about the size of the wip posted, I thought my photoshop save was smaller, but alas...no)
And an avatar, I need to figure out how to do that as well.
Tomorrow is another day. Goodnight all. (geesh, I sound like Gone with the Wind blended into a preschool book)
Shelly

[Robin Neudorfer]

Shelly I had trouble with this at first too. I use PS and I go to the menu bar, and under image, I go to image size. I make sure the top number is 500 or less and the second number has to be 600 or less. So sometimes if you type in 500 and the second number is 650 (or such) then you have to make the top number less until you get the second number 600 or less.
I hope this helps. you can also submit them side by side down in the manage attachments underneath the reply box. They still have to be resized in PS.

[Anita Murphy]

An easier way than Robin says, Shelly is think which side is the longest on the photo - say its the vertical - then enter 600 in the vertical image size box and the horizontal side will be short enough. And vice versa if the horizontal side is the longest put 500 in the image size box and the vertical side will be short enough.
That eye is mesmerising!

[jmfletch]

Sultry - Back with a bang! Love the feather! I know you will get the eyes.

"The" Shelly B - Great start. Love your style. Hair is my nemesis and you did great on it!

Joe

[jmfletch]

OK, here is my official entry for Lesson 34.

First - Realism...best definition I can think of is that the viewer either does a double take or makes a comment like.."It looks so real."

Second - I could not find a really good photo of my MIL. They are either out of focus, she's talking, or making a face. So I used a couple of photos and memory.

It is on 9x12 smooth Bristol. I used .5mm HB, .7mm H mechanical pencils. I used the circulism technique, but then blended with a tissue to get the skin smoother. For the hair, I used both mechanical pencils plus a HB, 2B and 6B pencil.

All c&c deeply appreciated.

Joe

[Anita Murphy]

Joe - the one thing that stands out is that I think the face is too long. I think its the distance between the nose and mouth and mouth and chin.
On th enose there is a highlight missing right on the tip. The nose is a little too narrow and you could change that by taking ou a little of the shadow at the sides. The shaping of the left side (our) of the nose is wrong around the nostril.
If you added a little more shadow to the sids of the forehead where it comes down to the temples you would get a more rounded feeling to the face. You've done a lovely job with the hair - I think you can no longer call it your nemesis! The biggest test is what your wife thinks of it. I'd love to know.

[Robin Neudorfer]

Hmmm....funny how when something works you don't take the time to see how it might be easier another way. I never knew PS before I started posting here, and look how much you have taught me Anita. I am sticking close.

[Mary Woodul]

Shelly, well I can see why you are "The" Shelly B. Incredible work!!! I'll have to follow this one.

Joe I think you are doing a great job on the hair. Very nice portrait.

Hi Anita and Robin,:wave: I'm still working on my portrait in between the aqueduct.:o

[Robin Neudorfer]

**edit: sorry I thought I was in my male lesson... forgive me
Can I pull up a chair along side of you Mary. I need to finish mine too. I would really like to have a drawing partner. Why is the end so difficult? Maybe I am afraid of "a little bit here, and a little bit there" and pretty soon is is beyond repair. Or maybe knowing it will never be "done" and so if I leave it undone, I won't have to claim it is finished. I think I am in need of therapy on this issue. I find it happens in home projects too. I do have a deadline on this, which will help.
I am posting my goal for the day, gesso my boards for color class (because it didn't get done last night), and go tackle my JOSH. I want it right, and the only way it is going to get there, is if I sit down and DO IT. You all are my support, and I thank you.
Joe - you did a nice job of merging the two photos. It isn't easy, as I have been attempting the same.

[Mary Woodul]

Robin if you need more done to Josh then I have no hope with mine. I was looking at it today and it is excellent. You didn't only render the physical part but I think the spiritual part also. I think you have done a great job.:)

[Robin Neudorfer]

You are very kind Mary. I will keep that in mind while I have one more go of it. I have been attempting to put in some sky in the background, so that it isn't just white. I have never done a large area like that with such a smooth transition. Cindy B. makes it look so easy. In addition I need to finish the water on the right, that will be easy as I am happy with the left. So it should be a matter of only copying, right? Also I have gone a bit dark in the eye area. I am so afraid to pick graphite out. You are my witness though, I AM going to do it.

[Shelly B]

Robin and Present-Thanks so much for the help/tips on PS, I was just trying to reduce by inch size, not pixel. Sending the ref. photo...Fingers crossed, holding tongue properly...
Joe- The eyes are intense! Great job, it's not always easy to work from one photo, never mind 2! Well done.
Mlelevier-thank you for your kind comment!
Shelly
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Apr-2006/78008-Michelle_Mar06-8-WC_photo_ref_attachment.jpg

[jmfletch]

Joe - the one thing that stands out is that I think the face is too long. I think its the distance between the nose and mouth and mouth and chin.
On th enose there is a highlight missing right on the tip. The nose is a little too narrow and you could change that by taking ou a little of the shadow at the sides. The shaping of the left side (our) of the nose is wrong around the nostril.
If you added a little more shadow to the sids of the forehead where it comes down to the temples you would get a more rounded feeling to the face. You've done a lovely job with the hair - I think you can no longer call it your nemesis! The biggest test is what your wife thinks of it. I'd love to know.

Anita - I will work on the nose and forehead/temples for sure. I need to think though on how to change the distance from nose to mouth and mouth to chin without re-doing the portrait. (I mean if I lengthen the nose that changes that proportion, if I raise the chin it will lengthen the neck. if I make the mouth bigger that again changes proportions.:confused: :confused: Like i said I need to think on how to do that.)

By the way, my wife likes it very much...as is:o .

Mary, Robin and "the" Shelly B - Thank you for looking and commenting.

Joe

[Shelly B]

Joe-How special for you to do for your wife, no wonder she is pleased. :thumbsup: Oh, and I am Shelly, just Shelly.:o
Present-How on earth do I reduce to thumbnail size? This is embarrassing to be so, I don't know...such an in your face kind of size.
Thanks.

[Robin Neudorfer]

Shelly - I hope this is the "easy" way but this is what I do. Either Post Reply or below the quick reply there is a button Go Advanced. Underneatht the posting box, there is a button called Manage Attachments. If you click that you will in essence make a thumbnail. People do both. I like the thumbnails when I am using a reference and a drawing at the same time, because the drawings can be enlarged by the viewer, side by side. I also like to use the thumbnails when I have 3 or more pictures.

[Shelly B]

Hi Robin,
So, you guys sick of me yet?:o
Just had to try this out...
Shelly

[Shelly B]

I did it, I did it!

:clap:

[Shelly B]

Thanks Miss Robin!

[Anita Murphy]

Shelly - this is really charming! Nothing that I can critique at this point.

Joe - If I were you I would erase from just above the lip down. But I am a perfectionist. :D

[Robin Neudorfer]

You are welcome Miss Shelly.
No we are not tired of you, we are very glad you are here.
Tell Michelle she is a very pretty girl.

[jmfletch]

Joe - If I were you I would erase from just above the lip down. But I am a perfectionist. :D

I was afraid that was what you were going to say. Was hoping for a clever shortcut.:D

Thanks
Joe

[Anita Murphy]

Sorry, Joe! :(

[sultry]

Wow Joe your doing fantastic good to see ya

Hi shelly you have a wonderful way of showing such tenderness in your work.

Ok, Anita I finally was able to draw a little more and I am showing you the updated version with the ref photo. I can see I need to higher the left eye and it looks too wide too.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Apr-2006/29757-najfeather2.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Apr-2006/29757-naj3wc.jpg

[Anita Murphy]

Hi Sultry!!!!! - Good to see you have found some time for this. Looking very good!
Check the length of the nose below the chains - I think yours is too long, if you shorten it slightly it will put the distance between nose and mouth to where it should be, at the moment, fractionally too short.
Check the right eye. You have made the crease above the eye too stepp - it almost exactly follows the line of the upper eyelid.
I think both eyes are a little too big, but only a tiny bit.
Check the angle of the right (our) cheek - yours slopes at too much of an angle. The left cheek is too rounded.
On the chin you have a funny little bend on the left side. Her chin rounded smoothly there.
You need some more shadows around the left eye, particularly at the bridge of the nose and under the eye.
These are only little things and will really pull the likeness together. Hope you aren't too busy and get some time to finish this off.

[sultry]

Hey Anita, I had to start over due to my paper getting splattered with water. :(
Anyways, here it is so far.
I have only one layer on the left side no eye lashes yet and I am still adding more layers to the right side.
Started with 4H mech 0.3 & 0.5 used mech pencil 0.9 for the background.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Apr-2006/29757-naj3wc.jpg

[Anita Murphy]

Sults - this is looking fabulous!!! The eyes are great! Check that your pupils are the same size. Check the shadow under the chin too. How did you splash water on the other one????

[sultry]

Hiyas Anita, thank you so much for your input and your eyes gf (hugs)
I hate it but I am not able to see things till some one else tells me.
Ok, I changed the pupils and darkened under the chin. I also thinned out the face some but maybe I thinned it out too much, oops. :eek:
Oh, well, I need to do more highlighting and blending to bring the left side in the light more.
I thought I would show you were I am at now.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Apr-2006/29757-2ndnaj3.jpg

[Fireman's kid]

Hi Sults! :wave: This is looking good! I can see the Sultry style, but you have more lights than normal which is good. :thumbsup: Sorry to hear about the water on your first try. I am hyper about my Grandfather's portrait. I keep it covered whenever I am not working on it and never put any food or drink on my drawing table. I will be glad when it is done and framed so I can stop worrying about it getting ruined. :D

[sultry]

hiyas stacy :wave: I really am not sure how I spilled water on it. It was a mess though. :(
Anyways thanks and yes I want a different lighting then what the ref photo has. As it was, that was a cam shot so it did not give much clear light.
I want to make it look it mysterious and misty.
Ok I fattened the face up a bit, hows this?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Apr-2006/29757-naj4.jpg

[Anita Murphy]

Sults - sorry I missed the last post! Had a horrible day yesterday and ended up walking 12 miles - feet were aching a little by the time I got home! This is looking great. You definitely ave the mysterious thing going on here. I particularly like the feather and the eyes - the eyes are hypnotic - its hard to look at the rest because they just grab your attention all the time. Could you post it again with the ref pic beside it for me, pretty please! :D Hugs!!!

[sultry]

omg Anita I hope your ok hugs you.

I am sorry I cannot post right it now but I promise to when I can later on this evening.
Carmelo wants me to upgrade our 2003 Quick Books today and I need to get all our files entered in correctly for the business (wish me luck).
He also told me to fix naji's nose (he knows her too) so I have umm erased what I had so I will post the updated naji rendering and the ref photo on my next post here in this thread.
Again ty for being so patient with me.
OHHH I am so glad she looks mysterious and your right the eyes and the feather are what I want the eyes to see. :) :thumbsup:

[Judi1957]

Ohhhh Sults! She is a SMOKIN!!!!!! :clap: Gorgeous eyes!

[Mary Woodul]

Sults wow! The first thing I thought before reading Anita's post was the charming mysterious look. You are doing great!!

Anita I promise to finish my portrait, I just have to get two little thing out of my way.:rolleyes: How terrible about your day yesterday, that was a long walk and it was probably hot.:( :heart:

[sultry]

Hey gfs :wave: Judi & Mary ty for peeking in and the nice sweet words.
Did not get to work on her much because I worked on the Quick Books all day but it is alot easier than the 2003. :)
Thought I would show you another cute ref photo of naji so you can see a little of what she was wearing on her head. Isn't she cute? lol I just love her eyes.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Apr-2006/29757-morefeahtersnaj.jpg

[jmfletch]

Sultry - The eyes definitely are the focus. They just grab you!!
As for mysterious, I think all of your work has a level of mystery to it. I think it is because your work is always low-key(?), dark and sensuous.

Well I am finished with my efforts at lesson 34, unfortunately the portrait is not finished, but I learned some lessons.
1 - Beginners should use multiple refs,it requires greater skill.
2 - Bristol develops a lot of tooth after you erase it 6 or 7 times.

I quit, not because I finally got her mouth right but, because I cannot erase it any more.:evil:

Joe

[Robin Neudorfer]

Sultry - I haven't been in to portraits lately. I just came across yours and she is wonderful. What a great drawing!

Jim - I am not sure where you are having difficulty. This looks really well done.
I have also used multiple RIs and it isn't easy. I say you did a honorable job.

[Reinhard1]

Joe, I don't think neither that you needed to erase the mouth, I'd suggest to add something. Try to soften the transition in the corners of the mouth a bit into the surrounding skin area and try to add a bit more "middle-lower-lip". On my screen it seems a bit narrow/small (width) vs. the references. Others than that, there is nothing I could find. You did spledidly. :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Anita Murphy]

Joe - Great job!!!! WELL DONE!!! :clap::clap::clap:

[sultry]

Hey ty Joe :), You did a wonderful job :thumbsup: with your female portrait. Do not feel bad either about erasing, I have done that so much on this rendering also.
Ty Robin, appreciate it.
Heyyyyyyyy Bro RR I saw your elephant in AP and tried to comment on how wonderful it is and for some reason the AP site has not allowed me to post. :( so I will tell you here. GREAT JOB:thumbsup:
Well I am tired of working on this lol.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Apr-2006/29757-naji6wc.jpg

[Anita Murphy]

If you're tired of working on it Sults - its done! Great job!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: I'd love to know what your friend thinks!

[sultry]

Anita, I was tired of it last night and I do see alot where I need to improve. I am discouraged that I did not get her likeness at all. I do not like the right eye.

Yes I do want you to tell me where I need to fix this. Hugs and ty.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Apr-2006/29757-naji6wc.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Apr-2006/29757-najenhanced.jpg

[Shelly B]

Sultry-Sorry you had to start again, but you have really done the peice justice. Especially like the softening done for the background-definately helps to add to the mysterious feel mentioned in previous posts.
Joe-One can only rework so much until the peice no longer holds any flavor! Knowing when to stop it a good thing. So is your finished piece! Congratulations on continuing and a job very well done!
Shelly

[Robin Neudorfer]

Shelly - wecome back, so sorry to hear about your father. It is a rough time of life. I am still hopeful that we can arrange a visit. Perhaps you can tuck your drawing under your arm and I can have a first class viewing.

Hi Anita! How is the job?

Sultry - I love the smokiness of your drawing.

[Robin Neudorfer]

http://www.artnatomia.net/uk/index.html

...fun to play with

[jmfletch]

Joe, I don't think neither that you needed to erase the mouth, I'd suggest to add something. Try to soften the transition in the corners of the mouth a bit into the surrounding skin area and try to add a bit more "middle-lower-lip". On my screen it seems a bit narrow/small (width) vs. the references. Others than that, there is nothing I could find. You did spledidly. :clap: :clap: :clap:

Reinhard - I might try tweaking it a bit more as yo suggest. In RL the mouth area is not as dark as in the post while the rest of the picture is very close to the actual drawing. I think all the erasing and resulting change in paper texture effected how it photographed.

Robin, Anita, Sults, and Shelly - Thanks for the kind words ...and the empathy.:D

Joe

[jmfletch]

Anita, I was tired of it last night and I do see a lot where I need to improve. I am discouraged that I did not get her likeness at all. I do not like the right eye.

Yes I do want you to tell me where I need to fix this. Hugs and ty.



Sults - Personally I love this drawing for the reasons I mentioned earlier.
As to a better likeness the things I see different are in two areas. One is the shadows on the side of the right (viewers) is missing which makes the eye look different. Second is all of the highlight areas on the cheeks and between the lip and nose make the face look fuller than the photo. This is hard to explain in words, but that fullness makes her lips look pursed the way a child would for a kiss. In the ref her mouth looks pouty but is not so pursed just parted to hold the feather. Hope that all makes sense.

Joe

[Anita Murphy]

Sults - if you are going to work on this more - I'm here!

The right eye is too arched up in the middle - it should be a more gentle curve. Remember that the iris is going to be round - yours is rather oval. Same with the left eye - check the curve of the upper eyelid.
Also check the left eyebrow against the ref.
On the nose check the right nostril and the shaping of the nose around the nostril.
The lips are a little too much like she is blowing a kiss - have a look at the bottom lip shape against the ref.
Also have a look at the shape of the cheek where it emerges on the left either side of the feather - it is a teeny weeny bit too steep there, round it out a tiny bit.

This is actually very close so don't be miserable about it - its the tiny little things that clinch the likeness.

[Mary Woodul]

Sults, It is great, I love the expression!

Joe, I think you have done a very good job, as in all of your portraits.

Anita, next week, maybe I will finally get a chance to finish Daniela.:o

[Shelly B]

Hi Robin,
Thank you.
I'm still eager to meet!
Want to get back to my portrait tomorrow as I'm itching to get it done as well as would like my Dad to see the finished product.
Will send an update when there is enough work for it to be critiqued, hopefully in the next day or so.
Shelly

[Shelly B]

Hello,
Finally finished - unless of course you guys see something I don't!:o
All comments welcomed.
Thanks,
Shelly

[CatEyes]

Life has been very busy for me... this is a portrait I did from a very bad black and white photo..but I think it came out very well...
She took her life last year 5/29/05 and was a friend. Her hair is blonde and is very washed out from the sun in the photograph...

I figured I would share it here as I did the small circles to do the skin.


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-May-2006/62985-Chris.jpeg

[Reinhard1]

Shelly, lovely, most lovely :clap: :clap: :clap:

Tia, this gives me a lovely, light and sketchy feeling. :clap: :clap: :clap:

Sults, sis, may interest you to take another look at the middle of the upper lip? I have the feeling that in the reference she holds the feather between her teeth while in the drawing this seems to be done by a down-turned spike of the upper lip. Is that the scan? And I wonder why the scan keeps producing these sharp value contrasts. Are the value transitions so light that the scan doesn't pick it up?

[CatEyes]

Thank you Reinhard.

[Shelly B]

Reinhard,Thank you for your kind comments. :)
CatEyes, What an expressive pose, your friend was a beautiful woman. In spite of a poor quality photo, you've managed to achieve a pensive portrait. Well done.
Shelly

[CatEyes]

Thank you Shelly.

[Robin Neudorfer]

Shelly - Your daughters portrait came out so lovely. At twelve she will only grow more beautiful. Since I own an original, I enjoy seeing the full portrait and your personal style.

Tia - Hi! It is good to see you around. I am glad that you brought your portrait here. You have made a beautiful portrait of your friend. It is a nice way to spend time with those that are gone isn't it. A treasure to remember the good times I hope.

[Anita Murphy]

Shelly - a really amazing piece of work!!! Effective use of lighting!!! :clap: :clap:

very nice piece, Tia!

[Shelly B]

Robin-I have a style? :cool: Thank you M'lady. See you soon! :wave:
Anita -Thank you for taking the time to look/comment! Though wouldn't have done this peice had you not gotten me involved here at WC. So, thank you for that as well. :) Used your recommendations regarding lighting and effect. You were right, made a more interesting piece to do, giving thought to the mood as well as the composition. Now what? Do we get to play again?
Shelly

[Robin Neudorfer]

Shelly - Friday is the date I hear.
You know you can always do another one. Or go back to Lesson 33 and do your son. Or jump to 102 and try your hand at perspective. Your house?

[Shelly B]

Robin,
I may just as have another in mind. Or better yet, get help with the one I am doing of my son. Restarted it awhile ago but it was put on hold as life and reality seems to have taken a prominant foothold lately.
Perspective? Surely you jest. Okay, I know my weakness and will eventually relearn all I need/should know about perspective. Until then will cruise through and read what you have all been saying.
Take care and have a safe trip.
Shelly

[Robin Neudorfer]

Oh IMO you should finish your sons. It is funny how those sorts of things come back to haunt you later.
Cruise control is good for you right now with all you have in your life.
It all needs to be enjoyed, otherwise it will be considered "work".

[CatEyes]

Thanks Robin and Anita. :)
Shelly, I missed yours the last time...It looks great!

Sultry: That is a cool piece.

[Shelly B]

Robin-I think you're right. Want to continue with my son's portrait, also has my daughter in it-a larger peice at 16 x 24 image. For above the fireplace in our kitchen sitting area.
Cateyes-thank you! Cool name by the way.
Shelly

[sultry]

Ooooo Shelly beautiful job
Love the portrait Tia
Thanks for the comments Bro
I am having computer problems (my harddrive broke) so I am borrowing DBF's computer to pop on quickly. It has given me time to study values and work on eyes.
Here is yet another version of naji ( I drew it on really cheap paper so the dark marks were a terror to get off) instead of erasing them I made them into water drops.
I still want to work on the chain ( I am very far off in likeness but this is mostly for values).

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-May-2006/29757-najagain.jpg

[Reinhard1]

sults, sis, I don't knwo what you did but the tonal values are sooooo much better than in the last scan, congratulations. As for coming closer to likeness, please take a peek at the area between the eyes. I think you might want to consider to darken the trianlge "inner corner of the eye - inner corber of the eyebrow - bridge of the nose" a bit. Right now it seems to be a bit too light. I suggest to take the forefinger and the thumb and take bridge of the nose between them to feel how deep this area is (just like when easing the pain of wearing glasses on the bridge of the nose). Did I succeed in getting my point accross?

[sultry]

Hi Bro :)
Thanks for the quick response (I value your comments).
As for the shadows, I forgot to say, I have only done the right eye in the darker values of 4 & 3 (using my greyscale chart). All other parts for the portrait are still in the 9-5 values. Being that my lightest values are higher in number & darkest in lower number.
I am using my greyscale and working each section of the face.
I know what you mean about the bridge and because I started the chain I have not applied the shadow yet of the bridge. So yes I agree it needs to be darker and more in the lower values. So does the left eye but not as low in value.
This is the first time I have worked with values in sections and I am still working on the right eye a bit too.
Mind you I have not pulled much highlights yet with the kneaded eraser either.
By the way I did not sketch this with a pencil but with a paint brush and graphite powder and also with a tiny thin blender.
Thanks for liking the values (since this is what I am trying to learn).

[Anita Murphy]

Sultry this is a super picture! Watch the shape of the eyes though. And if thats her finger its not thick enough - unless she is ET! :D I love the softness of this.

[Mary Woodul]

Tia a very nice portriat, good to see you post.

Sults, this is looking stunning. I love the texture you have at the bottom that adds to the mistery of the piece and makes the whole drawing look ethereal.

[CatEyes]

Thanks Mary and Sults..
Nice work Sults! It looks great

[sultry]

hey thanks Anita for the comment :) I had the finger wider b4 and narrowed lol. Oh well, here it is as fat as I had it b4. I am still trying to figure out the chains (how to render them). I have been adding values little by little. How are the eyes now?
Ty Mary & Tia :wave:
I think I like this soft skin look too. :)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-May-2006/29757-naj3.jpg

[Judi1957]

Hey Sults-you are really getting much closer! She looks beautiful! Those eyes! Wow! The shading of the lid is tremendous on the eye on our right.:clap: :clap:

Just a couple of things that I noticed-her eye on our left needs more rounding of the lid-which is what Anita was refering to I believe.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-May-2006/37258-29757-najfeather2_eyes.jpg

The irises look bomb!-just round them out a tad morem making them a lil bigger and add some more values here and there-especially the iris on our left-it looks as if that eye is looking up and to the left-just a smidge. Under the eyes-recheck your values-I think the values make the socket appear too big.

Her nose-I think above the nostil on our right the values need to transition more light as you go to the left towards the center line of the nose.

The lower section of her upper lip is actually not going down-I think the portion you may be interpreting as that is opening of her mouth.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-May-2006/37258-29757-najfeather2_lip.jpg

[sultry]

wow ty gf I will look into those comments :) I am having a time with that left eye and yes I agree it is not staring back straight ahead.
So you think both irises need to be larger? ok will do. Thanks again for the quick reply. :wave: I am having such a bad time in staying in logged in for some reason.

[Anita Murphy]

Sults - hi!!! The eyes are still too arched in the middle - they should be less steep up.
Great tips from Judi on the irises.
Think the finger needs to be fatter still - if you hold your own finger to your mouth and look in the mirror I think you'll find its wider proportionally than you have drawn.
The eyes are killer!!!

[sultry]

Judi & Anita I really appreciate your eyes gfs. :)
On my way to the dentist but thought I would post what I have so far. I want to spray this only to make it darker. I still want to add more values.
I plan to do my daughter's pic next (again).
She sent me a few pretty pics of her before she flew off to Iraq again a couple of weeks ago. :(
So I am deciding on which one to do and I will do it in a Zena type theme since she is holding one of her ferrets. lol

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-May-2006/29757-naj5.jpg

[Judi1957]

Hey Sults-I see the more values you plan to add will be good to even out with the values under her eyes-you may have to lighten some areas there under the eyes-but you'll have to decide that later.

Her eyes look much more forward now:thumbsup: -I think adding a lil more upper lid on the left side of the eye on our left will finish that.

Her finger looks better and natural now too!

Liking the jewels! She's smokin even more-keep going!

[Mary Woodul]

Great going,:clap: :clap: :clap: :thumbsup: Sults!!!

[sultry]

hi Judi & Mary, Well I worked on naj as much as the (cheap) paper would let me.
This is the darkest I can go with values & no more erasing.

I am a little shaken because yesterday we had alot of rain and I went to a dentist appt 45 min away and managed to rear end DBFs car into a tractor trailer semi on the way home. He stopped suddenly infront of me and even though we were in traffic at 5 miles per hour I slammed on the brakes and it caused my car to slide. :( I am ok but upset about the car. The semi did not get a scratch I hit the lift thingy.
Anyways, here is naji and I hope I accomplished for the viewers what I had typed in the beginning of this thread about why I wanted to draw her.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-May-2006/29757-naj6.jpg

[Shelly B]

Sultry,
Ohmygosh. No wonder you are shaken, hope you are okay!
This peice has been so great to watch progress. You have overcome some obsticles to show a superior product. Love the direct look of the eyes combined with the exotic of the jewels.
That area is an interesting image in itself!
Shelly

[Robin Neudorfer]

I am glad that you are okay Sultry. No one was hurt, that is the most important.
Your drawing is stunning. I look into the eyes of this young lady, and I want to know the story. She is lovely.

[Anita Murphy]

Sults - hope you are ok! The portrait is great! FInger is better - more realistic size. Super piece of work! Robin is right - it tells a story! :clap: Are you going to give it to her? If so please let us know what she thinks.

[jmfletch]

Sults -Better his car is damaged than you!!:clap:

Do I see the head of an eagle above the sparkling jewel?

For me the eyes have it, they make it hard to look away to the rest of the portrait.


Joe

[sultry]

Thank you Shelly, Robin, Anita and Joe I appreciate all of your comments :)
yup Joe it is a eagle.
I wanted the feather to have meaning with the headdress she wears. I felt the eagle head would do just that.
I also wanted the composition to be where the viewer would always be lead back to her eyes. I feel the eagle steers you there as does the feather. I sketched in her finger to give the viewers eye another reason to look at her mouth holding the feather. That is the reason I only did half of the feather in view (it looks like an arrow pointing back towards her).
Anita, I drew this on such horrible paper and I may just make a print of it and send it to her. I may also enter this piece with 2 other pieces in art exhibit here in town before I do. I can tell you she saw the starting of this on another site I post at and she saved it as a favorite. I am waiting to hear from her when she sees the completion. I will let you know her reaction. :)

[Mary Woodul]

This is very emotive Sults and you did a tremendous job with it.:clap: :clap: :clap:

Take care, I hope you are alright and have recovered from the scare also.

[sultry]

Huggles Mary, thank you & I am really ok just a little upset about ruining his car and also my ticket for tailgaiting (which I was not doing).
Sighs, oh well, better a 98 dollar ticket than a huge medical expense.

[Striver]

Hi Anita, Robyn
Amongst other things I have this photo of the grandchildren which I think is charming and a little differrent. Have made a start a while ago but its on the shelf at the moment.
Is this classroom not the place for it and perhaps i should go to the general part for C&C. Frankly being your adoring student I am loath to leave completely. Hows that for a sugary approach. Would like to plod along with this as well as others in hand.
Cheers
Les

[Anita Murphy]

Les - looking forward to seeing this! I love the one shoe on, one shoe off! Just adorable!

[mjenk]

Hello everyone! Some pretty amazing female portraits over here! I want to give this picture of my daughter a shot. It was taken at her college in the costume shop (theater major she is...can ya tell?). I was drawn to her cheeks and expression. Here's my start. I put some darks in her hair to get a feel at the start where I'm going. Thank you for your help!
Les...very cool picture of the grandkids!

[Robin Neudorfer]

Oh my Les. How could you ever want these little ones to leave. They are adorable.
You have sugared me up, though I am not the portrait queen.
Are we doing a childrens version Anita?

[Robin Neudorfer]

Michelle,
This will make a wonderful portrait. You have a great start on it as well.
We shall have to wait for the Teach to come home from work, so she can offer her expert advice.

[Striver]

Thanks folk for kind comments, think I took a photo in a lifetime with this one, could not have posed them better if they stayed still that is. Yes that is a dummy in her mouth. I think that net is going to be a problem.
Will greyscale and show progress to date after getting new batteries for the camera.
Feel happy about this have missed being on this learning curve,
Cheers
Les

[Anita Murphy]

Michelle - you are going to have to be careful here - the shading is very subtle. You might want to manipulate the photo a bit in PhotoShop using the Brightness/Contrast to heighten the shadows a little. Lovely start here. You need to deepen that shadow at her cheekbone a little.

Robin - I think we can include children in this thread - similar skin textures. Are you going to do one?

[Robin Neudorfer]

Just asking...
I have some buildings I must begin... also tentative commitment to do a wc, and somewhere I think I said I would do a still life and there is an abstract on my easel.

Whoosh...life flies... when you are having fun.

[Striver]

Seems ok to post here so here it is.
My G/C recently at their uncles wedding.
Yesterday Rosie had an accident, watching her mum mixing a cake and as the mother bent down to the fridge so rosie bent her head over the mixing bowl while electric mixer was on, her hair caught in the blade, imagine what happened. Result she now has a bald patch, we await to see if it will grow back!
features need working on and that flimsy dress. For this exercise is it better to work on the faces first, blow them up for showing you?
Regards
Les

[mjenk]

Thanks Robin :)
Thank you Anita. When I did a grayscale on my computer I was amazed at how rather "pale" it came out. Learning to be more computer literate...I'll play around with the contrast/brightness- thanks!

[Anita Murphy]

Les - would be nice to see close ups of the faces. Don't forget your greyscale - the shadows on the steps are quite dark - compare them with the trouser legs of the people standing up. As to the little girls dress - its just subtle shadows. Forget that it is fabric and just think of the tonal values. How big are you doing this?

[Anita Murphy]

Michelle - thats the problem with photos taken with flash - real bleaching out of shadows. But you'll be amazed how you can beef them up if you play around with the settings on PhotoShop.

[Striver]

Anita
Size is 14 x 12 Do not mind starting again.
Have cropped the photo but in enlarging am losing the resolution, so have kept the blow up small. My digicamera is 4mpg
Have also cropped the drawing and used the photo adjust in PSP9 which appeares to sharpen it, much paler in the real. Wonder if I emailed the photo to you it would be clearer?
See how these are to start.
Feel excited to be doing a portrait again.
Les

[Anita Murphy]

Can you not take close up pictures with your camera, Les? I find that works better than cropping.

[Striver]

Excuse while I screw my thinking head on !
Lets try this, Done with the Ato focus and Zoom, will need to read up on Macro next time.
The girl is just roughed out, any way at that age isnt it said the less detail the better.
Les

[Robin Neudorfer]

wait a minute... excited to be doing portraits... hmmmm
The other is a portrait too.

[Striver]

Do you mean the 2pp, a portrait, well I be, we live and learn, now perhaps a still life or more so a landscape I would have thought. Portrait? I concede to my betters or I may get detention.
It is 6pm and dark and cold brr here, what time of day are you assuming it is Tuesday like here. Tomorrow big day on tother one to curry teachers favour.
Enjoy

[Robin Neudorfer]

just kidding Les.

More important, just heard that there was a major earthquake down your way.
Is everything okay in your neck of the woods?

[Striver]

Hi all
Yes a shake down south and out to sea, no effects I understand. Big exercise on today re Tsumai, that scare tother week already has seen some changes to proceedure, like warnings will be local and listen to BBC news, lol
very cold, too cold to work at the moment. Not using my heater, taking it for a check up tomorrow when the technician is available.
Sitting here with an oil radiator between my legs, backside is cold too, ridiculous eh.
Enjoy
Les

[mjenk]

Les- hope all is well with you!

Here's an update on my daughter's portrait. Learning so much...brightness/contrast...how to adjust! This is great :D! I'm also amazed once you scan something or put it on the computer that it "shows" so much more! As always, thanks for the help :)!

[Anita Murphy]

Michelle - this is looking great. COuld you post the ref next to it - makes it easier to compare.

[mjenk]

Anita, I worked a bit more on this tonight. After I post, I see the (our right) eye is too light. Do you go through different stages of "feelings" with your drawngs? I start with the line drawing, content with where I'm going...then I hit a point where I get scared. Not being pouty or whiny here...just wondering if these are normal feelings. Thanks as always...:wave:.

[Anita Murphy]

Michelle - check the right (our) cheek - I'm not sure but I think its too rounded out. The shape just doen't look quite right. The shadow under her left eyebrow is a little too prounced - making that contour look much steeper than it is. Make the change from the shadow to the highlight there more subtle. The shadows under her eyes need deepening a bit. Use your knowledge of human facial structure to make up for what is lost in the photograph because of the flash. The eyes are looking lovely but the lower eyelids need a little more shadow. Looking forward to the next update. You're doing a super job!

[Striver]

Michelle, all normal feelings, sorry lass your normal.
Looking and is going to be great.
Regards
Les

[Anita Murphy]

I forgot to say about feelings with my drawings. Actually less so with my drawings than with my paintings which make me virtually suicidal at times!! :D I've been reduced to tears more times than I can tell you - and have even taken a knife to paintings. One thing I have discovered is that it is so much easier when you have music on.

[mjenk]

Les- Thanks...it's good to know I'm normal :lol: (whatever that is! haha)
Anita- that cheek (our right) is what attracted me to this photo but caused me some "hmmmm what way does it go" feelings! Thanks for the pointers! Tonight I found flipping my drawing upside down also helped. My daughter came home from college today (YEAH! :D) and is giving her approval thus far on her portrait.

Here's an update...it's a bit late so the photo has a bit of light glare on the top. I'll try for a better pic with the next update. Thank you as always! :)

[Striver]

Ging to be stunning
Les

[Anita Murphy]

Michelle - don't lose the shadow on the left side of her nose and also watch the shadows on the left cheek - the shadow underneath the cheek goes further towards the nose than you have it and its changing the shape of her face slightly.
The hair is fabulous!

[Striver]

Hi Anita
Had a bit of a custard life period so the work has been overlooked, however?
Decided my Kids portrait is on the small size so will enlarge it somewhat. It suddenly strikes me that to include background the figures are made smaller unless you have an oversize portrait which is too big for the wall. Problem eh.
Well lets see what i come up with shortly.
Cheers
Les

[mjenk]

Les, thanks...look forward to seeing what you come up with :D
Anita, here's another update...keep moving...lol. Been rainy and overcast for days, so I'm still not completly happy with the photo. Thanks as always for all your pointers:thumbsup:

[Anita Murphy]

Hi Michelle - I'm going to be nit-picky here because you have a great likeness and its tiddly detailing now that will perfect it.
Remember that eyeballs are speres and need to be shaded as such to give that impression - in this case very subtly.
On her left (our) cheek the shading should start closer to her nose. You have more of a distance there than in the photo changing the shape of her cheek somewhat.
With her right cheek remember that the cheek is not flat and is a plane that curves away from us - so there should be slight shading to create that rounding.
The right eyebrow also does not curve round that side of her head but rather goes straight up an stops. In the ref you can see that the descending line of the eyebrow is visible.
Check the hairline - its not quite right.
The shadowing on her left temple should be slightly deeper where it meets the contour of the eye by the brow.
The left jawbone is not quite right where it descends from the cheek but I can't decide if you made the face too wide or if its the angle that is wrong. Also check the line down to the chin - you have a straight line and there is a slight downward curve there.
On the right side of her face you again have a straight line and it is very gently curved outwards. Check your shading here too.
The tip of her nose should be rounded.
You need more shading on the jacket to make it look like it is over her body rather than her being pasted on top of the jacket.
These are all really teensy nitpicks but are the sort that make all the difference. You are doing a wonderful job - looking forward to the next update.