Basic 102: Class 6 - Portraits in three-part harmony

[Sumariel]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Jul-2006/82344-Uncle_Bob_002_wpic.jpg

Les, I always welcome comments and critiques.

Rob, thanks, my friend, you caught what was driving me batty, (and since my belfry is full of them, it doesn't take much.) I have been trying to get in the habit of drawing what I see, rather than depending on formulae, but as you so kindly pointed out, there wasn't much to see there.

Al, thanks for the encouragement, I think I'm still in luuuuuv.
Suzi

[Anda G]

Suzi, You are doing great. Just keep going with the layers. :thumbsup:

Thank you for your compliment on the kids. They are my great neices and nephews except for the 4th one. All about 3 inches wide in pencil.
I have another gnephew just born a few months ago. I need to get him, or his mother will think I don't like him, either!

She's serious, too.

Andagail

[bock]

Wow, we have a big class. I keep losing track of names, so am getting a notebook out to take notes. The last couple of pages everyone is smoking on their second ones.
Rob- Your eyes look soo good. I have a hard time getting that orb.
Andagail- You did an awesome job on the light source. Love your work.
Maureen- Beautiful, love the hair especially.
Judi- I love the eyes and hair on yours too and the expression is perfect.
Janine- I like how you modeled her face. Great depth. I want to use other colors too!
Steve- Wow, that is great!
Blindhorse- I know how you must feel not being able to make art, but please heal first.
Tereza- Are you using CPs since you can't get the Derwents?
Gibson- Wow again, looks just like her. She's gonna love it!
Mary- Do we have two Mary's? I like your warm-ups. Momma and baby are both a little stressed. Love your first, you got the tilt of her head perfect.
Jeanne- You got the likeness down. Looks great.
Suzi- Patience, you are definitely getting there. It looks great!
Al- Wow, those eyes are piercing! Sure glad you didn't make us do self-portraits! (I wanna use chocolate!?)
Les- He sure looks like he won!!
I know I missed some, sorry, but just commented on the last couple of pages.
Here's my update.
Pat

[Anda G]

Hi,Pat, and thanks. That is a wonderful start. You already have such great depth. Love it.

Andagail

[bock]

Thanks Andagail. Think I wined enough to Al? Maybe he will let me use that chocolate one! :)
Pat

[gibson99]

Wow back at you Bock! That is a beautiful picture. It is coming along quite nice indeed. You are not using chocolate , are you?

[bock]

Thanks, Gibson! No, Al won't let me! But boy do I want to. I don't know how I'm going to get that sweater dark enough without it.
Pat

[Anda G]

Hi, Pat. I already asked if I could use chocolate. He said to keep using terracotta and venetian red. He said that they would be richer and deep. Or something like that. I have to do dark brown hair. :)

Andagail :wave:

[bock]

Yeah, that's what he told me too. Guess he wants us to really see what these three can do. Sigh!

[Anita Murphy]

Hi Guys!!!

Finally am on the internet.

Here is my offering so far. Will try to get my own portrait choice sorted out for tomorrow.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/30-Jul-2006/58769-IMG_3855.jpg

[Robin Neudorfer]

HI ANITA!!!!
How do you draw fly and drive at the same time. You are something.
I miss you!
I have to go back and comment on everyones, but you all are doing a great job.
Looking forward to Assignment #2.
I am still bringing up the rear.

[bock]

Anita, that is awesome! I love it!
Pat

[alfredart]

ANITA!!! Wow!!! Look at you. This is wonderful for sure. You took right to these pencils.

Okay guys... use chocolate if you wish. I'd try it on a scrap piece first.

Pat, you've really taken to these and this is going to be beautiful indeed.

Peace,
AL

[Anda G]

Anita! She's so lovely. I love the hair.

Hey, Robin :wave:

Thanks, Al. I will wait until the end before I resort to the chocolate! I could use some Dove chocolate right about now. Even some Hersheys. :evil:

Good night,

Andagail

[bock]

Thanks Al! I'll wait too just to make sure I really think I need it. I still find myself getting heavy handed. I will try it on a scrap first.
Pat

[Striver]

Pat, its coming alive, will be jumping off the page, following with interest.
Midge, the black bands started with the black pencil but its a heavy tooth paper, so put some chocolate on top, still the tooth shows, so too much work to fill all the tooths in, will do another on better paper. The actual armpit our right was just the three colors.
Suzi, may I suggest you measure the eyes they seem to differ here, I use a pair of dividers, or compass and even a piece of paper & pencil. For front on views where circles are even I often use a see thro pices of plastic which has lots of various size circles cut out. Over her available at newsagents and craft shops, lots of other cut out available as well. simply place the chosen cut out where you want it and run the point of a pencil around the inside, you have two even circles then. Hope it helps. Anita, WOW
The Boss girl is calling and must be obeyed by this mere mortal.
Enjoy
Les

[alfredart]

Otay guys, here's alittle bit of an update on the one I'm doing. Started some darks now so it's starting to look alittle better.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/37195-me2.jpg

Peace,
AL

[Sumariel]

Al, why do I get the feeling that the intense stare hides a ready smile?

Thanks, Les, I have those, I'll see what they show me.

Anita . . . . . . . . .Wow! I am still in awe of different styles and interpretations. Great job!
Suzi

[Mary Woodul]

Anita I knew you would pop in wiht something absolutely superb.:clap: :clap: :clap: We miss you!;)

Al, wow those tatoos, look great. I love this one too!

[IslanderNL]

I've been busy with visitors and haven't had a lot of time to get here, so I've gone back a couple of pages to see the amazing drawings. Wow...such talent here always floors me.

Anita, your drawing is beautiful, such wonderful tones and the hair is perfect

Jeanne, this is a great image, just deepen the tones and muss the hair a little like Al said and you're there. :)

Al, love the SP and your tats. Beautiful work as always.

Suzi, great start on your drawing

Blindhorse, that is so frustrating for you with your sight problem. I do hope it does improve quickly. Yes, more people need information on this issue.

Tereze, lovely eyes on your drawing

Tyree, striking as always

Judi - Wow! Faburlous tones, I love it!

Janine, wonderful drawing, very wistful

John, this is beautiful, love the light touch and the portrait of your wife will be even better

Anda, beautiful delicate drawing

Steve - Fabulous drawing!

Mary (african art), lovely image

Les, - such a cute boy, yes the paper does look a little rough for this medium, but experimentation brings interesting results

Pat, such a beautiful portrait you've started. The tones are so smooth and even, how do you acheive that or is it in the photographing? Mine always look so grainy

I did a draft of a portrait of my eldest daughter. I'm not completely happy with it as its too small so I haven't acheived the detail that I wanted with it in this medium and I'm still not sure about the pose. It was difficult to get a good reference photo of her as she kept goofing around as I was taking photos so I had to kind of sneak up on her.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/67422-sorcha_derwent.jpg

This is a self portrait that I did a month or more ago before Al's class so the tones aren't the same. Its something I may do again now I've learned more about the pencils and how to layer them.

And yes, I did use some touches of chocolate in them. :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/67422-sp5.jpg

[JayD]

Folks, I need some serious help here--I did the pencil drawing for the second task (bead girl) and started working with the pencils--as I started sharpening-using a standard small silver sharpener, the lead(?) in the pencil started breaking off in stumps and now I have a pencil roughly the size of my pinky. This event has turned out to be distressing but to quote Ronald Reagon, I am willing to "stay the course". I could really use some advice on the sharpening.

[IslanderNL]

Sorry you're having problems with the pencils Jay. Perhaps the leads were shaken up a bit before you got them then break as you sharpen? Its happens, as often non-specialist stores don't treat products with the care they need. Try another store to get the same pencil if you can and see if that corrects the problem.

I use a basic hand sharpener - nothing flash and it works fine on mine. Just make sure its a new sharpener with a very sharp blade. An old blunt blade will rip pencils to bits I've found. So after a drawing is done, I usually dump the sharpener and get a new one. At a dollar or less each, its worth it.

[robynsin]

I knew it was a mistake to get so far behind the rest of the class - so much to catch up on. Of course I've been looking and admiring, but not posting because I wasn't drawing. So now I've had to go back to the beginning.

Les - Five days ago you were heading for the bin with your first effort - I see fantastic improvement in the second grl and love your little future All Black. Well done.

Jeanne - What a lovely tribute to your brother.

Mary - Wonderful likeness and detail.

Tyree - Great expressive protrait.

Mike - You might put it down to a 'learning experience' - I think she's just beautiful.

Suzi - You sound to be having so much fun! Lucky you being able to get the Derwent pencils. Congratulations on your 'personal best' and I think you are doing a great job on your very difficult male reference.

Pat - Great dramatic eyes and beautiful dimension in your first portrait and I just love your second. The colours are so rich - just beautiful.

Deirdre - STUNNING STYLE! She just glows with life!

Danna - Yours is an absolute favourite of mine. One doesn't need to know the subject to want to hang this one on a wall:clap:

Judi - Beautiful drawing as usual. I always love to see your work.

Andagail - Lovely drama and emotion in your girl and beautiful smooth skin texture.

Netty - Wonderful eyes and mouth.

Jeanette - Just BEAUTIFUL:clap:. Also love the preliminary on your daughter - the hair is so good.

Midge - Your second portrait was a major leap forward and your portrait of your second subject is fabulous.

Rob - Light and perfect - MORE PLEASE!

John - Very good sketch to begin. We all know that's important (oh why didn't I listen!) Excellent finish and lovely hatching:thumbsup:. Now looks like a very good sketch of Barbara too.

Robin - Looking forward to seeing yours finished. Beautiful light touch on the skin.

Maureen - Lovely confident portrait, full of life.

Carol - Another favourite of mine - it's a painting! I'd hang it.

Melisa - Lovely start as usual with excellent skin tones and highlights. :thumbsup: Looking forward to your final.

Janine - Super! Full of character.

Steve - I love your style.

Mary (african art) - Great start, and with a cold!

Anita - I'm bursting with admiration!:clap: All that and the move too! Stunning.

Al - What a wonderful thread you've created here. I love your self-portrait, beautiful detail. So looking forward to seeing a it posted BIG when you've finished.

Not sure if I'm going to finish my girl. I knew in my heart I should have gridded the drawing because I found the angle of her eyes quite difficult. Anyway I opted for freehand and there are problems everywhere with her features. I'm using Caran d'Ache Pablo Permanent Colour pencils in Brown Ochre and Umber and a FILA Sanguigna Italian pencil. Just can't get the Derwent Drawing Pencils here in Tuscany. Not sure that DB mails to this part of the world so am making do for now. Decided to transfer my freehand sketch to the final paper and pressed way too hard on the tracing paper - couldn't remove the lines - and should have binned it at that point. Have struggled on though because I have no experience with long hair - I've learnt a lot. Next one I do will be better.
robyn
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/66219-DSC03013.JPG

[gibson99]

Anita - You nailed that one, It really pops out:thumbsup:

Islander - That is a great Two, very very nice Drawings. I really like your self portrait and the one of your daugther, I think they are superb:thumbsup:. I now how it is with young people and photo. My beautiful grand-daughter would not sit still, but I finally got a good picture of her to draw from. Imagine try to have her sit for a drawing:eek: The drawing I did is on my website.

[JayD]

Jeanette, thanks--I will go blicking in a moment and pick up some new pencils. Dont count me out yet!!!!!

[gibson99]

Al - your experience, skill, and talent certainly show in this drawing.

Robyn - Other then the few errors you pointed out , you nailed everything else . I am sure you next one will be excellent:)

[gibson99]

oops

[robynsin]

JayD - I've had the same problem with one of my pencils. Sharpened it with a blade in the end and now it is working perfectly. Not as perfectly as a Derwent Drawing Pencil though:lol:

robyn

[mmdm]

Wow, everyone is doing great work here, and fast too! I have to confess that I have looked at my girl every night for the past 3 nights thinking I would pick it up and get started on the hair but I chickened out every time. Hair just scares me! But I can't leave her in the condition she is in, so I will try to make myself start on it today.

[Africanart]

Islander and Robyn...Thank you for commenting on my drawing, although with some of the foggyness cleared up I had another look at my drawing and are not liking at all what I am seeing.

I am having great difficulty today it seems with anything I am trying to put down on paper, even the weekly drawing thread :mad: :crying: it is driving me crazy

I want to redo the drawing again, but not sure if it will happen today....maybe a good dose of coke (coca cola) that is and chocolate would help the spirits lift.

JayD I had the same problem with my sharpener, but reading some of the comments I am thinking that maybe the blade is blunt, good excuse for me to hop in the car and go and get the new sharpener and in the process get my "fix" :D

Great drawings everyone else.

Mary

[JayD]

Mary, I think you guys are right--well, I went to the Al list to make sure I had the right pencels and then headed over to Blick's and order three pencils of each and am having it fed-exed to be here tomorrow. AL--I love ya man but this class of yours is not as easy as it looks!

Anyway, I want to rework my drawing--may simplify the line work a bit more so I will use tonight productively.

[IslanderNL]

Thanks Robyn. Keep going with your drawing, even if its not in the same medium, its beautiful in its own right. Just follow the natural flow of the hair and you'll do fine with it.

John, thanks for your kind words. I looked at your side and saw the drawing you did and its truly beautiful. She must love it as much as you do.

We all have patches like that Mary. Perhaps a little shopping for creative things will fix that. :) That and chocolate... It will pass and you'll get back into your groove again.

Keep pursuing Jay, I know you'll love drawing with these pencils once you get them to work!

[JayD]

Jeanette, I just went to Derwent where I plugged Al's class and invited them to come visit--I hope Al gets good press from this. I also picked up the following information from their website on sharpening these pencils:



To use a pencil sharpener, keep the pencil and the sharpener in a straight line. Do not insert the pencil at an angle or the point will be subjected to unnecessary pressure and may break.

Pencil sharpeners work very well when new and sharp, but do not last nearly as long as people think. There are a couple of easy ways to check whether a sharpener is blunt:

Examine the wood around the pointed pencil. If the surface of the wood is smooth, then the sharpener is sharp. However, if the wood is rough or ‘furry’ then the sharpener is becoming blunt. A very blunt sharpener will produce a very rough surface on the pencil point.


Watch the shavings coming out of the sharpener. A good pencil sharpener will produce a long, continuous sliver of shavings. The blunter the sharpener the smaller the pieces of shaving become. If you start to see shard-like pieces coming out of the sharpener, then throw it away.



Again, these do become blunt and will need the blades changed regularly. Many people experience problems with pencil points breaking when using a knife. The trick is to hold the knife at a shallow angle (almost parallel to the pencil) and take off small amounts of wood from each side of the pencil. If the angle is steep the tendency will be to take off too much wood in one go and possibly to cut the strip at the same time.

Once the strip is exposed, then very gentle scraping movements will make a nice sharp point.


All of the above applies to pastel pencils. However, pastels are more delicate than normal pencils. The properties of pastel pencils are specifically designed to be ‘crumbly’ and dusty on paper. This means that they must be handled with more care during sharpening. There is even more risk of snapping the point by being too vigorous with a knife (the sharpening angle for a pastel has to be even shallower because there is less wood around the strip).

Also, the materials that make the pastel pencils dusty are much more abrasive than the materials in other types of pencil. Therefore, blades will blunt quicker than they would normally. New Derwent pastel sharpeners and sharp craft knives will work well for a time, but will need to be replaced regularly to make sure that sharpening can be done properly.

[Africanart]

Jeanette

Thanks for the encouragement, went and are back already, so we shall see how it goes.

JayD I am with you it looks easy but it aint so easy.

Mary

[danna23]

Thank you all for the comments on my first piece and thank you Robyn I loved doing the hair. Well I started my double piece yesterday I had to redraw the toothy mouth many time ( I lost count). I decided to go with a more relaxed smile and now I think she looks like Gilda Radner :cool: . I won't change it because the piece is just for practice.... I have to keep telling myself that so I quit beating myself up over it. I am happy with the look of my daughter.... the girl has the best lips I love drawing them.

I can see you can go through these pencils very quickly, much quicker than regular CP's. Probably because I only use a few colors and I'm working much bigger than I usually do.

OK.. onto the piece ... 18x20 on Strathmore watercolor cold press, the back side of it is smoother than the front. Only first layer done at this point, I'm sure this piece will take me all week. The other paper I had wasn't big enough for a two person portrait.

I love all the work here, all soooo different.:clap:

[gibson99]

looking good dana:)

[mmdm]

Camera batteries are dead, as usual, so you get the scanner cropped version. This paper seems so huge, LOL! She does have shoulders in the real thing. I think I managed to fix the wonky eye and I made a very tentative start on the hair. Have no idea what I'm doing but it already looks a little more like hair so I'll just keep going. I still don't like the yellow of the brown ochre on the face and it seems a lot more yellow than most of the others. I might leave that color out of the next one.

Al - Would it look odd to add just a bit of chocolate to the pupils? It just seems like they need to be darker and I can't get them any darker with the venetian red.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/9614-derwent2.jpg

[IslanderNL]

Great idea on mentioning Al's class to the good people at Derwent Jay. I hope too that he gets some recognition from it. Al deserves a lifetime supply of free derwents for all his work with them and this class. Good tips on sharpening too!

This looks wonderful Dana - and very ambitious - two in one!

Beautiful Melisa. Just my thoughts on adding the choclate to the pupil. I would wait until you've filled in the tones for the hair. I believe the paleness you're seeing now will fit in well in the overall scheme. By making the pupils really dark they may stand out too much from the rest of the image and be distracting.

As for the yellow in the skin tone, once you add more layers of terracotta and venetian red, most of the yellow isn't visible, its the underpainting as such for th face and takes away the starkness of the white paper.

[Judi1957]

Folks, I need some serious help here--I did the pencil drawing for the second task (bead girl) and started working with the pencils--as I started sharpening-using a standard small silver sharpener, the lead(?) in the pencil started breaking off in stumps and now I have a pencil roughly the size of my pinky. This event has turned out to be distressing but to quote Ronald Reagon, I am willing to "stay the course". I could really use some advice on the sharpening.

JayD-I used the larger hole in my silver metal sharpener as I broke a couple tips in the smaller one.

[Judi1957]

Maureen - love it!

Jeanne-Lovely rendering of your dear brother!

Rob-Your work is gorgeous!

Mary-I am sure you made your choice by now-no matter what your drawing will be awesome.

Tyree-this is great-and the lightest I have ever seen you draw!

Janine-great expressive eyes!

John-Marvelous work- your wife is beautiful-I am sure you will do her justice!

Anda-Such a wonderful softness you achieved in your drawing! Your nieces are adorable!

Steve-very beautiful!

MaryR-wonderful piece!

Tz-Now that is just sooo cool!

Les-you captured that lil boy look!

Pat-just awesome!!

Anita!!!!!:wave: :wave: You are missed. Gorgeous work!!!!!!!!

Al-Wow-that is an amazing self portrait!!!!

Jeanette-Lovely portraits both of them. You are the Queen of lines!!!!!

Robyn-correct angle or not-it is still a beautiful drawing!

Danna-oh you are so brave-and winning-looks fab!

Melisa-wonderful skin tones! looks great!

[JayD]

Robyn-I finally gave up--and took stumpy (that is the one that gave its life for me) and gave it a round of sand paper--that helped with the sharp tip...

[Sumariel]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/82344-Uncle_Bob.jpg

Thank you, Robyn, this has been more fun than any class I ever attended in person, and the inspiration of all of you who really have a handle on portraiture has increased the fun tenfold! I am beginning to see some progress on my own skills that I had begun to wonder if I could do. This is great.

I cannot tell you just how inspiring working "alongside" all of you has been. I really appreciate the opportunity!
Suzi

[gibson99]

MMDM - Looks Great :)

[Africanart]

After a dose of sudafed and pick me ups...I took a second shot at the drawing. Not a master piece but definitely an improvement on the previous one. I think with these like with everything else "practise makes perfect". So I will try and attempt another drawing a bit later.

Thanks

Mary

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/69011-basic62.jpg

[gibson99]

Suzi - that is a beautiful drawing. And you have been an inspiration also:)

[gibson99]

MaryR - I am seeing everyone improving! Isn't it great! You are so right about the practice. As Robin says Practice, practice and practice:thumbsup:

[Sumariel]

Thank you, Gib.
Suzi

[mmdm]

I'm charging the camera batteries but it takes forever. I'll post a full shot once they are charged. The scanner chops off so much of the hair and shoulders.

Added the venetian red to the hair then went back and added more terracotta and venetian red to the skin to try to tone down the yellow but no luck. Then I used an old quilting trick. If you have a little bit of an ugly color in a quilt and it sticks out like a sore thumb, use MORE of it, and it will recede. Using only a little makes it act like an accent color. So I added some of the brown ochre to the hair to try to do that (no more to the face though!). Not sure it really worked. I definitely will skip the brown ochre on the next one. So, what else do I need to do here?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/9614-derwent3.jpg




Suzi - This is looking really good. I hope you can see the huge improvements you have already made since you last did this photo. You have such a nice delicate touch.

Mary - I don't know how you can draw on sudafed (I can barely sit still if I take it) but somehow this still came out looking good. These pencils are really different, aren't they?

[lamelucy]

LOVE IT. ON TO THE NEXT. lamelucy

[Fozbot]

beautiful work from everybody!:thumbsup: just to let Al know i'm still planning on joining this class i've got my sketch done! yaayy! i ordered the wrong pencils.:( now i'm waiting for the right ones.:rolleyes:

[Sumariel]

Melissa, thank you, I do see some major improvements, though I am seeing already where I need to concentrate the next time I start a drawing, (today?), maybe if I just keep going I'll "get it" yet. You are all so good, and it is with delightful pain that I look at how far I need to go before I count myself an "artist". Thanks,
Suzi

[gibson99]

Melisa - Are you sure you can't go back into the face with Terracotta and make the whole face a little darker and adjust the shadows accordingly? Its such a good drawing. This is just my humble opinion.:o

Sumariel - the more you do the better you'll get.

[gibson99]

Billie - Looks good!

[mmdm]

Melisa - Are you sure you can't go back into the face with Terracotta and make the whole face a little darker and adjust the shadows accordingly? Its such a good drawing. This is just my humble opinion.:o


I did try that. I lightly went over the entire face with the terracotta and then over the darks with the venetian red, but it still seems yellow. Actually, it is not quite as yellow as it looks here. I think the scanner is changing the colors somewhat. But it is still yellow enough that it bothers me, even though I really did just use a light layer of the brown ochre. I'm afraid of getting the face too dark because I don't want to go any darker on the hair. I'm thinking maybe of trying to lighten the yellow areas with the kneaded eraser?

[Sumariel]

Sumariel - the more you do the better you'll get.

Gib, that's always the hope, isn't it?
Suzi

[JayD]

BILLLLEEEEEE!!!!! Hi!!! You can hang in the back of the class with me--I have all the pencilss BUT the terra cotta--unless "ruby earth" counts!

[Fozbot]

HEY JAYD!:wave: at least i'm not the only lagger. LOL i can't believe i ordered the wrong stuff. anyone want a Derwent sketch set? i tell ya.........:rolleyes: i DO have terracotta...and chinese white. the rest is graphite pencils, sticks and charcoal.

[gibson99]

Melisa - I hope that the kneaded eraser works . I was able to lift some with that.

JAYD and Billie , looking forward to your work. In my opinion the Terracotta is the most important. oh well , perhaps all three of them are , I just like the looks of the Terracotta the best:)

BTW - the reason I am expressing my opinion so much right now is that I am at Work and cannot draw or post any drawings and I am jealous of the people that can:envy:

[Fozbot]

thanks Gibson.:) were you able to get the chocolate? Blick was sold out of that particular pencil when i placed my order.

[mmdm]

OK, here is the camera shot of the whole thing. Haven't tried the kneaded eraser on the skin yet but this is closer to the color of the original than the scans were. Do the eyes look too pale? Is the hair finished? I'm pretty happy with it (other than the yellow) but let me know if it still needs something.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/9614-derwentportraitweb.jpg

[IslanderNL]

Melisa, your drawing is lovely. Quite well rendered. But I believe that the problem you're seeing with the brown ochre undertone is that you haven't got the whole image dark enough. You need to add many more layers to make it stand out. You won't make it really dark, trust me. You're trying to balance it against a white background. Go darker, it will make all the difference. Once you've done that, the yellow underlayer will blend in and it will look even better.

Right now, her hair looks white in your drawing but its not that light in the reference. Try doing a greyscale image of the reference and you'll quickly see that your tonal value is way to light. That is why you are having concerns with how it is looking right now IMO.

Don't be scared of the dark! :)

[mmdm]

So should I not be leaving any white highlights in the hair, or have I just got too many? I told you I didn't know how to do hair!:confused:

[IslanderNL]

Melisa, I've taken the liberty of doing a grey scale of the reference and placing it next to your image so you can see the difference in tones. You need to go much darker in your shadows to acheive the effect you want.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/67422-sophie_BW.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/67422-9614-derwentportraitweb.jpg

[mmdm]

Thanks, Jeanette. The first thing I see is that I don't have the mouth shaped just right, LOL, but I am going to ignore that. I don't know how much darker I can get the venetian red to go but I will try. Maybe I will end up needing to add the chocolate.

[gibson99]

Billie - I was lucky. I went to Micheals Here in San Jose and they had a package with all of the colors Al mentioned plus white and black. I haven't used the Chocolate yet because it looks to Dark and I am a chicken when I comes to making it dark enought. I am working on that:)

[Fozbot]

ok Gibson...i won't worry about the chocolate then. i'll save that til i can get to a Michael's around here. too far to drive at the moment.

mmdm, love your portrait! i kinda like her as a tanned blond. Jeanette is right, tho. push the darks just like in graphite. we'll see how well i do with these pencils soon.:rolleyes:

[Robin Neudorfer]

but I love the chocolate...
Here is my update, slowly working on the hair...and yes the eye needs some tending to. Some how I got my sketch off center so the hand isn't going to fit nicely on the paper. Sorry teach... do you see anything else that needs attention? Did I miss that we were only to use 3 colors? Hope this doesn't mean detention for not listening... (can I use the excuse of brain overload?)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/30341-WC_102-6-2.jpg

[gibson99]

Robin - Very nice indeed. I like how you have the a lot of red in the cheeks. I like the chocolate also I am just afraid of going to dark, but I working on that.

[Anita Murphy]

Thanks everyone for the comments.

Jeanette - you have these nailed and I am not surprised - your work with graphitints is superb so no reason to think you wouldn't do these too! I love the pony tail - just wonderful!

Al - Always great to see your mastery of this medium!

Robyn - great start here.

Danna - what a great ref!

Melisa - Great start and getting better at every post!

Suzi - looks like you have the knack for this medium too. Looking forward to seeing more.

Mary - you are so right - practice is the only way to improve and yours improves every time I see your work.

Billie!!!!!!! HI!!! Thanks for the card! Lovely sketch ready for colours!

Robin - anything with chocolate in the name has to be good!!!! Your work is bound to be stunning whatever the medium!

Hi JayD!!! :wave:

[Judi1957]

Hey Anita!:wave:

Billie-Wonderful sketch-looking forward to you color!

Robin- she is looking great!

Posting done-I think. Well perhaps a bit more work in the lower right.


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/37258-mermaid3.jpg

[Robin Neudorfer]

Melisa - I was taking a tour of your drawings and saw your frustration with color. Jeanette has given you great advice, but I want you to take a look at the picture, from the models website and click on it to enlarge it. Study how much of a yellow tone is in that picture. There is a tremendous amount of golden tones in the hair. So I don't believe you have put too much in the face. Certainly in the shadows of the face you might go with a darker tone as in VR, but there should be some YO in the hair. see all the highlights? No white, as I see it. I am finding YO with TC and VR are pulling her amber tones together. Play with it. You have a lovely start.

[Judi1957]

Ohhh here is my ref for assignment 2.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/37258-tim_and_donnawcsize.jpg

[mmdm]

I don't know. Is it getting there yet? To get any darker in the shadows I am going to have to add chocolate because new marks with the venetian red aren't showing. Sorry for the dark photo but the daylight is gone.

Robin - I just saw your post so I'll go back and see if I can find her website and tomorrow I'll cover those white highlights a bit more with some YO or BO. Thanks!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/9614-derwent4.jpg

[Anda G]

Melisa, I LOVE the hair on your Sophie (along with everything else). I am going to go after mine with an eraser. :D

After reading a couple of posts, I am going to add some more layers and go darker. I think I need to fix my eye, too. I showed it to my sister today and she picked out the eye thing. She asked me, what are those "round things hanging off her?" :lol: :o I have some tweaking to do.

I'll post it later. I am going to go look at the other new posts. :)

Great to see all the "new" people join the class. :wave: This is so fun.

Andagail :wave:

[mmdm]

Thanks, Andagail! I am actually surprised that the hair came out looking like hair. I was so afraid to even try it. I had to fix an eye on mine too. I coudn't get it to erase with the kneaded eraser so I tried my white click eraser and that worked great. After I penciled it back in correctly, I don't think you can even tell it was erased.

[Anda G]

Hi, Melisa. I wasn't too careful with my hair. :o I am going to try my tiny click eraser.
I have been reading up on colored pencils. People use something called frisket film to erase the cp. I have an old un-used typewriter correction tape that has a film strip in it. I am going to experiment and see if I can lighten up some strands of hair. We'll see if it works. :lol:

Andagail

[Mary Woodul]

Wow I am so behind on comments but everyone is doing a fantastic job.:thumbsup: :clap:

Anita, great to see you around!

[Robin Neudorfer]

Andagail, Frisket is clear and mildly sticky. From my memory of typewriter correction tape, it is white. I don't think that would be a good thing to try. I need to go back and look at your drawing closer, but I think if you lift with your kneaded eraser it will allow you to place color over it.

[tyree]

judi....really beautiful work...!!!! tyree:wave:

[RWSewell]

Some absolutely stunning work in this classroom. I wish I'd gotten involved in this sort of forum long ago.

I've set my Sophie aside briefly so I could at least get the foundation down on the final piece...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/81425-100_0216.jpg

It's at a strange stage at this point. This will be a darker image than my Sophie so I'm already working my terracotta and chocolate pencils. As far as the particular cropping...well, I'm too tired to tell the tale just now. More tomorrow.
Obviously too soon to tell but this is a celebrity... of sorts. Anyone up for taking some wild guesses?
Looking forward to checking in tomorrow after work but...*yawn*...it's getting late. Ciao!
:cool: Rob

[gibson99]

Judi - Great finish. Good form and great hair:clap:

Mmdm - Looking really good! Its coming together.:clap:

Rob _ that is going to be great:clap:

I came home from work and worked 2 and 1/2 hours on my wife's picture. As she pointed out the other night the photo had added some unnecessary lines and I should probably leave those out so that the drawing would be a more realistic representation of her. Of course I concurred:D

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/44925-BarbaraRes.jpg

[Anda G]

Thanks, Judi and Anita.

Thank you, Jeanette, for posting the grayscale. It helped me a lot.

I tried lifting some color with the correcting film. It came off lightly. I will hit the hair with the click eraser later.

Here, I went darker. I fixed the eyes, I think. What do you think?

Andagail http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/59007-grainy.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jul-2006/59007-darker.jpg

[bock]

Wow, great stuff everybody! Bet our teacher is proud! Well, except for our chocolate fetish!

Al- Your detail is awesome. Don't know how you do it.

Mary(africanart)- I think it's lovely and on a bad day! When I have one of those, I just get a good book and hibernate.

JayD- I always laugh when I read your posts. Sure hope your pencils come soon. 3 of each ought to do ya.

Danna- Your daughter looks great. I hate doing teeth and know what you're going through.

Melisa- Big difference! It's beautiful.

Suzi- That looks just like him. I like how you handled the teeth.

Robin- Your shading in the face is beautiful.

Judi- Awesome finish. Looking forward to seeing how you'll do the white hair on your second.

Rob- That's gonna be awesome. I never know celebrity names. Have to ask my husband or kids.

Gibson- Good idea following your wife's advice! It looks great!

Andagail- You are doing great on the hair. Love how you got her hair tone.

Jeanette- Love your drawings. Where did you use the chocolate and how did you get the ring to look silvery?

Thanks for the comments on my second. I think this is as far as I can push the venetion red. I tried the chocolate on my early test pieces and it is very dark. I may try very lightly adding it to a few places and then go back over it with the venetion red to soften.

Pat

[JayD]

Hi, Anita!!!

Judi, I hate to say this but I love the cabinetry in the background--lovely couple, great woodwork!!!

Rob--I am really liking the texture but right now I am thinking Mark Hamil or Mick Jagger. Not sure yet!

Good lord, Bock!! You've turned a pencil drawing into an oil painting! That's amazing. I redid the pencil drawing and so I am now waiting for the blickmobile to arrive with the pencils. Hopefully, I can finish the second phase of the class before the class ends. Believe me--you DONT want to get behind in the next class.

[bock]

Thanks JayD! I became obsessed. What next class are you talking about??

[Sumariel]

Pat, obsessed or not, that's just gorgeous! Thanks for the compliment about the teeth. That was what I particularly wanted to capture, my uncle had a rather infectious grin.

Rob, I think you are just showing off for us newbies! Gonna be great!

Gib, that's pretty, I'm anxious to see how you finish it, and I suspect that your better half is going to be quite pleased.

Andagail, I like.

I can't keep track of everyone, but, I must say, there are so many on this thread that are just plain GOOD! Judi, Robin, Jeanette, Melissa, Anita . . .everyone! It's just awesome to get to play in this field!!!
Suzi

P.S. And that's not even counting Al, our expert guide!
s.

[Robin Neudorfer]

Luke?

[Striver]

Hi all so nice to get back to the SANITY page. Miserable day, rainy etc low cloud yuck. Another disturbing day is there a nice arty fairy about can spirit me off to the land of ARTISTS.
Not really in the mood and of course should not be attempting this so am leaving it alone until tomorrow. Bit adventurous for me but nothing ventured means less !!!!! ups. My in laws, Should have taken more time on the pencil, feel her face should be thinner and he at the moment is looking plasticy. Still its only the 4th one so hopefully can improve. temptation is start again so will see tomorrow. Where is the scotch, any one joining me, if so bring the crackers and cheese.
Oh the agony
Les
Oh on a lighter note let me share with you, the new portrait group, yesterday we had a philarmonic violinist pose for us, of course he played for two hours. Wonderful and uplifting
Les

[Robin Neudorfer]

Now that would be a wonderful way to draw Les. Are you going to post somewhere the portrait that you did?
I think you are ok with the width of the face ( though that is not a good thing to do to us women), I think you should look at where your darkest dark is next to her cheek. Also her eyes really sparkle, and personally should be the focal point. A very sharp pointed pencil and a very slow rendition should bring you to that.
I am in need of an art fairy myself. Life is much too heavy lately.
I am going to see if painting outdoors tomorrow will help.

[alfredart]

Wow Jeanette, you're doing great. Looks like you took right to those pencils.

JayD, hope you get your pencils soon. Looks like the girls put you on the right track about breaking leads. Really as soft as they are... you drop one and it's toast.

Danna, this is really looking good. What's with all these double portraits???

Suzi, I love what you're doing. Sooooooo soft.

Mary, I like this one better too. The more you work with these pencils the better you get. I've been at them for ten years now.

Melisa, what can I say... beautiful.

Billie, looks like you're off to a great start.

Robin, she's beautiful. This is going to be wonderful.

Judi, Fantastic! I really like what you've done. Very old masters look.

Rob, I can't wait to see your work on this one. Great start.

Gibson, you're off to a really great start with the wife. This is gonna be a winner for sure.

Anda, I think you're done... and very well done.

Pat!!!!!!!!! OMG I've created a master! You can do as you said and lay Venetion red over a light layer of Chocolate. That's one reason I don't use Chocolate much it's almost black.

Les, another wonderful start.

I want to thank everyone for the comment on my piece that I'm working on. You're all very kind.

I can't believe this class. Last night I posted and it was page 18. Tonight I come home to page 23. Brought tears to my eyes... my eyes were blood shot from reading all of the posts. (ha) No really you guys are the greatest for sure. And... I've noticed something in these last few pages. You guys are learning... you're answering each others questions, working out problems on your own etc. This is great all. I'm very proud of all of you, you guys are doing sooooooo good.

Well, I'm off to work on mine for a couple of hours before bedtime.

Later.

Peace,
AL

[Striver]

Think the last week has given me an overdose of pencilitis, thats all I want to do and people and life are getting in the way. Not happy with this last attempt, will try to lift it off and lighten it. something went wrong like I started it.
What else is there in life besides ART & pencils?
Ah to sleep, perchance to dream of pencil & paper.
Enjoy
Les

[JayD]

Al, they arrive today--just got my blick-o-gram (can you tell I like the word "blick") and they have confirmed shipment so I should be back in the saddle tonight. I redid my pencil drawing so that I got a better likeness and I will go back over your step by steps to make sure I do it right this time. Have you ever tried Blu tack with this medium? Just curious. By thew way, I certainly dont want to copy your style but I have to say that I am in love with the way that you handle these pencils--they are very addictive. OK back to "The Candyman".

Bock--that is the kind of obsession that we all should have--regarding the next class--well, watch the forum for the announcement--we dont reveal the upcoming classes because we used to have people on the forum that would high jack the subject and start their own thread which ruined the impact of the class--but you will like this one--I guarantee!!!

[mmdm]

Rob - I'm terrible at celebrities names but he's a pretty handsome guy already and does look familiar.

John - Your wife is looking wonderful! She is right about cameras, too. They LIE!

Anda - Oh yes, those eyes are perfect now, IMO.

Les - The inlaws are coming along very nicely, I think. Maybe they will look better to you after some sleep. Or maybe after the scotch!:D


EDIT: How did I miss Bock? This is amazing! And the darkest color here is the venetian red? I don't know how you got it to go so dark. This is beautiful, just beautiful.

[gibson99]

Bock - WOW! JD and AL said it all. This is a Masterpiece:thumbsup:

Striver - Looks very good!:thumbsup:

Anda - Great finish!:thumbsup:

[mmdm]

I did go back and add some yellow to the hair last night, and I am very glad I did because this morning I am in a neck brace and on pain killers and I can't look down to work on it. So this will be it for now, but hopefully if it needs anything else I can see to it in a couple of days. Don't even ask what happened because you wouldn't believe it anyway. :rolleyes: I know I don't. Anyway, does this look better?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Aug-2006/9614-derwentweb.jpg

[Sumariel]

Melisa, I hate it when life throws in those little "surprises". Hope you are better in a couple of days, I like what you've done.
Suzi

[tyree]

melisa....beautiful work...hope you get to feelin' better!!!! tyree:wave:

[JayD]

Melisa, that is lovely!

[Anda G]

Melisa, I still love it. Next time, I will take more care on the hair on mine :) Especially since I have a blonde and a brunette to do.

I hope you feel better soon. I put my back out on my birthday a couple months ago and it was aweful. I couldn't get any work done. Work$ or Work:heart: Art.

Andagail

[JayD]

Al, I got my pencils and so I am back in the game.

Before, I forget--I want to feature a fantasy class here in Basic 102 and I hope that you have enjoyed this class and that the experience will inspire you to come back and try your hand at teaching another. Your technique is much beloved in the forum. Anyway, if you are interested in the fantasy class and could work it into the schedule a month or so down the road--I am sure that there are many here who would love to have you do an encore! Thanks, Al!!!!

[Charlie's Mum]

Hello Al and fellow classmates
Here is a quick physiology lesson for you all. Inside the eye is a pocket of fluid called the vitreous body. As we age this fluid begins to gel and eventually will pull loose from the inner walls of the eye. This usually occurs with little or no notice by the person. However sometimes when this happens it is accompanied by bright flashes of light and can leave the field of vision .....

Ha! I know this well!
First happened to me 8 years ago - and was told that what happens to one eye will usually also happen to the other - well, almost exactly 8 years later, it's happening again to my other eye! No black floters this time, but the grey, swirls of cloudy jelly across the vision - keep wanting to clear the eye!
I'm not letting it get to me - just keep going!

The good thing? - it does clear up. eventually :thumbsup:

[Striver]

Hi all, some Beauts showing up now, feel fortunate to be tagging along with you. Out for the day later so missing another day.
Pat that is tops, what paper did you use? Will endeavour to lift some coats of my effort, will try some sellotape first them dab a dab blue tack. Otherwise another start.
Enjoy
Les

[Striver]

Ouch, be careful! So I just tried the sellotape, lifted the thick pencil off and underlayers then HORRORS tried one to many times and Lifted the surface of the paper off!!!! About three times in same area. So it is start again.
The paper is ART Spectrum Drawing & Wash paper, a new product. Trial and error for me. So will trace and alter what ive got.
Red faced Les

[goldcenturian]

Hey everyone,
These look fantastic!! I only just found this thread, so I'm a day late and a dollar short!!!

Al, I hope I haven't waited too long.

I had bought these pencils ages ago and couldn't get the hang of them, so this thread/tutorial is wonderful, full of helpful advice.

I just can't resist- Rob, is it Stephen King, the master of terror and black humor?

Anyway, I'm a little intimidated by all of you wonderful artists, but here are my doodles, my pre-drawing of the assisgned photo and a thing I tried over a year ago.

Carolyn

[Anda G]

Great start, Carolyn! Welcome. you are going to have FUN!

Ok, guys, I have a real embarrassing problem. :o I know this might seem obvious, but how do you measure the dimensions of this picture? Do I include JUST the image? Or the background of my choice? I used an 18" by 24" sheet of paper here. It's easier when I use a smaller sheet. How much of the background should I include? The only other time I used a large sheet was in class and I had to use the whole page. :o :confused: :o
I need a "duh" icon. :lol: I am thinking that I need to get a large enough mat and just see how it looks.
This is the entire sheet.

Andagail (totally :o , but trusting)http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Aug-2006/59007-left.jpg

[danna23]

Carolyn you shouldn't feel intimidated by us your drawings are wonderful and welcome to this very fun class. We all have really enjoyed these pencils, mine had been sitting around for ages too, I believe someone gave them to me as a gift and I just thought to myself "what in the $>&$.. am I going to do with these, these aren't colored pencils". Now I probably won't be able to keep them around I go through them so quickly.

Welcome!!

[Striver]

Andagail, what size frame do you want this will determine the size to cut, with or without mat. Your choice!
Hi Carolyn, Welcome.
Les

[RWSewell]

So many great submissions. As Al pointed out, everyone's cooking with gas (okay, so I'm not exactly quoting or anything, but you get the idea!)

Bock - Wow! Stunning portrait.

gibson - looks like your wife will be quite happy with your portrait. I have yet to make my wife happy with my work, so now I lack all nerve to try again.

Andagail - Never feel :o among the WC crew. I would say you wouldn't want too much white space around Sophie but you definitely wouldn't want to go with a tight crop. (Thanks, Rob - YOU'RE a big help!!) Your eye will know best - trust it!

Carolyn - Good call! Even with the missing eye! I'll take that as a complement, thank you! By your posts, you're having fun with these pencils - glad you could join.

A quick update on Mr. King:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Aug-2006/81425-100_0218.jpg

While the foundation is more or less complete, as I add to the shading (particulary his left cheek) I have to adjust the values all over again. Layer after layer after...but you already know about all that.

This is a tight crop of what I hope will be a much larger drawing, complete with a background image inspired from his work (perhaps The Dark Tower series). Suggestions would be welcome!

:cool: Rob

[Mary Woodul]

Hi everyone! I've really gotten behind on the comments and pages this week.

danna, beautiful picture and the drawing is coming along fine.

Les, your grandsone looks great and your on with the third. You are a Speedy Gonzales.

Andy, I really love what you did with the portrait. The tonality is beautiful

Mary, very nice portrait. It is looking good!

Suzi, you have such beautiful softness in your drawing.

Jeanette, I love both your portraits. The hair in the profile is amazing.

Robynsin, the face in your portrait is just gorgoeus.

danna, beautiful picture and the drawing is coming along fine.

Melisa, I don't know how you achieved that softness.

Billie, your line drawing looks like a d Da Vinci.

Robin, your portrait has a unique Rennaissance look to it. I love it!

Judi, what a gorgeous finish to yours.

Rob, the facial features of the second portrait are superb.

John, your wife is beautiful and the drawing is great.

Pat, I am stunned at how realistic you are able to make these pencils work.

Hi! JayD.:wave:

Carolyn, amazing portrait.

Hi Al!:wave: I really want to thank you for doing this class. I love it! This is my fisrt layer of terracotta.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Aug-2006/43096-102-6-2-1.jpg

I just saw the eye on the right needs fixing.

[mauricar]

My goodness. I step away for a day or two and look what happens. Page 24. Phew! I wish Icould comment on you all by name, but I am on dial up. Everyone is doing so well. Way to go Al. You have a great class.

[bock]

Thank you all for the nice comments. I've really enjoyed this class! What a nice group of people to work alongside.

Al- Thank you so much for introducing me to these pencils. I've admired your art and I really appreciate you sharing your talent and teaching us how to use your favorite medium.

JayD- I'll watch for the next class, but I have to go back to school next week and will be covered up with in-service meetings and lesson plans. If it moves fast, I might not be able to keep up.

Les- That looks great, I see you opened his eyes up. That's hard. I know what you mean about that "pencilitis". I caught it too. I used a Canson recycled drawing paper. It has tooth but not too much.

Melissa- That is beautiful! You tied everything together so smoothly.

Maureen- Take care of those eyes!! Glad it goes away eventually.

Carolyn- Nice work and welcome. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Andagail- I just love your portrait! Will you cut your mats yourself or are you looking for precut? If it's precut, you will not have too many choices.

Rob- Love your King! That's gonna be so nice. It's already awesome and you say you just have the foundation in? Can't wait to see the whole thing.

Mary- You have nailed his likeness! Beautiful! Can't wait to see your next layers.

Well, have a ball game at 8:45 so have to get going. See ya tomorrow.

Pat

[Anda G]

Thanks, Les and Rob. I think I am over-thinking it. I am letting the real-world stress interfere with my art. :lol:

Since I didn't center her on the page (I still don't know how I managed that), I will use the width of the left side to judge how large to make the crop.

Thanks, Mary-Mod. :wave:

Hi, Pat, and thanks. I can cut my own mats. My brother gave me a mat cutter last year. :)

Andagail

[gibson99]

Melisa – Great finish, Looks real good:clap:

Carolyn – Welcome , Very good start.:clap:

Anda – Excelent! Good finish.:clap:

Rod - I just picked up Thinner by S King. Great picture. Love the crop:clap:

Mlelevier – wonderful WIP. Is that you son?:clap:

I worked on this for a few hours tonight ( I told you all that I go very slow). I see now that just a little darker. I am using the chocolate for the dark part of the hair and maybe the eyes and lashes. Many Many more layers:eek:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Aug-2006/44925-Barbara063.jpg

Like every one else I am really loving these pencils. I want to thank JAYD and AL for providing this wonderful learning opportunity:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Charlie's Mum]

I'm apologising again for not responding to individual works - but just a quick scroll this morning in the last couple of pages and I must say something!
So, sorry to those I miss out - it's not because the work is any less than the rest - just time and the slowness of the site :eek:

Mrs Gibson is coming along beautifully - and it's nice to be kind! - though she doesn't seem to need it from the ref!!!!:lol:

Pat - the portrait is magnificent - love the colours/tones the 'proper colours' give! Are you blending/burnishing to get the smoothness? Please tell!

Melisa - lovely work - really like this. .... ouch about the neck! Ooooh!

Anda - you've used the same size paper I did - but a smaller drawing - I'd take away some of the white bk/gd with a mount (matt) and frame - beautiful!
My prob is finding a huge frame because of the size drawing I did!!!! Duh!!

Rob - lovely work too - love the mysterious crop! - super tones.

Carolyn - no need at all to feel intimidated - your drawing might do that to others though - gulp! Nice work!



Al - love the work on the Tatoo Artist :wink2: :wink2: :thumbsup:
if you've been using these pencils for 10 years, then I don't feel so bad - just, have I ten years left to perfect my drawings too?????????? :eek: :eek:

I'm working on my neighbour's face ..... on paper, of course! she's 90 years young - will post when I have enough to show!

Now, I really MUST get some painting done!

Thanks Al - and everyone else.
Super Class, super thread, super support from everyone.

[JayD]

John, this looks great!!!

[mmdm]

John - This is looking soooo good! Is the Mrs. loving it?

[gibson99]

Thank you JayD and Melisa, I am not going to show her till I get closer to finished:)

[cmwynn]

I am having computer problems and just can't read what is going on for more than a minute or two. This is the final version of my copy-model. I have tried various lightings to take a photos of this, sunny, cloudy inside, etc. My conclusion is that I get the closest to real color inside with a warm-white neon light with a flash.
For my original drawing, I have chosen a picture of one of my daughters, Maris. What better way to use these colors than with a red-head? There are a lot of teeth here, but after all, I did spend an arm and a leg to get them to this straight. I have drawn it out, but can't get a very good photo of that.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/29839-Derwent_portrait_finishxm.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/29839-Maris_ref.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/29839-Line_drawingxm.jpg

[goldcenturian]

Good morning everyone!
Thanks for the welcome and encouragement! This is a huge class with hugely talented artists! If I've missed someone, and I know I have, it's not intentional. You have all been wonderful and supportive, encouraging to each other. Critiques but NOT critical. You have been helpful, not hurtful.

Andagail (love the name) -She's lovely!
I don't have a problem with too much space on my scans. My little scanner is teeny! Ha! I have to squeeze just to make my drawings fit. Sometimes I borrow a digi cam, but can't all of the time.

Danna-I have collected a lot of art supplies. I see someone's fabulous work and think :Could I do [I]that[I] ? Is this finally "the one" for me? I'm still looking for my color medium. Sometimes, I think I'm meant to be a graphite artist and that's it.

Les-Thanks!

Rob-Stevie looks fantastic! Go Roland, the Gunslinger! Or maybe Birds in the background ala The Dark Half or The Stand. Either way, you have captured his Kingness.

Mary-Wow! That's going to be beautiful. Such expressive eyes even with jsut the first layer.

gibson99- Thanks. That looks wonderful especially for only a few hours work! I go slow too.

Maureen-Thanks for your encouragment!!!

I hope to be working on my Seamaid some today. I used a letterhead paper from my office to draw her and then I'll transfer her to the Strathmore paper today after I make a few adjustments. Whew, I hope they don't need my input here at work!:rolleyes:
Carolyn

[Lady Carol]

I am so thoroughly impressed by the work offered here. Clearly everyone has their own style and character showing through. How wonderful to see the different approaches by all for the same photo. What a treat for the eyes.

[Sumariel]

Al, I saved your initial instructions on the class as well as your post on "Sophie", and how to do her. I want to save the entire thread, as there has been such helpful instruction and commentary from other classmates, as well as their beautiful work!! I wonder how much memory that would chew up. This has been GREAT! Thanks again, Al
Suzi

[Mary Woodul]

Pat, John and Carolyn, thank you! John thank you for thinking it is my son. It is my grandson.:D

John, your portrait is looking so good, very realistic.

Connie, you did a great job with your portrait and this next one is looking good.

[alfredart]

Hey guys... I'm back. Puter problems last night. I picked up alittle bug from a WC link. Not a bad one but little by little my computer started acting up. I've been trying everything to get rid of it and last night I had to crash my computer. Hate when that happens....

Anyway...
Carolyn. Looks like you're off to a great start here. Never too late. You'll do fine.

Rob. Great work on SK. Wonderful work indeed.

Mary. Off to a running start on this one. Great layout and this should be fantastic when finished.

Gibson. Wow, she's gonna love this. Great so far.

Mum. I know what you mean. I need to get back to painting as well. My tree is getting even older now.

Connie. really great finish on yours. You're new layout looks really good. All you can do now is get better with these pencils.

Okay all. I didn't get to work on my selfportrait last night because of loading my computer back up. Here's what I got done the night before. At least now all is fixed and all is well.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/37195-me3.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/37195-me3a.jpg

Peace,
AL

[Mary Woodul]

Wow Al, I didn't know this was your self portrait. I love it!!! That head scarf is cool. I like the way you just lightly shaded the background. I will try that with my grandsons portrait.

Al, on the highlights of your face is that erased off or do you leave portions of the paper with out pencil?

[IslanderNL]

Robin, your drawing is lovely, as always. Very delicate.

Thanks Anita for your comments. Hope you get settled soon.

Judi, your portrait is just beautiful. I love the old look to it. Your next portrait will be ambitious. You're good at multiples!

Melisa, this is beautiful. The added layers really make it stand out. I hope you feel better soon.

Rob, interesting portrait. Nice crop.

John, lovely start on your wife's portrait. She'll love it.

Anda, I'm glad the greyscale helped. Love the colours in your draiwng, the eyes are beautiful.

Thanks Pat, I used touches of chocolate in the hair but it is quite dark and easy to go overboard with it. I used black for the ring, very gently to get a sliver tone. Your portrait is stunning! How did you acheive such smooth tones? Do you blend? Mine is so grainy in comparison. Fabulous skin tones and the hair is so real.

Les, great start, drawing is a wonderful way to forget the weather. Careful with that tape though, a kneaded eraser or putty works much more gently on this.

Glad you're back in the running with more pencils JayD.

Great sketches Carolyn. You've got the knack.

Anda, I use the whole sheet as measurement of the final piece unless I cut it down.

Mary, what a lovely looking portrait. The boy is so handsome, you must be proud of him.

Nice update John, the dark touches work well.

Lovely drawing Connie and so frustrating to have computer woes, isn't it? Your daughter is beautiful and so is her smile. This is be a lovely portrait.

Excellent update Al. You're the master in this medium alright.

Its been a long wet day off for me here and I've tackled another portrait. The face interested me, but I can't post the reference at the moment.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/67422-july_23_06_008.jpg

Comments and critiques more than welcome.

[gibson99]

Connie - Very good, this is gonna look good.

Islander - excellent portrait! I love mature faces!

[mmdm]

Al - Your closeup makes me feel like you are peering out of the monitor at me! You're even doing all those little skulls on the bandana? You must be a very patient man!

Jeanette - You've done a great job with this interesting looking fella.

Connie - You're right, your daugher's portrait will be perfect for this with her lovely red hair. I think the glasses would probably scare me even more than the teeth. You've picked a tough one I think, but if you can pull it off (which I'm sure you can) it will be lovely.

[Africanart]

:wave: Hi All

Feel more like I am back in the land of the living, still stuffed up but getting better. Better be, 'cos we are of to Florida next week and I do not want to go on vacation with a s*#@tfactory (hope nobody takes offence to the word, did not mean to:D ).

I browsed through quickly and everybody has got some really good stuff coming out of here. I felt so much better today that I thought I would start on my last bit of the assignment. This is just the linedrawing, will start blocking in, well that is in between laundry, controlling world war 3 between the kids (man I can not wait for school to start :wink2: ) and all else.

will update some more later.

Al - question, I am not sure if it was asked or mentioned before, if it is sorry for asking again. Do you fix your work? and if you do, do you use the normal fixative which would be used for graphite.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/69011-Mary.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/69011-maryline.jpg

[Charlie's Mum]

Jeanette, what a lovely drawing that is - so sensitive - is it a relative?

Mary - looking forward to seeing the grandson finished.

Mary (African art) - is that a self portrait? Lovely ref .... how can you fail? :D

Connie - good luck with your lovely daughter and her red hair :thumbsup:

Al - you are a wild one! - Now I know why your truck(s) is/are as they are! Definitely a free spirit :D :D

I think my paper has too much tooth, so I'll look for something a trifle finer, but here's my dear neighbour of 90 years young ....... the photo was not good - taken in our garden when she came over for a glass of wine.
Still looks after herself, her beautiful garden and her home (with a little help from her friends!) Still wears her high heels to go to town! She'll kill me when she sees this :D
The ref -
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/30494-Joycw_Cobb,_crop.jpg

and my drawing -
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/30494-Mrs_Cobb.jpg

I've used brown ochre, sanguine and sepia (red) for this .......... unsure how much further to layer the pencils.
I know we're dealing with tones, not colours, here, but I don't want to lose any delicacy still remaining on her pink and light complexion.
This is a composite of at least two scans - hence the bit of PSP adjustment at the left!

[gibson99]

Maureen - What a beautiful Visage! My Mom is 93 and still driving her:eek: car

[JayD]

Al, I am still working on girl one--I had to redraw the drawing last night--I was replacing the lines of graphite with the terracotta and I have this habit of holding multiple pencils and erasers in one hand and switching as I need them. Anyway I reached for the eraser and erased a line on her nose with a terracotta pencil but I redrew last night--got a better drawing and I am humming along. Will hopefully post shortly.

I need another week!!!!!!!
Waaahhhh!!!!

By the way, you look like Johnny Fever!

[Mary Woodul]

Jeanette, you just get better and better, wow! Without a doubt you have a very interesting reference.

Mary, that is a very nice reference, looking forward to your update.

Maureen, what a marvelous face of wisdom and kindness. She is beautiful and your portrait is very good.

[gibson99]

JayD - Been there done that!!:crying: :crying:

[Anda G]

Johnny Fever! :music: WKRP in Cincinnati!:music: I agree, JayD. I always liked him.

Thanks, Jeanette. I figured out the cropping issue. Too much thinking was the problem. I am carefully laying out my girls so they will be centered on the paper without large chunks of white space. I guess that's what people learn in art school. Your drawing is coming along great. Such character. :thumbsup:
Thanks, Al. and Rob. And Les. and Everybody else. :wave:

Al, I love your self-portrait. Perfect for teaching us. I am going to try a background with my girls.

Maureen, I love it. She is so lively and sweet.

Hi, Mary R. I'll wave as you fly over my part of Florida. :wave: I like your beginning. :thumbsup:

Suzi, there used to be someone who would put these lessons in PDF format. But those only included the lesson part. I believe. When you find out how big a file it is, I'd be curious to know. :)

Hi, Carolyn. Thanks. I take pictures with my digital camera.

I have work to do!

Andagail :wave:

[Sumariel]

I have a 626kb word document, I have not tried to resize any of the graphics, so there are bare spots where it goes to the next page in order to have it printable on 8.5x11 paper, but you are welcome to take a copy yourself if you wish, it's attached . . .
Suzi

[danna23]

I can't believe how busy everyone has been. I put about another hour in mine...taking the kids to the fair tonight so I won't be working on it. I have all the hair to go, and I would say that the hair is over half the picture. I'll make my daughter's hair a bit lighter.

Thank's for looking.

[IslanderNL]

Thanks so much for your comments, everyone Yes, a mature face has a lot to offer in terms of drawing. It has substance and character.

No, this is not a relative Maureen, its a photo taken of a gentleman sitting at a sidewalk cafe in Belgium. Elegant and distinguished and irresistable. Your portrait of your neighbour is exquisite Maureen. Truly beautiful. She will adore it, I know.

[Africanart]

Hi

Here is mine, but not sure how I feel about it.

Yes Maureen it is a self portrait :)
Andagail, I will be waiving back...

I think my big mistake was adding in the chocolate, I like everything, but the eyes and the hair. My eyes looks way to dark:( . I should have just stuck with the venetian red and the brown ochre. I like the way my hand came out.

Anyway can only keep on practising and get better at it.

Thanks

Mary

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/69011-mary1.jpg

[Striver]

Hi folk, just to say i am about, started my redrawing, sat in a comfy chair with a cuppa aand awoke 2 hours later, like now. Who stole my two hours? Anyway the redo of the boy and couple are on the way if i can stay awake. Al have you any done with colored skin, is this where the chocolate comes in?
See you later, getting left behind.
Enjoy
Les

[janine9620]

HI Everyone! I'm waiting for my ref pic from a friend of her son, so I'm just playing catch up! WOW everyone's works are so great! This has been a really cool class, I've fallen in love with the new pencils!

Al, Your portrait is just FANTASTIC! Your look, your crop, your detail! Everything! Thank you so much for introducing me to the pencils! This class has been fab!:)

Carolyn-Welcome, looks like you have a headstart already with these pencils! Great work, can't wait to see your finished lady!

Rob- Mr. King.......OMG he looks awesome, love the detail and texture of it!:thumbsup:

Mlelerier- I just love the little boy, thats my next one also! He looks so soft, this is going to be great, I can't wait till your done!

Cmyynn- Another Redhead!!!!!! Better buy more terracotta, you'll end up with less than a nub!!! Have fun, she looks like a fiery one!!!!:lol:

Jeanette- OKAY WOW:thumbsup: , he has such great character in his face! What a great choice of subject.

Danna- What happened to that awesome big toothy smile?????:D Your tones look so delicate, are you using the smae colors as before? You have a great pinkish color for the lips and cheeks!

Mary- Love your pose! Such contentment!!!! The chocolate does cover quick, I learned the hard way! I hid it away with the chinese white:D

I can't wait to jump into my next one! janine

[Mary Woodul]

Danna that is coming along very nicely!

Mary, very expressive portrait.

Janine, thank you for your comment.

This still needs tweaking and layering but I might try a line drawing of my other grandson and leave the tweaking to the end of the class.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/43096-102-6-2-2.jpg

[tyree]

mary....this is just about perfect!!! tyree:clap:

[Netty]

WOW.....

I have been busy the last few days with an art assignment , and have not been able to catch up on the fun and games here.....

What a magnificent job everyones doing.

Bock! your drawing is absolutely gorgeous!!! Jeanette, I love yours too..... and all the rest!!!!!

I am hoping to catch some spare time to do my own portrait!

I am a bit confused to which paper to use. I used a canson drawing paper for the lady with pearls, but found it had a bit too much tooth and it was difficult to define the details..... any sugestions guys???

Just great work everyone!! wonderful.

Netty

[gibson99]

I have a couple of questions for Al or anyone of you experienced artists. How many ruined portaits does it take for a BONEHEAD like me to learn to really make sure that his initial draw is correct. Like measuring the eyes to make sure that they are not to far apart. :o :o .
If its ok I have a few more questions.

this looks pretty uneven to me. Should I take it darker and try to make it more even?

when laying down the layers if one wants to say make the finished layer look more red should one alternate the VR with The terracotta to make a shaded red?
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Aug-2006/44925-barbara065.jpg

[gibson99]

Mary - That is beautiful! I love the eyes:thumbsup:

AfricanArt - Very nice :thumbsup:

Danna - great picture! How did you get the lips so red?:thunbsup:

[Anda G]

John, I think you can fix this. Take the sticky eraser and dab at the eye to remove the layers of pencil. Use a click eraser to get the rest. Use a ruler to line up the eyes, redraw. Carefully shade in the old eye location. I had a similar problem. Not an eye, though.

I made mine more even by going over the whole thing with brown ochre. Even the light areas. I used an even, light pressure. I'd do that and then darken up the shadowed areas more. I hope that helps. I'd hate for you to toss this. I like it. :)


Andagail

[Anda G]

Mary-Mod. I think your little boy there is so adorable. :thumbsup:

So cute, I am in awe of your talent. I want to add him to my sig line. :)

Andagail :wave:

[Striver]

Oh well here are the fruits of me labour, leaves a lot to be desired for sure.
Thought the pencil drawing was pretty good till i put it on the "C" now a lot more work for sure. Noto happy with the Boy either still suppose it's a learning curve and need to experiment more so.
Here tis and now a strong coffee to comiserate with myself, perhaps an Irish.
Oh, what is a click eraser?
Cheers
Les

[Anda G]

Hi, Les. I hope you are doing ok. Here are my erasers. 3 of them. You have to be careful that the pencil doesn't smear. That's why you have to dab away at it with the sticky one first. Have a cup for me.

Look at this. http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2006/59007-erasers.jpg

Andagail

[Sumariel]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2006/82344-Suzidrawingandphoto.jpg

I started working on this this evening, am going to start over in the morning, as I got the face too flat. Oh well, crazy old woman is a pita, anyway . . .
Suzi

[Robin Neudorfer]

John - I am going to take a stab at your questions. I am certainly not an expert with these pencils, or at portraits, but I can share what I do when I do what I do. (like that one?)
I am not sure I would fuss with your eyes, perhaps you can widen the lid on our right eye a bit by the pupil, but I am not so put off by the eyes.

You say it is uneven... by this do you mean the strokes? I use my pencil in small curved strokes, and I also tend to fill in the paper "tooth" so that the skin doesn't appear rough. In the dark areas of the hair I also fill in the white craters. Very tenderly though and not with big heavy strokes. I try not to put pressure on the paper.

For the hair I tend to take sections of hair and come up with different colors for each section, based on the picture. Most of the hair I am doing has amber tones, so I am using ochre under each color, it still tends to play a part of the colors on top. I find a mixture of colors, a combination of all those tones, helps to make the hair more believeable. Also the strokes should be in the direction that the hair grows. I see you have done that, except I am not sure what is happening on the right side. This can be sectioned off into patches of dark.

I would hope that you are extremely pleased with this portrait. I am very impressed with the pencil work you have achieved.
I am uploading my WIP and of course way behind because I use my pencil very slowly. Perhaps you can see how I approach the hair.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2006/30341-WC_102_:_6_-_3.jpg

[Lady Carol]

I am working on this lady and feeling more at home with the pencils.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2006/11811-naive-small.jpg

[gibson99]

Thank you Robin and Anna. Your advise is always very helpful I will keep going and see if I can even this out. Even thought I am tempted to take Anna's good advice, I think I will leave the eyes alone and work on the hair and the skin tone. But , maybe I will put it aside for awhile. I like this picture, but the reason that I am so hard on myself is that I tend to always take the lazy way and not spend to much time on the drawing when I can easily correct things . My Guess is that I like to stay in my Right Brain most of the time but I need to flip over to the logical once in a while:)

Robin - Your drawing is beautiful. The softness of the skin and the hair:)

Striver - very nice.:)

Carol - Very Good , can't wait to see the finish on this one.:)

Sumariel - Very nice. What's a pita?:)

PS. Robin , when you talk about seeing the right side or the left side of a picture, Do you mean the right or left as viewing the picture or the right or left of the person in the picture?

[mmdm]

We've had to cancel our first ever vacation due to my neck injury:crying: so I am hoping to at least be able to start my next drawing soon. I need some advice, please! I'd like to do this high school photo of my mom, but what do I do about that huge metal daisy earring? I'm afraid that it won't translate correctly when done in a monochrome drawing but I don't know how to draw what it is currently covering up if I leave it out. What do you all think?

PS - that ribbon around her neck is holding my Dad's class ring. Isn't that sweet?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2006/9614-phyllisweb.jpg


Mary - Beautiful work on that cutie pie grandson.

Suzi - LOL, you're so funny. It is only a little off. I'd try erasing and fixing before starting over. I was able to do that some on mine.

John - Doesn't look uneven to me. I think it looks wonderful!

Carol - This is going to be an interesting one!

[goldcenturian]

Guys!
All I can say is WOW! Just looking over the last few pages has been inspiring. Everyone's really getting the hang of these pencils. Do we call the finished product paintings? I know CP artists do.

Lady Carol- Can't wait to see the next step! She looks so eager and expectant.

RobinN-Great advice. I have problems with getting hair to look right. I love the different tones and colors you've created in her hair. You've also done a fabulous job with her mouth. It looks so real!

Sumariel-She's not flat yet! When you apply some more shading, it'll help round things up that need rounding. Maybe put a little more flesh on her right side (our left). See how her right cheek curves further out, under and behind her nose. One thing about these pencils, you can add to contour lines easily. Are you going to include the glasses? I can't do glasses well at all, so I'll be interested to see how you handle them.

gibson99-Don't worry, EVERYONE who has ever picked up a pencil or a paintbrush has seen things they could have improved upon after the fact. But I don't think you went as far off as you think you did. I like the soft effects you have achieved and her smile just lights up her whole face.

africanart-I like her. Yes, the hand came out perfectly. :thumbsup: And I think the eyes are very good too. Very engaging. It's very difficult using only three colors to get eye colors right. I'm slowly getting the hang of trying key elements out first on a scrap sheet of paper. Of course, I never can get my actual drawing to look the same as on the scrap piece! :rolleyes: The nose and mouth look right on. I say excellent!

Striver-good question about the Chocolate.

janine9620-Thanks, I'm working-SLOWLY-but working...

mlelevier-Simply beautiful. So delicate. I remember your reference. The likeness is dead on!!

Here' s my update. Three layers of Brown Ochre. and of course the Terra cotta contourlines. I hate doing hands!!! I always mess them up! :(

Have a nice day!!! :) Yes, I've been watching Forrest Gump.
Carolyn

[Robin Neudorfer]

Melissa, if it was mine, I would leave the earring. I makes a statement and gives an indication to the time period. I think you don't give yourself credit as to being able to pull that shape off. Just look at the negative shapes around it.
I myself as a teen had some daisy jewelry too, so many people will connect with just that.
Now go and do what you want... because it is yours.
Love it by the way...

Thanks Carolyn
You have a good beginning. I would just suggest that you be very careful about not putting lines down to indicate your drawing. You need to use value and shading. The lines are not really there around her mouth, eyes, nose, if you look again at the picture. Only by putting light against dark do you create form. If you can lift some of it away, I think you will be happier in the end.

[Mary Woodul]

John, thank you! I love your portrait and it looks a lot smoother than my work. I seem to have the same problem. I think I have to layer more, maybe.

Thank you Anda! I love the work you have on your signature line.:)

Les, I think your pencil line drawing is looking very good.

Suzi, looking nice!

Robin, everything about your portrait is so beautiful.

Carol, it shows you have found your way with the pencils. It is looking magnificent.

Melisa, Thank you! I love your reference, you have a beautiful Mom. I would leave the daisy and try to outline it and leave it white. I think it adds to the time and elegance of the piece.

Carolyn, thank you! Your portrait shading is looking just right. I'll be watching for updates.

[Lady Carol]

Thank you for the encouragement gibson99, Melisa, Carolyn, Robin, and Mary. I feel so nervous stepping into a forum where there is such accomplishment with drawing. Although, I draw well for painting, I haven't drawn like this for a good 15 years and I feel a little rusty. Certainly when I was drawing, I wasn't using coloured pencils. I like the look they give and I have increasing enthusiasm to go back to my first passion.

[danna23]

Good morning all... thought I would take a minute before I headed to the garage to get ready for my yard sale tomorrow and Saturday.

John.. for the lips I used sanguine and terrocotta and I took the picture right after I had done them. But when I looked at the picture this morning I noticed the colors had really faded. I took this picture this morning I'm not sure if you can see the difference.

I really like the piece and I'm hoping if I beef-up the colors when I'm done and spray it the colors intenseness will stay put. Though I need to fix the older ladies chin, she would kill me if she saw what I did to her face. I'll fix it today because it's really bugging me.

Anyway thanks for all the comments, and I'll be working on this later today.

[alfredart]

Hey guys, I made it back. For some reason SBC wasn't working last night so I couldn't get on the net. Bummer.

Mary, Your work is looking really good. As far as fixing... I don't as I'm not sure how it would react to these pencils after seeing what water or a wet dogs nose does to them. I'll have to try on an old piece and see. Most of the time I mat them anyway so really no need to fix.

Mum, I really like this one. Sometimes I like a toothy paper as it gives a really neat effect. Lighting on this one is fab.

Still waiting JayD. By the way.... the answer is yes. I'll get with you on when.

Danna, this ones going to be special. Very well done.

Mary, when you introduce chocolate into your work it changes everything. Need to push the other colors more so the chocolate doesn't overpower. I really like this one though.

Mary (mlelevier) What can I say. this is fantastic!

Gibson You can alternate your colors or just go back over and even the layers. This is looking really good. The hair still looks a bit blocked. Need to work on more strands of color.

Suzi Going to be another keeper. This one looks really good.

Robin She's beautiful. Can't wait to see the finish on this one. You're doing just fine on the hair... looks great the way you're going.

Carol I know this photo. Looks like you're off to a really good start with this one.

Melisa This is going to be a fun one to do. Let the paper work for you when doing the ear ring and keep your colors light. I would only use the VR for this, and very little at that. (No shading)

Carolyn Great start!

You all are doing so well, I can't wait to get back in and finish mine now.

Peace,
AL

[mmdm]

Al - Do you mean for me to use only the venetian red on the whole thing, or just the earring? Sorry, the pain med is probably making me dense. :)

[alfredart]

Melisa, just on the ear ring. Thats okay.... I ment to say Terracotta and I'm not on any meds...

Peace,
AL

[mmdm]

Melisa, just on the ear ring. Thats okay.... I ment to say Terracotta and I'm not on any meds...

Peace,
AL

Oh, glad I asked then! :lol: Think I've got it now.

[Africanart]

Al

Thanks for letting me know about the fix. Since these are only test and not something that I am to crazy about I am going to try and see what happens will let you guy's know. I understand what you mean by pushing the other colors when you start introducing chocolate, that is a mental note I need to make. I am going to try and find the time to do another one and see what happens.

mmdm - love the ref photo, will keep my eye on your progress, just let your feelings lead you on the earing and before you know it you will have it :D

Thank you every one else for your nice and encouraging comments on my drawing. If I missed some...sorry...you all have excellent work.:clap:

Thanks
Mary

[JayD]

Al! I'm working! I'm working!!!

[Africanart]

Hi Guy's

I did this drawing quickly for my Friend, I originally only made the two seperate in graphite, she wanted it for her mother's birthday invitation. Then this afternoon I thought I would combine the two and try again with my pencil's. I am happy with it :D :clap: :thumbsup: The bigger one, where the lady is younger I added in the pupils because I had to work from a tiny ref, and her eyes came up as black...something...anyway, here they are I am giving them, (the original graphite ones as well) to my friend tomorrow she does not know about the colored one.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2006/69011-Wiebkemom.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2006/69011-wiebke-mom.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2006/69011-Wiebkemomb.jpg

thanks
Mary

[Lady Carol]

Hey Al, if you don't like the graininess of the paper, can it be toned down a bit. I noticed your examples on the first page are not very grainy.

[Africanart]

Hi there

I sprayed some fixative over my previous drawing, and it does not seem to affect the drawing at all. So I guess up to the artist on the use of the fixative.

Just thought I'd let you know.

Mary

[Striver]

Thanks Andagail
Busy Boy
Les

[bock]

Finally have a few minutes before dinner.

John, your wife has such a kind face. You are a lucky man. I really like what you've done so far. It's gonna be wonderful.

Maureen- Blending yes, burnishing no. Lots and lots of layers. As Robin said she does, I'm going slowly and using all three original colors to fill in those pesky holes. Love your dear lady. My mom(88) always has her earrings on too.

Carolyn- I grew up in Louisville. Haven't lived there since I was 21, but still have family there.

Al- I've never heard of the tree thing before. By the way, I also lived in MO for about 5 years. Loved the wineries around St. James. One made wonderful chicken smoked over grapevines. How permanent are these colors are? I didn't see anything on my tin about permanence.

Jeanette- He has a wonderful face and I love your rendering of those wonderful character lines.

afrivanart- Looking great! Are you going to put some curls in your great hair? Your friend will love your drawings.

Danna- It's coming alive now. Love the eyes.

Mary- He's adorable. Beautiful work!

Les- That little guy has self-confidence! Love his face and your lady looks so sweet.

Carol- Great subject and work! Can't wait to see more.

Melisa- Sorry about your vacation, but now you can spend the time drawing!

JayD- I'm laughing again. You are so funny!

I worked a little chocolate in mine but only very lightly where I felt it needed a little more darkness and immediately went back with my other colors over it to soften. Can you tell where I used it?

Pat

[Sumariel]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2006/82344-SuziDP2.jpg

John,(Gib), a PITA is a pain in the a**, since this portrait is of the "artist", I can talk about this crazy old woman this way, would never speak of anyone else in such a manner. BTW, the portrait of your wife is lovely!!!

Melisa, thanks for the encouragement to keep working, as did others, I went back and tried to correct, added the extra cheek and did some more modeling, am happier with it now.

Al, these pencils are so neat, I wonder, now, if I will ever have the chutzpa to try watercolors, my aim when I returned to drawing a few months ago.
Suzi

[bock]

That looks great Suzi!
Pat

[Sumariel]

Thanks, Pat, I have been absolutely astounded at what you have gotten out of these pencils, I like your portrait work!
Suzi

[bock]

Thank you! I surprised myself too with these. I struggled with them, but learned to love them.
Pat

[gibson99]

Suzi - Great self portrait. By all means , try the water colors. You have a good eye. I am just starting water colors myself.

[gibson99]

Thanks Bock, coming from you that is indeed a compliment. I am going to guess the sweater and a little in the hair for the chocolat?

[cmwynn]

I am still having problems taking a photo of this drawing even after my experiments the other day. This is actually a little darker, but not too much.
The chin is much too round, something she will hate, but I can't change it now. I see a few other things I would like to improve, but with no erasing, ii can't be done. Probably not my medium. though i do like the effect.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2006/29839-Maris_final_1.jpg

[bock]

John- Golly, made my evening! Right you are about the chocolate. Only on the left side of the sweater neck though where I wanted a deep shadow. Didn't press hard just softly applied and then back over it with the venetion red.

Connie- Don't give up. It's getting there just add some more layers. You can erase some, enough to make adjustments with new layers.

[Lady Carol]

Pat: wow awesome drawing. You could touch her.

Suzi: good drawing. I like the way this is progressing.

Connie: nice job there.

[Sumariel]

Suzi - Great self portrait. By all means , try the water colors. You have a good eye. I am just starting water colors myself.

Wow! That is quite a compliment, thank you, John, and thanks for the encouragement, I have my eye on a couple of online classes here at wc, I've been thinking of trying some of these techniques.
Suzi

[Sumariel]

Thanks, Carol, I have been admiring your work, you have a nice touch.

On another note. I have been drooling over the 24 color tin of these pencils, which are not readily available this side of the Atlantic. I may just have to save my pennys and get them. I don't think I have ever run into a medium that gave such wonderful results no matter at what level of accomplishment the "artist" was.
Suzi

P.S. I also fully suspect part of that is that we have had a wonderful teacher for this class!! S.

[Anda G]

Hey, Suzi! I like your PIOTA. :D I think I just saw your 24 pack over at Dick Blick. They have both the 12 and the 24 pencil set. (I am pretty sure.) Send me the 24 set, ok? :lol: I tried getting my local art store to carry the six-pack. When I left, the manager was looking through his store catalog. So, I don't know.

Hi, everybody. :wave: I am still placing my girls on the page. I have been busy. (playing with my new Graphitints :evil: ) hehehehe. Don't tell Al.

Andagail

[Africanart]

Pat
afrivanart- Looking great! Are you going to put some curls in your great hair? Your friend will love your drawings.

thanks for the comment, in all vanity love my hair all curly :lol: but damn they are a pain in the behind to draw :evil: especially when hair is not your strong point. So I just gave up on that one, and moved on to the one I did for my friend. I might go back later to my selfportrait and give it another shot. I think I sort of got the hang of it now...especially since I hid the chocolate pencil :D

Mary

[gibson99]

connie - very good. I also hate the fact that one can't erase with these! I did lift some hi lights and softened some hard edges with the kneaded eraser. I like the colors and shading in your drawing.:thumbsup:

Bock - I put some chocolate in Barbara's hair and pupils. But you are right, a little goes a long way.:wave:

I think that my wife is fairly easy to draw. She does have a kind face:D

After my little snit last night about the eyes I put it aside and looked at it today and voila the eyes fixed them selves. Has any one else done this? It seems that a person can get to close to a drawing and imagine all kinds of things.:eek: This is as far as I am going to night. I will set this up on a easel and do a little more as I see fit. I kinda like the texture of the hatching.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2006/44925-barbara066.jpg
Robin - Your advice about the hair was right on. thanks:wave:

[bock]

John, she is beautiful and this is an awesome work. I love how you did the hair. All the features are perfect. I didn't see anything wrong before, but figured if you did, there must be something you are seeing because you know her face so well. Have you let her see it yet?
Pat

[gibson99]

Thank you very much Bock. Yes she has seen it and likes it very much:) Last night I thought that the eyes were to far apart so I put it away and looked at it today and they were fine. Has this ever happened to you? Robin and AL coached me on the hair. This class has been a learning expierience for me.:D

[Sumariel]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Aug-2006/82344-Suzi_002.jpg

Posting an update, but, oh my, do I feel inadequate to the task when I see that beautiful portrait of your wife, John, you did, as I suspect you always do, a lovely job of this.

Andagail, no problem, when I make my first million, there'll be tins of these wonderful pencils in everybody's Christmas stockings.

Suzi

[Lady Carol]

Thanks, Carol, I have been admiring your work, you have a nice touch.

On another note. I have been drooling over the 24 color tin of these pencils, which are not readily available this side of the Atlantic. I may just have to save my pennys and get them. I don't think I have ever run into a medium that gave such wonderful results no matter at what level of accomplishment the "artist" was.
Suzi

P.S. I also fully suspect part of that is that we have had a wonderful teacher for this class!! S.
Thanks Suzi. And I have to agree with you about the teacher.

I managed to acquire the 72 pencil set sometime in my travels, probably when I lived in England (or Australia), although I don't really recall when I got them. But I did buy the set that Al uses for this exersize and I enjoyed using them more than the the pencils from the set. :o

John: the eyes in your drawing are very impressive and expressive.

[danna23]

John your picture of your wife is just lovely, and you got her lips nice and red.

Jay... I'm still waiting to see something from you, remember it doesn't need to be perfect.

Well I think I'm done, the older lady in the picture isn't a dead ringer but I can live with it since I didn't plan on giving it to her. I learned a lot about these pencils. I would have to say the only thing I don't like about them is they seem to fade very quickly. I'll probably take another picture tomorrow when the sun is shinning in my art room, that's why this is so yellow.

Everyone has done a wonderful job.

[Anda G]

Hey John, howdja do that? :) They look right to me too. I was so worried about mine that I used a grid this time.

Andagail

["J"]

I am starting a new portrait. This one is also my brother, a different one than I did for my first portrait. I have one layer of brown ochre.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Aug-2006/84176-P8030002.JPG

[alfredart]

Mary. I'm glad to here about the fix. I really haven't had the time or it could be the fact I forget to try it, Thanks. Also, I really like your new one. Looks really good.

Pat. You're awesome... you get an A+. Ahhhh, St James. I lived in Rolla so I went trout fishing there every weekend during the season. I really miss that. I did live in St James untill I was around 5 or so. As far as light fast... I've still got the first one I did 10 years ago and it looks the same today as it did then. Just haven't had the heart to get rid of that one.

Suzi. This is your best yet. Very well done, I think you're really gettin' the hang of these. Watercolors... I admire anyone that uses them. I used to do watercolors years.....YEARS ago and gave them up. Havin' fun with acrylics tho'.

Connie. This is your best piece yet. You're really getting the hang of portraits.

Gibson. This is really fine work. Very well done indeed. I've been through what you have. Sometimes it's just good to sleep on it.

Danna. This is super. I know what you mean about taking photos with house lights. They turn red. Thank goodness for PSP, nothing like alittle hue adjustment.


Jeanne. Looks like a good smooth layer. Can't wait to see this one come to life.

Looks like your all are havin' fun. If you read a few pages back... JayD asked if I would do another class. Well, ends up I said yes. So it looks like I'm going to be teaching a Fantasy class next month. Did you know you can draw fantasy with these pencils too?????? Though for the class I'm using graphite. I really would love to see you all there for signup. I couldn't ask for a better group for a class.

Peace,
AL

["J"]

Here is the portrait after some more layering.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Aug-2006/84176-P8030001.JPGhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Aug-2006/84176-randy.jpg

[Robin Neudorfer]

Great News Al!
I promise I will go back and comment on everyones work. This class caught me in the middle of a medical crisis with my daughter. She is okay, but tests and more tests to figure out what is going on. It has just left me with enough brain power to attend class, so I apologize for not talking in class this go around.
I have taken a stab at this today, but didn't quite make my way to the bottom of the page. I plan on finishing up tomorrow, or Anita will have me in the corner.
Hey Al.... if I didn't say it before.... these are fun. Thanks so much for taking time away from your work to guide us here. I can see why you have stuck with them for so long. I have enjoyed attempting my second large portrait with them. So here is my update, warts and all.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Aug-2006/30341-WC_102:6-4.jpg

[Lady Carol]

She is finished...I think. I should give credit to whoever it was that posted it in the RIL (Crias I think - but don't hold me to it)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Aug-2006/11811-native-finished-small.jpg

[gibson99]

Suzi - This is excellent! It is really starting to take form and I love the high light on the cheek. With this picture you should not in any way feel inadequate .:clap:

Danna23 - I love the hair and you captured the expressions. Great job on both.:clap:

"J" - Wow , You need to feel good about this one. It is beautiful. your are coming along indeed!:thumbsup:

AL - Thank you for you comments and instruction. Coming from an artist of your caliber it is indeed a compliment. I have been to your website and I love you drawings and paintings. Especially the 64 yr old beetle!:clap:

Robin - What can I say. I sincerely hope that your daughter is OK. You have produced a beautiful drawing under the most arduous circumstance. Thanks again for all of your good advice and instruction. I really appreciate it.
PS. I don't see any warts?:):thumbsup:

Lady Carol - Very, very nice . Love the feathers and the expression on her face.:clap:

[Sumariel]

John and Al . . .thank you!

A friend is bringing over a photo of her son, I will attempt to do a portrait, it may be too soon to do commissioned pieces, but, I will give it a shot. I do appreciate everyone's help!!

Suzi

["J"]

Thanks John. I am trying to take more time for the layers this time. I am a "push the darks" kind of person. I usually work differently than with these pencils. I work in one area and finish it before I go to the next. Can't really do that with these. You did a great job with your wife. I didn't leave any of his "fine lines" out so he may not appreciate the character I left in. His wife will tho.

[danna23]

I can't believe the work on this string, everyone has done such amazing work :clap: :clap: . These pencils really are special :smug: .

John thanks for the comment on the expressions. I told my daughter (who is 13) that she looked "smoultry" she had no idea what I was talking about.

Well I took a better picture of my piece during the daytime.

[Sumariel]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Aug-2006/82344-Jonathan_002.jpg

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! Completely deranged laughter!!!!!!!!!!!! This is what my friend wants done portrait style! Yikes! I'm just barely getting a handle on faces! OMG! I may try to do the face with the hat and see how badly I muck up, but I am NOT brave enough to try a full body portrait YET!
Suzi

[Charlie's Mum]

The work here is all super! .......... and Suzi, a head and shoulder crop should work nicely there - you made a good job of your own pic, so this should be a doddle ;)

Danna - you know, I really like most of this drawing! I say most because I wish you'd done that beautiful smile on the older lady!!!!!!!! It's such a happy ref :D

Pat - what paper did you use - I know you've probably already said earlier! Sorry! Love the way you built up the tones - very strong.

Hi Carol - turned out nicely! You could look at her left eye I think (our right) - does it seem a bit on the large size to you?

The extra layers on Mrs Gibson's face seem to make the eyes less pronounced - is that what you did? .... added tones?

Mary - the grandson is a real cutie - you've got that lovely smooth look of young skin and features ....... very nice.

I've boosted the tones on my neighbour's portrait - gradually building them - but the tooth of the paper won't allow much smoothness ......... but I'm also noticing how the pencils seem to fade - don't know if it's just an optical illusion - looking with fresh eyes each time reduces the tonal values! :lol: :lol:

Robin - hope your daughter is recovering fast!

Sorry that I've missed some out - just that the thread is so l-o-n-g!!!!!!

[danna23]

Hi Maureen... so sorry I let you down by not doing the BIG toothy grin. I drew that mouth so many times and everytime it looked very, very bad. I was happy I at least did a somewhat toothy grin. I've also noticed how much the pencils fade, by the time I finished the hair last night I had to go back over the whole picture to deepen the tones. I sprayed mine as soon as I was done in hopes that it won't fade. So no it's not your eyes.

[Fozbot]

FINALLY got my pencils! here's my experiment w/them. one crappy looking coffee cup.:rolleyes: i tried Zest-it on one side and the handle. this stuff is great! it smells like orange oil and dries in no time.

thanks to everyone who commented on my sketch, too.:)

[Striver]

Suzi, have a quite go at the whole, if you can do portraits as good as you are doing, twill be easy for you to conquer. Do some light quick sketches first and ease into it. You have all the help you could wish for here at wc, many anxious to help.
Go for it.
Enjoy
Les

[Mary Woodul]

Ive gotten behind again on my comments and have had several things at the same time but I just wanted to thank you all for the comments on my grandsons and say that the work I see is splendid and that this is one fantastic class.:clap: :clap: :clap:

Al Great news about the Fantasy class, I've always wanted to learn how to draw fantasy.

Billie, good to see you here. Good job!

[gibson99]

The extra layers on Mrs Gibson's face seem to make the eyes less pronounced - is that what you did? .... added tones?



That is correct. I went back in with terracotta and V REd. But in her photo the eyes are very dark also.

[Anda G]

Hi, everybody. Have fun, Billie.:)

I have to quickly pop this up. I have to run out to the bingo hall.

Here is the sketch in graphite. I used a grid. I got overwhelmed looking at all the detail. And the HAIR. I need to take those girls to the salon just so it will be easier on me. :lol:

I am using almost the whole sheet. I have a small border. An inch, I think.

Andagail (I know you can barely see it.)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Aug-2006/59007-cousins.jpg http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Aug-2006/59007-sketchcousins.jpg

[Sumariel]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Aug-2006/82344-JonathanDP.jpg

This is my preliminary sketch doing the crop as suggested, it has been quite a challenge, I've never done headgear of any kind, comments and critiques needed at this point, please . . .

Les, thanks for the encouragement to try the whole thing, that may be next, if I can get this done and looking like a deliberate drawing rather than just a happenstance. I appreciate the faith in me, and am certain of the help you mention is there from this great website. I really appreciate all of you!

Suzi

P.S. Al, I will want to join in on the fantasy class, it never hurts to expand the imagination . . .S.

[shuste73]

Suzi, I'd recommend that you really use landmarks to guide your drawing. A face is no different than a hat is no different than a cup is no different than a blanket.

I think you need to turn off your brain and believe your eyes. A good way to do this is to take a page from Betty Edwards' Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain - do this drawing upside-down!

The face is tilted - yours isn't. The hat is actually much wider (use the ear tips as a landmark and you'll see). Your eyebrows are too stereotypical. Again, you're using your brain, not your eyes.

Seriously - try doing this upside-down so you can see the lines and shapes, not the objects.

If you don't want to do that, then draw in your portrait reference lines. When I use them, they never let me down. Here's a really basic reference to help you get started: http://www.portrait-artist.org/face/structure2.html

[Sumariel]

Thanks, Steve, I will do that!
Suzi

["J"]

Here is my brother Randy finished.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/84176-P8040001.JPG

[Taurus41]

Hullo Al

Here is my effort. Sorry it is late, had computer problems and was off line during the week.

Nope, pastel pencils dont work soo well for this lesson. I got carried away. Also looks like I need more drawing lessons. But am soo glad I had a stab at this.

Thank you for your time and the lesson.

Tz
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/60853-a1_tz_elizaabeth.jpg

[alfredart]

Robin. Very well done, she's beautiful... so soft.

Carol. I remember this ref. Very well done.

Billie. Glad ya made it. Cup looks great!

Mary. Thanks. I think we'll have fun with the new class.

Anda. What beautiful children. This is going to be a really good one.

Suzi. You're on it now. I like the crop and your start. Me I would have done the whole thing. Great shot. I can't wait to have you in the next class. You're gonna have a blast.

Jeanne. Great finish.

Tereza. No they're not the same but ya know what???? I really like this!! Love her eyes.

Well guys, I got to get on mine so I can finish it up by the end of the class.

Peace,
AL

["J"]

My husband's parents at their 25th anniversary party in the 1970s. The picture was not too good for detail and was small. Blowing it up made it more blurry. They are no longer living. This is the best I could do with what I had to work with.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/84176-P8050002.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/84176-scan.jpg

[Anda G]

Jeanne, that is so touching. I am glad you could draw this and have something nice to remember them.

I was looking at a snapshot of my dad taken years before he passed away and I want to draw it. I hesitate because the picture is so small and I can't get good detail. Since you went ahead with yours, I think I will, too. I think my mother would like that.

What do y'all think about this reference? It shows my dad holding his youngest granddaughter, my niece. (Sorry about the big pic. I don't know what I did.)http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/59007-Daddy_and_Andrea.jpg

Andagail

["J"]

Anda, if I can do it, so can you. Give it a try. Nothing to lose even if it doesn't pan out. But I am sure it will. You're mom will like it no matter what.

[Sumariel]

Go for it Andagail!
Suzi

[Fozbot]

ok...here's my first layer...brown ochre. it's looking kinda ugly right now.:rolleyes:

[Robin Neudorfer]

Calling it quits Teach (unless you can offer advice on something)
Having only sketched the image from the computer, I know some of the body parts are not exactly how they were designed on this beautiful creature, and I should apologize to her for that. However, I am pleased with my second portrait.
I know I could fuss away at it, but I need to paint for a while.
Bought a new camera, and I think lessons are in order to achieve the quality of picture I am expecting.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/30341-WC_102:6-5.jpg

Now off for my rounds of comments.
Thanks again.

[Fozbot]

My God, Robin...how'd you get her skin so smooth w/these pencils?! this is beautiful!

[Sumariel]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/82344-Jonathan.jpg

My word, Robin, you have done a wonderful job with Sophie! I like it.

This is where I am with Jonathan. His mom is coming over this evening to give me some input on her impressions. I may still attempt the full body, but I think that will be later, the hat has been fun, though.
Suzi

[Robin Neudorfer]

Thank you Billie. I layered very slowly and lightly. On her face I also worked so as not to show the pencil strokes as much as possible. From the neck down I decided to let it be a bit more sketchy.
Now I did use my electric pencil sharpener, and my pencils are still 6.5" long. No breaking, but then again, I curse if I ever drop any of my pencils.

Suzi - Thanks, she is a lovely model.

(back to comments... on page 10)

[Striver]

Hi All, Suzi, there you are you've conquered it.
Out of the loop for a while but pencilas awaiting.
Enjoy
Les

[Sumariel]

Les, you are such a sweet and encouraging person, thanks for your input!!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/82344-Jonathan_001.jpg

Al, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this beautiful secret of yours. These pencils are amazing, you layer and layer, and they never turn to mud, they just glow all the more. You are a sweetheart!!!

Suzi

[Robin Neudorfer]

Okay... Here goes... all 32 pages (sorry I didn't read all posts a 2nd time)

Sophie Drawings
Midge So you barter with your art? ... smart lady. How is the TV. You have added one more fantastic portrait to your portfolio.
Les a very nice, loose drawing.
Jeanette very nice experiment, beautiful finish. How did you like these pencils on the Stonehenge?
Janine tilt or not tilt, a lovely finish
MBeckett very beautiful "learning experiment" shapes look fine to me
Mary Your first layer would make a stunning picture alone. Your finish is a winner
Tyree did you find the vellum easier? You gave her a very sweet expression.
Suzi How not to be taken in by your excitement. You should be proud. Congratulations on an excellent finish.
Dee HI!!! Wrong paper or not, a very energetic drawing
Pat A struggle at first, but oh my, you lived up to the challenge. You are not hesitant to use color at all. Lovely finish, the highlights were a bonus
Back to school? Oh you Texans keep em busy don't you. I have a sister in Granbury.
Judi I always love the way you draw a mouth. Beautiful even skin tones too. Old World indeed.
John Beautiful Predrawing. All of those sketches have paid off. Your final - Stunning
Andagail HI BACK!!! Gorgeous, and patience is all relative. Your touch is certainly light enough.
Netty It would be a struggle on paper with tooth, however a sharp tip and loads of patience to fill in the ruts can be all that is needed. Did you just use one pencil? Nice work.
Connie Many variations is fun isn't it? A very good job.
Rob You obviously have a few portraits under your belt. Beautiful.
Danna You have made Sophie look regal.
Maureen I was thinking Farrah, and then read your post... then saw that it was a mis-nomer Nice job.
Carol quite an artistic rendition. You have created beautiful rhythm in your drawing.
Melisa Wonderful finish youpulled off the hair beautifully. I hope that you are feeling better.
Steve Undercoats looked great...did you post a final yet?
Tereza Hi there! Tough to have the same feel without similar tools. However you pulled off a very creative portrait with what you had on hand.
MaryR Nice start. I wouldn't give up there you have a good beginning it just needs more contrast and perhaps a bit more height to the top of the head...oh a REDO... second drawing is more in relation to the model.
AnitaMs Portrait Queen... Such a graceful style you have. I will have to pry out some of your tricks when I see you in TWO AND A HALF WEEKS!
Robyn I like your unfinished piece. The drawing is a must and ho so frustrating when it doesn't pull together. However I love some of the unfinished work of the Master's.
Billie Great first layer... only 12 more to go...

[Robin Neudorfer]

Personal Portraits
Midge Another Beautiful Drawing
J A wonderful gift. I apologize if this is too late... check the right vs left eye. His left appears darker and crisper. If it is the scanner/camera forget what I just wrote.
Jeanette Great self portrait. Your work is so Unique.
Danna Sweet Portrait
Rob Great Crop and I can't wait to see the finish piece
John Beautiful finish. You are just rolling along with these pencils. Now everyone at Starbucks will be asking for a portrait.
Pat A superb drawing. Do I detect prior portraits in your past?
Les Happy pair those in-laws. Would you consider more values and more contrast? Grandson worth another go? The background steals the show.
Did you post the violinist?
Les, Les, Les.... no cellotape! Can't say I have ever used tape on any of my drawings. Tape and paper don't mix.
Mary Your grandson turned out wonderful. I love the view you captured.
Connie You have risen to yuor challenge. I agree the pencils do take some time to get use to them.
MaryR You obviously are comfortable with hands, great job. I think you made your face too wide. I also think you could go back in and use the BO and the TC and liven it up. It is worth another go.
Maureen - a beautiful light filled drawing. An Independent gal I take it?
Carol Beautiful. I could see a series of these
Suzi I love your light touch, I would just bump up the contrasts. That is what gives a drawing form. A nice self portrait. Bad references are extremely difficult to work from.
J great lay in, More contrast perhaps on Brothers portrait?
Andagail cute reference. You do like to challenge yourself don't you?
Melisa Cant wait to see your drawing of your mother.

Al ... can't forget Teach. A super compostition. Do you take your own pictures? Such wonderful details. Even though you look rather gruff in this picture, I agree with some one who said that you are almost ready to make a face at us. Is there a Harley in the yard?
Thanks so much for your time, here at WC.

If I missed you... I am sorry.

My update... My daughter had a few seizures a couple of weeks ago, and while dealing with that she has suffered some intermitent visual problems.
We have more tests on Tuesday. As some of you know, she is a competitive ice skater, so this is creating serious issues. The least of which is depression.
I appreciate all of your kind words, thoughts and prayers.
Drawing and painting keeps me grounded, I am so grateful to have WC and my friends, during this time.

[Mary Woodul]

Robin My heart and prayers go out to you and your daughter. There are occasions when we feel we will never see the light and we can't understand "why me?", I know from experience that no words help but the strength and calm will come and things will be ok.:grouphug:

Robin, I can't get over your beautiful drawing. It is so classical looking.

Al I have been working on this reference of my other grandson to post tomorrow before the class ends:crying: but I just wanted to ask you if the catchlight in the reference should be drawn like it is. I don't know if it will transfer correctly in these pencils. His eyes are so dark his pupils never show.

Everyone is doing such a marvelous Job!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/43096-Pato.jpg

[Lady Carol]

Robin...how'd you get her skin so smooth w/these pencils?! this is beautiful!
Have to agree here. This is the most beautiful rendition of Sophie in this thread.

Mary, what a cutie...

[Anda G]

Robin! Thanks. I will keep your work in mind when I do this next one. I want to have nice even layers like yours and I want my hair to come out as nicely as yours did. I have lots of hair to do. :lol: :eek:

I hope your daughter gets well soon. I hope drawing and WC will give you a little comfort.

Mary, that is one cute little boy. He looks to be full of mischief.:cat:

Suzi, great job with the hat and the young man.

Here is my next step with the outlining and erasing of the graphite. I think the nose is too pointy there on the right. Wish me good luck on the hair. Can y'all tell that these girls are in my sig line?

Everyone on here is having a ball, I think. :) Good work.

Andagail http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/59007-colsketch.jpg

[Sumariel]

Andagail, I hope you post that even if you don't get it done in time, it's gonna be great, and yes, you can tell that's darlings from you sig line. Thanks for the compliments, girls, and yes, I would bet you can tell that contrast has always been an issue in my drawings, all my life!!!!!

Robin, hang in there, my dear, I would bet you are in many prayers tonight, as well as your daughter. That's a tough one, I hope things are on the mend soon!!
Suzi

[janine9620]

Hey Everyone,
My friend finally got me her picture! Well actually I went and found one. I had already done a Sepia toned in prisma of her daughter, which I wasn't in love with so went back in with some color, but still has the old fash feel. This technique is similar in presence with the exception of color in the eyes, so I'm debating adding some in there, hmmmmm what do you think!! Anyhow this is my ref and WIP,


AL, or others, some help here with blonde hair would be good, have I added to much already?? I find myself wanting to do more mid val in the hair, but I'm scared he will look like a red head! HELP.
C&C is welcome as this is the time to make changes, I love this class! Janine
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/71776-aj_ref.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Aug-2006/71776-AJ_WIP.jpg

[JayD]

AL--I am going to extend your class for one more week so we can get the next teacher's into up and give turtle engines like myself a chance to UN-LAG behind.

We were going to have the class post on the 7th and the new workshop is complete AND enormous but I need at least another week of this class.

Is everybody ok with this?

[Fozbot]

i'm ok if Al's ok w/it. Lord knows, i need the extra time.

[shuste73]

Robin, I haven't finished my piece. My son got sick, then I got what he had, then a project at work has been occupying every shred of free time (we're in crunch mode for a pending launch).

It's been rough and I'm hoping this thread can hang in there long enough for me to get a free evening so I can finish up.

[RWSewell]

I would also appreciate a small extension to the class. I had to ride out the recent heatwave in an un-airconditioned apartment - not the most ideal conditions for drawing. Spent most of the time far away from the drawing table so no updates on Stephen King or a Sophie finish. Now with the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament in high gear in New Bedford this weekend I've been spending my free time drinking (alot) of Madeira wine and hanging out at the barbecue pit. I know, excuses, excuses...
-Rob (insert intoxicated smilie here)

[Robin Neudorfer]

Steve - Well now you have the chance if Al is okay with it. Sharpen those pencils. However, you don't have to feel rushed, because this classroom will always be open. I am just glad I didn't have to go search for your finished piece.
Hey JayD... sounds like a plan.

["J"]

JayD - I know curiosity killed the cat but.....I still would like to know what the next class will be. So I can die of dread or anticipate while I do more portraits.

[Robin Neudorfer]

You hold tight to that cat, Jeanne.
That is like knowing your Holiday presents before the big day.
Do some sketches while you wait.
Practice Practice Practice.

[Mary Woodul]

Al's class one week more!!!:clap: :clap: :clap:

["J"]

I don't wait patiently. And we opened our gifts on Christmas Eve but got to open one small one the night before that. Between the weekly thread, the scavenger hunt, and the portrait class, I probably sketch as much as anyone can. I'm afraid if I stop, I might have to do some housework.

[Robin Neudorfer]

:lol:
Not going to happen... count how many lessons we have had.
He is a tough softie.
There are some great old lessons to catch up on, if anyone is impatient.

HI MARY!!!

[Sumariel]

You KNOW it's alright with me. I just get more practice time. Jonathan's mom is wanting blue eyes and some other additions that I don't know if I can make, oh well, it looks as though she may be willing to get me the set of 24, now THAT is bribery, wouldn't you say?
Suzi

[Anda G]

Hey, everybody. Janine, great start. I have a blond, too. :) We'll see how it goes.

Here is my next step with the tops started. It's hard to see to add the brown ochre. :( I can see all the lines now. I dabbed areas with the squishy eraser to keep the highlights.
Yes, Robin, I do like to challenge myself. I don't know why I picked this. I liked the happy expressions. They just finished popsicles. :D I almost picked a redheaded boy. He is the brother to the one on the right. Next time...:D

Thanks, Suzi. :)

I sure could use that extra week. :angel:

Andagail http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Aug-2006/59007-frstlyrs.jpg

[alfredart]

Jeanne. Wow what a photo to work from. I think ya did good. Really great for the photo.

Anda. Wow, another rough photo to work from... but it can be done. Looks like there's enough there to work with. You're off to a great start with this one. You can do the hair, just remember to make it flow.

Billie. You're off to a good start dear. This looks really good. I'm so glad you got the other colors you needed. I can't wait to see what you do.

Robin. She's beautiful. You did a great job blending, very soft.

Suzi. You just keep turning them out. You've got such a soft touch with these, love 'em.

Mary. I can't wait to see this little guy. What a cutie. You can do the eyes, I know you can.

Janine. You're really freakin' me out here. I'll be glad when you get his eyes in. Looks like one of the kids from Children of the Damned. Keep the hair light, at this point don't use any VR. And to make it look even lighter work in a background. It does look alittle dark right now so I would try lifting some out with your kneaded eraser.

Oh boy!!!!! We got another week to have fun!!!! Thanks JayD I need it as well to finish up mine. (ha) I worked on painting my truck some today so I'm alittle behind myself. lol.

Okay guys, we've got another week so everyone should have the time now to catch up. Wate an minute... another week... no one's behind! Yeah.

Peace,
AL

[Robin Neudorfer]

Andagail, looks like it is going well... keep up the good work. Now that you have an extra week, lets get that redhead done too.

Al, I don't want anyone to be confused. I did not use a blending tool like was discussed earlier on this thread. I searched one out for the cp class, and then never touched it.
Did anyone try it with these pencils?

[Fozbot]

we need a blending tool?! good God.:rolleyes: see why it's bad to be late for class.:( i've been using my fingers. i'll still be running late, Al. gotta wait for JayD's Blickmobile to bring me those missing pencils. looks like i'll be scrambling to finish.

[Flamingo]

I'm late, I'm slow, and yes, I'm behind! Plus, I haven't even finished! What a flunky! Well, I found some time to play and this is where I'm at. My husband has gone out to hit some golf balls so I have a couple of hours to try to get it all together. I hope to post the finished (?) drawing tonight.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Aug-2006/41684-WC_Drawing_Portrait_-_Derwent_Pencils_Medium_Large.jpg

[Robin Neudorfer]

No blending tool needed Billie.
I don't think the fingers will be of much help either, except to hold your pencils whenever they do arrive.
Mine are still in good condition.. do you want to borrow them? Might get there quicker. Maybe I can figure out how to send them in a zip file.

[Fozbot]

Robin, did you use the Strathmore paper? i tried lightly layering and layering to get a smooth tone but it kept getting darker and darker and i still had a rough look. my fingers seemed to work alright.

[Robin Neudorfer]

My suggestion Jeannie, is one of three...
either keep your facial strokes going in the same direction
or another would be to crosshatch them (again those going in one direction should be placed next to each other)
or make them so close together that you can't tell that they are strokes.
Oh ... just thought of a fourth, make your strokes follow the surface of the features. This is the hardest to do.
Very good proportion to the facial features.