Basic 102 - Class 15 The Creative Process in Portrait Drawing

[stoney]

Conting in my nearly 'one-man-show'. This is where I am and I do have a question. I know it is my own decision but your input is highly appreciated. All of a sudden this idea popped up in my mind. If anything is descriptive of my struggles in all of my drawings it is this present state. I did something, I am scared of the continuation and Armin (I hope one can imagine that this is supposed to be him) is critically looking at me. Should I leave the drawing on the canvas as is and just finish the surrounding, or does it create too much the image that I finally 'chickened out'?

'Chickened out?' Not at all. To my mind, what is there suffices. The identity of Armin is recognizable. There is also the current parallel connection which would be lost if you were to continue. I'd leave the outlines as they are as they suggest a tantalizing mystery. In my estimation, this is another case of 'less is more.'

For example in my 'Tug-O-War' entry in the marine item, the thread shows the source photo as well progress photos.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395386

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Aug-2007/33705-DCP_0688_crop_sm.JPG

This one, clearly, isn't finished, but I wanted it entered into the county fair. I finished the left midground tank, or whatever it was, and did some touch ups here and there. I changed the title of the piece to 'Chowtime Desertion.' Such 'explains' the lack of people in the work. It took 2nd place in its category.

The works taking second was a hefty surprise. I looked at it in it's frame and surrounded by others' works and saw it in a different light. The title gave it a utilitarian overview. The unadorned simple frame supported the overview. The work, in itself, is utilitarian but not sterile. The right foreground slightly ajar door hints at people being momentarily out of sight.

{The source photo is on page 2 of the thread, post 28}

In the source photo the people are secondary sideline observers. I had planned on 'rolling back time' to when the safety chains hadn't been reinstalled. I also had planned on putting in the shore power cable rack, the mercury vapour lights and the people.

I'm mulling over the great possibility the story, as it stands, has been told. Adding more could very well be a detraction.

I think, concerning the drawing of Armin, you are in the same situation.

[stoney]

Mary, thanks for looking and commenting. Your answer tells me though that I did not get my message accross. I wanted to express my anguish and apprehension that I feel in all my drawings where I have the feeling as if Armin always critically looks at me and I am never sure if I can live up to his expectations. Seems that I need to finish the project as planned to be able to express visually what I wanted. Your thoughts have been very helpful.

*His* expectations? Seems to me you're projecting here. Your visualization, or expectation, of 'his' is of your devising. I'd lay odds you've grandly exceeded his wildest hopes.

[stoney]

Reinhard, I really got the impression from the drawing as it is, that you are working on a project and that there is a sense of fear and shame involved. As if the portrait of Armin has in your rendering come to life for you and you are not able to continue for your fears. sort of like there is a crippling emotion holding you back. Though the unfinished picture doesn't look overly critical, almost as if he is calmly looking on and your feelings are causing your reaction more then the drawing. Hope i explained that enough. Sort of like you are your own worst critic and due to that you are sensitive to the one that you look up to as a mentor.

I do like the drawing of Armin unfinished. I wonder if finishing it would take away from the meaning, or the idea that fear of not accomplishing your vision is almost too much to bear. So far you are making a good statement and I really have a good reaction to it. More likely due to the fact that I find kindred feelings in myself at times. It kind of hits home to me and gives me a sense of time and place. That moment where the artist wonders if it is worth it to continue and to push himself to do more and better.

So hope that isn't too wordy and not sure if that is what you were trying to say in your picture but that is how I read it from a personal level.


Very eloquently stated. :thumbsup:

[stoney]

Reinhard...continue...and put a smile on his face!! Although Armin is critiquing your work he is NOT critical of or to you!! So put an encouraging smile on his face and the eyes become benevolent and not malevolent!! :wink2:

The eye, and expression, is filled with gentle humour right now. The quality of his work is simply mind blowing.

[MadMaddy]

Reinhard, glad I could help. I was hoping I wasn't way off the mark.:)

Well here is an update on what I am doing. It doesn't seem like much progress but it has taken me a lot of time, though I haven't been timing anything.

Hope it works, the tree bark and the perspective really kept me working for a long time.

[Reinhard1]

stoney, your thoughts and helpful input is always so greatly appreciated. Thank you so very much. However I am still very undecided. Maybe I have to determine what I really wanted. Do I want to/feel the need to 'finish what I started', do I want/feel ..... 'to prove my technical ability to do a decent Armin portrait', do I want to/.... 'let the feeling of the moment decide', do I want/..... to '.....??????????......'. Or do I finally take the leap and say 'this is my very own piece of work and I have not only the right but the obligation to myself to decide what I will and want to do. This latter might sound stupid or over ambitious or even megalomaniac but somewhen I have to decide.

This project turns out to be FOR ME a lot more than just a deviation form what I did before; and this quiet branch of the rather very active channnels and threads of D&S allows me to ponder over this, as I feel, extremely important aspect of my 'artistic life'.

When I started out to answer to your post I never imagined what turn this would take. Probably this has been boiling inside of me for a long time and finally decided to come out into the open. Thanks for helping me along that way.

Lara, you were not off, quite to the contrary, you were head on. It is your thoughts and input I value and need and not a reflection of what I think. Please continue! Your drawing comes along rather splendidly. One thing 'disturbs' me visually though. On my screen it seems that the trunk somehow floats in the air. I have the feeling that it is too parallel to the ground and does not connect to it in the distance. I am sure you will get around to that with a little bit of darker shading towards the top to indicate more closeness to the ground.

[MadMaddy]

Thank you Reinhard, I definitely do have plans to ground the thing. There won't be alot of ground, but I plan on putting in enough to give the fallen tree the correct sense. It is sort of floating out there right now as you said. As I said, I have a lot of work yet to do.

I am very glad I joined this class. I have enjoyed not only my experience so far, but also watching what is going on with everyone else. There is a lot to be learned from others experiences. I know my project is just getting off the ground but feel like it is going to be good for me in the long run as an artist. Even as a person.

[Reinhard1]

Lara, my comment was not meant as a critique but just an observation. I am fully aware that you are still in the first stages of your project. Btw, where does your light come from?

Learning about ouselves? Absolutely for me. After the rather active replies I usually have with my WIPs, this more quiet situation has its advantages as well. I started to ask myself why I am drawing, for whom, which topics fascinate me additionally to the 'normal' portraits. Do I want to 'say' more than only to prove my technical progress? Or even more fundamentally, do I want to say anything at all? The thought process which started with Armin's innocent title of this class has done far more for me than just produce an, as I hope, interesting drawing.

If you wanted to share your sentiments with the group still being active here, it will be interesting and fascinating to learn if you have similar 'artist life changing' thoughts.

Sorry for rambling.

[stoney]

stoney, your thoughts and helpful input is always so greatly appreciated. Thank you so very much. However I am still very undecided. Maybe I have to determine what I really wanted. Do I want to/feel the need to 'finish what I started', do I want/feel ..... 'to prove my technical ability to do a decent Armin portrait', do I want to/.... 'let the feeling of the moment decide', do I want/..... to '.....??????????......'. Or do I finally take the leap and say 'this is my very own piece of work and I have not only the right but the obligation to myself to decide what I will and want to do. This latter might sound stupid or over ambitious or even megalomaniac but somewhen I have to decide.

Neither stupid, over ambitious, or megalomania. One can't get to where one is going if there's no 'destination' in mind. You've demonstratively got the technical abilities.

If your focus is on 'doing a decent Armin portrait,' I suggest a separate piece. Right now, you've the very real possibility-if you continue the Armin section to completion-of setting up conflicting points of interest.

If you need something a little stronger, let me assist you here. If you don't then ignore it. Leave the Armin section as it is and continue on the Reinhard and background sections to a reasonable conclusion.


This project turns out to be FOR ME a lot more than just a deviation form what I did before; and this quiet branch of the rather very active channnels and threads of D&S allows me to ponder over this, as I feel, extremely important aspect of my 'artistic life'.

Self-discovery. :)


When I started out to answer to your post I never imagined what turn this would take. Probably this has been boiling inside of me for a long time and finally decided to come out into the open. Thanks for helping me along that way.

You're more than welcome.

[stoney]

Lara, my comment was not meant as a critique but just an observation. I am fully aware that you are still in the first stages of your project. Btw, where does your light come from?

Learning about ouselves? Absolutely for me. After the rather active replies I usually have with my WIPs, this more quiet situation has its advantages as well. I started to ask myself why I am drawing, for whom, which topics fascinate me additionally to the 'normal' portraits. Do I want to 'say' more than only to prove my technical progress? Or even more fundamentally, do I want to say anything at all? The thought process which started with Armin's innocent title of this class has done far more for me than just produce an, as I hope, interesting drawing.

And there's the, imo, 'key.' "Do I want to say anything at all." There's a hefty difference when 'life/art' is like a constant race compared to a 'leisurely
stroll' down the same path. With the stroll there's time to listen to the breeze in the trees, sounds of wildlife, basking in the warm sun, and listening to the orchestra sounds of water. Such can encourage contemplation which can lead to amazing results.


If you wanted to share your sentiments with the group still being active here, it will be interesting and fascinating to learn if you have similar 'artist life changing' thoughts.

Sorry for rambling.

Rambling? Nah. You've realized some things and are working to see how/where it changes other items.

[MadMaddy]

The light is coming from the viewers left foreground. The darks are washed out a bit in the image that is posted. I haven't felt like trying to take it outside to shoot photos since it is really hot and humid out there. :lol:

So far with this picture, though it is a different direction for me as in it is more an expression of thoughts and feelings, I find that at this point, I am getting lost in the technical side of it. Sort of while I am drawing, I am so involved in what I am doing in that one square inch of paper that I lose all perspective about the ending result. Part of that may be due to the fact that I have yet to reach the emotionally trying part of drawing my father. I am sure that there will be an impact on me there. In fact, I wonder that I didn't start him first because I was afraid of what it would put me through. That perhaps, I am leaning on status quo and figure why mess with the things that are put away at this point. I also don't generally look at his photos as it makes me sad and teary, even though it has been 3 years ago. I have a desire to do this on the one hand, but I also have a fear of it. Along side the fact that i don't know that I will be able to reach my aspirations of what this picture is in my mind. I want this to express who my dad was, not just what he looked like. I also want to express the loss that myself and the rest of my family has felt.

It is when I am not drawing when all of the emotions hit me. when i am thinking about it and planning it in my head as I go along. In fact it is something that I have kind of obsessed about since I started it. Even if I am not drawing, or perhaps don't feel a need or have the energy to draw (like now, since I am sick with the flu), I am still thinking about it. It is at times like this that I wonder if I am not a little on the kooky side..:lol: as it is easy for me kind of let the project take over. My poor husband and daughter :o. Perhaps this is the case because of the psychological nature of this drawing, though I have a tendency to be that way with most art projects that inspire me, this one seems to be more so.

[stoney]

The light is coming from the viewers left foreground. The darks are washed out a bit in the image that is posted. I haven't felt like trying to take it outside to shoot photos since it is really hot and humid out there. :lol:

So far with this picture, though it is a different direction for me as in it is more an expression of thoughts and feelings, I find that at this point, I am getting lost in the technical side of it. Sort of while I am drawing, I am so involved in what I am doing in that one square inch of paper that I lose all perspective about the ending result. Part of that may be due to the fact that I have yet to reach the emotionally trying part of drawing my father. I am sure that there will be an impact on me there. In fact, I wonder that I didn't start him first because I was afraid of what it would put me through. That perhaps, I am leaning on status quo and figure why mess with the things that are put away at this point. I also don't generally look at his photos as it makes me sad and teary, even though it has been 3 years ago.


I've found time has little to no bearing on emotional events. Your father may have died, but you've all the memories of love and laughter. What about shifting focus, if you will, to the warm times you had in celebration?


I have a desire to do this on the one hand, but I also have a fear of it. Along side the fact that i don't know that I will be able to reach my aspirations of what this picture is in my mind. I want this to express who my dad was, not just what he looked like. I also want to express the loss that myself and the rest of my family has felt.

I have a suspicion trying to express two widely separated and possibly diametric opposites in one work is very problematical. Have you considered a diptych?


It is when I am not drawing when all of the emotions hit me. when i am thinking about it and planning it in my head as I go along. In fact it is something that I have kind of obsessed about since I started it. Even if I am not drawing, or perhaps don't feel a need or have the energy to draw (like now, since I am sick with the flu), I am still thinking about it. It is at times like this that I wonder if I am not a little on the kooky side..:lol: as it is easy for me kind of let the project take over.

Kooky side? Aren't we all in this madhouse world? What is coming across to me is your mind is telling you this needs to be addressed.


My poor husband and daughter :o. Perhaps this is the case because of the psychological nature of this drawing, though I have a tendency to be that way with most art projects that inspire me, this one seems to be more so.

Sounds like you're realizing this. :thumbsup:

[Reinhard1]

I call it 'finished'. Took a 'flash shot' with indirect flash so it wouldn't be too off and tried with Photoshop to come closer to RL.

It was an interesting and enlightening ride in every sense of the word. Thanks to all who have accompanied me to this point.

To recap what I wanted to express. As you might know, I am very strongly influenced by Armin's work. This is so strong that in all the drawings I attempt I have the feeling that Armin is looking at me and that makes me nervous. (As depicted in his portrait on those canvases I have drawn). Additionally I have come to learn that all of my drawings so far have that 'in the middle of the project scare' that I can't do it. All that I wanted to show in my expression of fear, apprehension, tension, dispair. The background wall is meant to say that I am limited by a wall. Since I am the only 'real person' on this side of the barrier means as well that I am the only one who can break it down. The white canvases with Armin's half-finished drawing can be interpreted as well as truly being a window in that wall and that Armin is looking at me asking when I will take that step through. And finally, there are 2 distinctive drawing styles in the portraits, me, rather dark and 'crude' and Armin lighter and more 3D depicting now and where I want to go.

p.s. I just noticed that in the post OUR right eye of Armin's seems not to look at us. I checked with the drawing and this seems only to be in the post but not IRL.

[Africanart]

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

WOW!!!!!!!

Congratulations Reinhardt, this is very well done, and looking at the drawing I can see what you wanted the viewer to experience, eventhough I did not bring it across to well in my previous post :confused:

I hope you will still visit us here in this "little" thread. As I am only going to start on my back ground now. That said I do value your comments and direction a lot...

Once again thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings while you went through this process.

Mary

[Reinhard1]

Mary, thanks so much for all. Your comments, them clappies and thumbs ups and, most of all, for your sharing the way with me. It was/is/and always will be an honour.

Definitely will I continue to be here. The group might be small in numbers but BIG in heart, empathy and support. I would never dream leaving before I get kicked out.

You mention background. I know what you are talking about because I just went throught the same thing. As tedious as it was, it somehow brought my whole drawing together and gave it a lot more meaning than I ever have thought it possible. I will be watching what your heart tells you.

[NSR160]

Reinhard1 :wave:

You have drawn hair. :clap: hehe
GREAT drawing. You should be pleased.
Your getting better, every hour you draw.

(I dont like the canvases beeing the same value.) :p
Man I had to say something. ;)

[Reinhard1]

Rune, thanks a lot and so great to hear from you again. I had hoped you would join in the group here. As for the canvases, you are correct, they are the same tonal value and I wanted to show here that I am in the middle of a process on one hand and that these canvases might even be seen as a 'window to something' but since we don't know what that might be, I left the value intentionally that bright so not to indicate anything.

[stoney]

I call it 'finished'. Took a 'flash shot' with indirect flash so it wouldn't be too off and tried with Photoshop to come closer to RL.

It was an interesting and enlightening ride in every sense of the word. Thanks to all who have accompanied me to this point.

To recap what I wanted to express. As you might know, I am very strongly influenced by Armin's work. This is so strong that in all the drawings I attempt I have the feeling that Armin is looking at me and that makes me nervous. (As depicted in his portrait on those canvases I have drawn). Additionally I have come to learn that all of my drawings so far have that 'in the middle of the project scare' that I can't do it. All that I wanted to show in my expression of fear, apprehension, tension, dispair. The background wall is meant to say that I am limited by a wall. Since I am the only 'real person' on this side of the barrier means as well that I am the only one who can break it down. The white canvases with Armin's half-finished drawing can be interpreted as well as truly being a window in that wall and that Armin is looking at me asking when I will take that step through. And finally, there are 2 distinctive drawing styles in the portraits, me, rather dark and 'crude' and Armin lighter and more 3D depicting now and where I want to go.

p.s. I just noticed that in the post OUR right eye of Armin's seems not to look at us. I checked with the drawing and this seems only to be in the post but not IRL.

Standing Ovation. :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[stoney]

In a week, or so, I should be able to get back to my work. There's a piece of data I don't have yet.

[MadMaddy]

Reinhard...this is wonderful.:thumbsup: I really like how much was done on Armin's portrait. I think that having both eyes was really important since the eyes say it all really. In looking at it, it feels as if he were saying not to be so hard on yourself.

I really like it and it does convey the things you meant it to, but it also speaks to me personally. You did a great job.

Thanks for sharing with us.

[Reinhard1]

stoney, thanks so much but you can sit down. It is less technically than I might have hoped but better in emotion than I could have ever hoped for. It is I who has to thankfully applaud to all of you who were kind enough to have helped me throught this emotionally challenging project.

I hope that you will soon be able to start your own drawing. I am sure it will be great.

Lara, thanks you for these kind words. It was interesting to learn during the evolution of the drawing that many things all of a sudden popped up and made sense. If I was able to present a piece that speaks to the viewer than this is more what I could have imagined. Thanks for telling me that.

[Gordon T]

Reinhard this is exceptional you really have excelled yourself on this drawing and I congratulate you on a piece well thought out and executed I may not of commented much on this class but I have been here all the way. Again well done my friend

[Reinhard1]

gordon, thank you so very much. Kind words are so soothing to my soul.

[frieda L]

Reinhard, wow, you finished! I really like the way it turned out. A lot simpler than your first ideas, also one Armin instead of three. It seems that growing from three critical Armins into just one, not even totally there, may show a growing confidence in yourself, in your own abilities and talent.
This is definitely a great piece, it shows emotion, engagement, dedication, it has become a meaningfull portrait!
frieda

[Reinhard1]

frieda, I thank you so much for these kind comments. All the changes to the initial ideas came after long thinking, but the all of a sudden, and the other changes just happened during the drawing and just felt 'right'.

[frieda L]

still struggling with the concept of this drawing... maybe I should post what I have right now, if only to be able to maybe start thinking in a new direction.
Self portrait it will be, I am thinking of setting it in a landscape, the view of the Tanganiika lake, in Bujumbura, where I spent several years as a teenager. The view of the lake from our balcony. I used to dream I could fly off the balcony, into the sun.
That balcony is significant, since I was dreaming of freedom. Also, at that time, I was drawn to art, did not win a painting contest because the jury thought I had not painted the thing myself, got chided by a friends mum because she thought I had copied from a book a bunch of poems that I had written... The art was there, but did not blossom. Therefore, I might include some pencils and brushes into the patio fence...
Now, I feel free to go for the art, and I feel free to fly over that balcony.
the passionflower is another symbol, it is growing into the patio fence, setting me free.
The pigeon in there represents my belief that we do not die, (something weird that happened when my grandma died),
the pendant represents Chyron, (according to an astrologer friend)something important in my life at this time in my life, having just turned 50
Too cheesy? Actually, I do not have a good picture of the landscape I wish to depict... I have this thing in my head for months now, I may just have to go for it.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Aug-2007/22676-idea_layout_1.jpg
Should I scrap it and think further? It won't hurt my feelings ... i am thinking it is too much myself.
frieda

[Reinhard1]

Interesting thoughts - and many too. I wonder if this might not be too much for a single drawing and the messages might get lost in the process. I could imagine a series around this concept where you can concentrate on connected topics and maybe have a common 'guiding line' through it all. Be it the fence of pencils and brushes, be it the lake Tanganiika, or even the flowers.

Don't scrap, decide and start. Are you not sure what you wanted to express (I can understand that) or is it just the 'fear of the white paper'?

[aprilart]

Reinhard, what a terrific finish! This turned out beautifully. :)

How has this experience and this class affected you? What have you taken away from this drawing and the process of it?

[aprilart]

Frieda, I think this concept is beautiful as well as intrigiung. Don't scrap it. Go for it! And if it gives you any comfort, I don't have a clue how my background is going to turn out either, but one thing for sure - it will turn out in the end. Your subconscious will take over and build what needs to be built. :)

[Africanart]

Hi All,

I thought it about time to show you what I have done so far. As you can see I have started with the bg.

I think this brick wall is going to give me some trouble, but I am going to keep at it.

When I am completely done with the drawing I will narate the significanse of all there is, in the mean time feel free to speculate at the meaning.

Frieda, thanks for sharing the early stages of your concept, it will be interesting to see it happen, don't give up to soon, give it a go.

Thanks for looking
Mary

[Reinhard1]

April my friend, thanks for looking and commenting so positively. It was an interesting experience for sure. You ask what I am taking from this class. Many, many things. First my admiration of Armin has increased ever more. The wish 'to draw like Armin' has gotten quite a different and more encompassing meaning now. When I dreamed of that in the past I was merely looking at the technical side of it. Today, I think I understand a lot more what Armin does and is and realise that his level of an artist is something very, very far beyond me. Nevertheless I am glad to starting to understand that better now. It was as if a window had opened letting me all of a sudden see things I never knew before existed. Eye and emotion opening at the same time. I have stated it rather frequently in connection with this thread, I think my way of looking at portraits and maybe even art will never be the same again. Gone are the days of 'likeness' etc. How I may be able to convey my emotional turmoil is something only the future will tell. Having had such an emotionally impacting (for me impacting) drawing will be difficult to follow. This is another thing I learned. When I look 'differently' at portraits now I started to ask myself what do I want to convey beyond the graphite image. Quite frightening at the moment.

Mary, coming along very nicely. I see tiles to be hung and a Plomb (sp?) line measuring the accuracy, I see kitche tools, and I see a rather pensive Mary with the footprint of a cat(?) on the blouse. No interpretation of mine so far just a listing of the things I think to see. You will let us know in due time. Have fun with the background. I realised in my piece that the background gave my drawing some more impact. It will be fascinating to see how this applies to your project.

[Africanart]

Reinhardt - you are on the right track with some stuff, the plum line, Cat spoor is actually the front paw print of a lion, the kitch stuff is a ball of yarn and a snuff box, the rest will come later...

I have noticed with my drawing as well, as soon as I had done the dark piece of the bg, it all of a sudden brought my portrait forward and enhanced the "dimension" of it :clap: , just what I wanted.

Thanks for looking
Mary

[Reinhard1]

Mary, just to be difficult. A lion is some sort of a cat as well, isn't he?

[stoney]

How I may be able to convey my emotional turmoil is something only the future will tell. Having had such an emotionally impacting (for me impacting) drawing will be difficult to follow. This is another thing I learned. When I look 'differently' at portraits now I started to ask myself what do I want to convey beyond the graphite image. Quite frightening at the moment.

Understandable. You've 'stepped through a door at night' and have found yourself with a sheer vista of black which has not yet seen the light of day.

[stoney]

Mary, just to be difficult. A lion is some sort of a cat as well, isn't he?


It is, as are cougars, tigers, and lynx.

[Africanart]

Ok Stoney and Reinhardt :rolleyes: I get your point, I but in this drawing the cat "TYPE" needs to be specific :D

[Reinhard1]

stoney, thanks for the comment. I do hope so as well.

Mary, now I get it. It is a lion with its footprint close to the heart. Clear, this is the symbol for Prince Lionheart. Am I right or am I right? :D :evil: :angel: :rolleyes: :heart:

[Africanart]

close but no cigare ... :D you are right about it being close to the heart though.

Mary

[Reinhard1]

Mary, Prince Lionheart was a joke. From your biography I can only conclude that Africa, therefore the lion paw, is always in your heart.

[Africanart]

I know, and yes you are right about your conclusion.

[Africanart]

Hi,

So I am sad and relieved to say that I am done with my project. It was a long process, longer then what it normally would take for me to do a portrait, but oh the satisfaction and even pride (if I have to say so myself :D ) in this piece is enormous. In doing this drawing I have remembered so many things and realised so many things, which believe me at times is very hard for me to accept and trust in. It made me realised as well how much I have grown as a person and as an artist.

I guess I should give you an idea of what is going on in the drawing. The brick wall plays a very big role in this. I see every brick as a day in my life, and you have to build your life up a day (a brick) at a time with your morales, believes, struggles. Everyday getting up and try an live your life to your certain compass direction, all of this is by choice, your choice as a person. There is also a dual meaning for the brick wall and plum line, my dad was sort of a Jack of all trades, and he thought me all the little things like working on a car, building houses that type of thing. Then the independance, getting up and going on when you fall...

The plum symbolise my Christianity, which I struggle with at times but always manages to get back on the right path (straight and level), which is not always easy. Also my dad thought me the traditional as well as modern ways to do things. Hence the fact the my husband always go grey at the thought of me wanting to tackle a household improvement :lol: he sometimes forget that I had a very good mentor with regards to these things.

Now the crack in the wall symbolise my parents divorce and like any young child that was a huge hurdle for me in my life, eventhough I made piece with it in my high school years right up to my dad's death it always was an issue because you have to watch out that the one parent does not get jealous.

The tin box is my grand dad who was very important to me in my life, he replaced my dad and was there when I needed a dad in my life. The ball of yarn is my mom and grand mother, teaching me the ways of the household and running that. Then the two rings (circles) over my heart, that alone should tell you that I am very serious about my marriage and that I would do anything to make it work and to work at it, as much as it symbolise my marriage it carries my love for my husband and kids and that I would be lost without him/them. The lion paw print showing that Africa will always be home to me no matter where I am, plus lions are my favourite wild life animal.

The pensive look on my face was when I visited my dad after I heard that he was very sick, while visiting him I thought a lot about my life the direction it went in, choices I made and so forth. That is what I wanted to show in this drawing. I am not sure if I have achieved it, and if the viewer will see that, but then again this is a drawing for me and I will always know the significance of it.

Armin I want to thank you for taking the time to give us this lesson, and for helping me to see that I can do a back ground in a portrait and not to worry about buggering it up. To open that little door and just let it flow, with a bit of direction here and there.

Thank you to everyone else in the class for looking and commenting. I am looking forward to your last comments on this drawing. I might not be able to implement them all in this piece but I will certainly think about them in my next project (which by the way is already in progress upstairs).

B, 2B, Hb, H, 4B graphite

14" x 17"
Bristol Vellum

[Reinhard1]

Mary, this is really a great piece that you show us here - and a very moving story which is behind all that. It seems that art has given you the chance to put so many feelings, all intertwined, into one work. I read in this drawing of yours pride, sorrow, conviction, pain and hope.

In my book this is a great achievement as well in the emotional sense as in the techinical aspect. Thank you so much for sharing.

How do you feel at the moment? I felt, and still feel drained.

[snoball]

Mary and Reinhard1 you both took a while on this journey but it was well worth it, both drawings are fabulous. I too thank Armin for giving us this lesson that drawing a portrait is not always just drawing the person you see.

[Reinhard1]

Margaret your kind words are so much appreciated. I know I could and should have done better.

[Africanart]

Reinhard - I feel good about it, but as you say drained as well, it took a lot of time, energy and thought, but oh the satisfaction of it. I am glad you could see all those feelings in the drawing, which is what I wanted to achieve. Sharing this with you guy's was a great experience as well.

Snoball - thanks for taking the time to look at the drawing and for your kind comments on our work.

Thanks

Mary

[aprilart]

April my friend, thanks for looking and commenting so positively. It was an interesting experience for sure. You ask what I am taking from this class. Many, many things. First my admiration of Armin has increased ever more. The wish 'to draw like Armin' has gotten quite a different and more encompassing meaning now. When I dreamed of that in the past I was merely looking at the technical side of it. Today, I think I understand a lot more what Armin does and is and realise that his level of an artist is something very, very far beyond me. Nevertheless I am glad to starting to understand that better now. It was as if a window had opened letting me all of a sudden see things I never knew before existed. Eye and emotion opening at the same time. I have stated it rather frequently in connection with this thread, I think my way of looking at portraits and maybe even art will never be the same again. Gone are the days of 'likeness' etc. How I may be able to convey my emotional turmoil is something only the future will tell. Having had such an emotionally impacting (for me impacting) drawing will be difficult to follow. This is another thing I learned. When I look 'differently' at portraits now I started to ask myself what do I want to convey beyond the graphite image. Quite frightening at the moment.

YES! I'm so so glad you are feeling this way, Reinhard! I know that this is exactly what Armin was hoping to achieve with this class. Reinhard, I'm all smiles right now! Your whole view on not only art, but on life, will never be the same again. You'll also find much joy in this whole new perspective. :) (((HUG)))

Mary, your drawing is terrific! What beautiful composition and symbolism! Your message shines through. This drawing is a success! What a beautiful portrait, Mary. I doubt you'll ever look at art the same again. :)

Well, here's my next update. I think I'll be the last one here! LOL! Not too much to say about this, but simply continuing on. With the kids in school I am able to devote all of that time to working on my art, so this is coming along quicker. I am enjoying having more time for my art, but I'm missing my kids terribly. I suppose I'll get used to it though..... :o

I am at a point where this drawing is becoming more poignant. It's like I was just working on it and not allowing it to impact me too much, but when I stepped back yesterday after working on it, the emotion of it struck me, which then brought back the whole process of this piece. This drawing definitely is hitting close to home for me.....The title is fitting perfectly for me personally. It's almost a self-portrait without having my image included.... This has certainly been quite the journey, and I still have a long ways to go. Hope you all can stick by me as I walk along the path. :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Aug-2007/66892-CatalystWIP8wc.jpg

Title: "The Catalyst"
Medium: graphite
Size: 30x39 inches

[KUNBAR.06]

^ wow, that's looking great ! congrats !

[stoney]

YES! I'm so so glad you are feeling this way, Reinhard! I know that this is exactly what Armin was hoping to achieve with this class. Reinhard, I'm all smiles right now! Your whole view on not only art, but on life, will never be the same again. You'll also find much joy in this whole new perspective. :) (((HUG)))

Mary, your drawing is terrific! What beautiful composition and symbolism! Your message shines through. This drawing is a success! What a beautiful portrait, Mary. I doubt you'll ever look at art the same again. :)

Well, here's my next update. I think I'll be the last one here! LOL! Not too much to say about this, but simply continuing on. With the kids in school I am able to devote all of that time to working on my art, so this is coming along quicker. I am enjoying having more time for my art, but I'm missing my kids terribly. I suppose I'll get used to it though..... :o

You will. Relax time. :) And, no, you're not the last one. That would be me. Don't know what's kicking things off, but it now feels like I got hit by a sledgehammer and a dead drunk at the same time. I've got to be very careful today.


I am at a point where this drawing is becoming more poignant. It's like I was just working on it and not allowing it to impact me too much, but when I stepped back yesterday after working on it, the emotion of it struck me, which then brought back the whole process of this piece. This drawing definitely is hitting close to home for me.....The title is fitting perfectly for me personally. It's almost a self-portrait without having my image included.... This has certainly been quite the journey, and I still have a long ways to go. Hope you all can stick by me as I walk along the path. :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Aug-2007/66892-CatalystWIP8wc.jpg

Title: "The Catalyst"
Medium: graphite
Size: 30x39 inches


Exquisite! :D

[Reinhard1]

April, a VERY quick post. My daughter is getting married (that means I will have to try some wedding photos to draw), so time is rather limited. Thanks for the kind words. I do love your update and will come back once I can breathe again. Sorry for being so abrupt and short.

See ya all on the other side of the festivities. :wave:

[Africanart]

April - thank you for looking at my drawing and for your kind comments about it. As usual your stuff is just of the charts and I am staying on board just to see what the final will be like. Talk about kids in school, I am getting to the point now where I wish school will just start, I am going stir crazy with them. I know, when school starts I will miss them, but my word....:D

Reinhard - Congratulations on your daughters marriage, enjoy every moment of it, I am looking forward to see those drawings of the wedding.

Regards

Mary

[aprilart]

Thank you so much, Kunbar! :)

Thank you, Stoney! I hope you are right that I will get used to it. As of right now I wish they were still home with me during the days. :) One thing I am glad of: I'm glad I won't be left in the classroom alone! :D

Thank you, Reinhard! Good luck and congratulations with your daughter's wedding! I can't wait to see some work derived from this time of your life. :)

Thank you so very much, Mary! I'm glad you'll still be sticking around. :) I understand what you mean about them getting on your nerves....mine do that constantly! LOL! I suppose it must be the quiet that is getting to me....or maybe it's the fact that even though they are bugging me, at least I know everything that is going on. I feel so helpless when they are gone.....

[MadMaddy]

More progress on this one. Though going slow; I am still in here and working. I think i finally have the portrait reference figured out, so time to start tackling the hard part.

[Reinhard1]

Mary, thanks for the congratulations. The wedding has been stressful but the proverbial dream wedding my daughter always dreamt about. I have the first images in my head which I want to draw and have posted a sketch over in the appropriate thread.

April, still trying to recouperate from the wedding. As I wrote above to Mary, dream wedding as dream wedding can be. Their whole wedding (from the day of smashing the china - a tradition we have her in Germany where friends bring old china, smash it and the couple has to clean it), the official ceremony at the courthouse to their big, big day the REAL wedding in the church and the then ceremonies and festivities, were all blessed by spectacular weather, a truly touching and moving ceremony at church and finally the BIG social event in the evening. All could not have been better and more blessed.

What I love especially in your drawing is the warm smile you are giving, I take it, Jesus. So much love, tenderness and warmth. Absolutely great. It will be an honour to follow this project to the finish. Please take your time.

Lara, great update. I can see so many things in this part already which you mentioned when you described your intnent. I am watching with interest and pleasure.

[aprilart]

Lara, this is looking fantastic! :)

Thank you so much, Reinhard, my friend. Yes, it is Jesus. :) It sounds like quite the bash when it comes to German weddings! Wow! I personally couldn't have tolerated such long festivities....Our one day festivity was too much for me! We both wanted to elope but family would have killed us. :D LOL! I'm so glad your daughter's wedding went wonderfully and the weather was picture perfect for you. :)

[MadMaddy]

another update. I started on the actual portrait part of my father. It has been rather poignant to watch the face come to life and to see the expression and the features that i remember so well. So many little things that you don't think about until that person is gone.

Anyway, i am posting the entire thing and a photo of the portrait part as well as a close up of the face to show texture. Once this part is done I will address the remainder of the background and how to tie in both sections. Still working on that one as I am drawing according to feeling more than according to plan at this point. I had a vague idea when i started but will have to refine that as i go. In the meantime I am thoroughly enjoying the process and the learning I am doing here as this is the first time I have attempted a full portrait using circulism. I think i am actually developing some sort of style of my own with this method and find that it in itself is very relaxing and enjoyable. I was afraid it would be tedious but I am liking it more and more as i go along and as i see the results i am getting.

[aprilart]

Lara, your drawing is coming along beautifully! You are getting some nice textures in your father's face. :) The thing I like the best about this is the story like quailty of your drawing. It also shows the love you have for your father. The emotion of this is the first thing that strikes me. Great work!

Progress on "The Catalyst" is coming along faster now that my kids are in school. Here I am allowing you to see the whole drawing thus far.

This photo is absolutely awful and I'm down-right cranky about it, but I can't get it any better. None of the detailing is shown, however the tones seem to be showing okay. This is only a WIP shot, so I'm not going to stress over it too much. Hopefully my next update will come out better than this one.

As you can see, I have gone back to working on the girl. She's beginning to come alive now. If you look reallllly closely you might see a bit of the detailing on the wall behind her. There is a faint strip of numerals and letters that I put in that really adds to the piece.

Hope you enjoy! I know that I am enjoying the journey so far. There is nothing else like an artistic journey in this world. So many new discoveries, lessons, thoughts, and joy. :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Sep-2007/66892-CatalystWIP9wc.jpg

Title: "The Catalyst"
Size: 30 x 39 inches
Medium: Graphite

Thanks for looking! :)

[Reinhard1]

Dearest April, thanks for sharing this stage with us to show, or should I better say tempt us to speculate about that, where you are going with this project. You state that you are not happy with the photo, this makes me wonder how much more intriguing and great the original is when this post is already that fantastic. Great update. I envy you for your artistic drive. Keep it up. It is always such a pleasure to the work of great artists.

[aprilart]

Thank you so much, Reinhard, my friend! Yes, this photo is horrendous. :( The close-up I took of just the girl was so bad that I didn't even bother posting it. In the close-up all of the details were exaggerated way beyond reality, the contrast was too great, and the picture was grainy. I wish everyone could see the actual piece because there are so many little clues in the details that I couldn't show with this photo. Oh well, what can be done about it? You'll just have to take my word for it. :) When the drawing is completed I will use a better camera.

[MadMaddy]

April...this is looking incredible as usual. I am enjoying watching it unfold though I am looking forward to a more detailed photo since I think your backgrounds are just as important as the people.

Here is my latest update. I have just about got the portrait portion completed and now have to finish the background. I still have a couple of minor adjustments to do on the portrait, but not too much will change. More in the interest of likeness then anything.

[Reinhard1]

Lara, the textires of the face are just spectacular. I am looking forward to see all the components come together. I KNOW that this will be a fantastic work of art.

[Africanart]

Lara and April,

Your work is absolutely stunning, I can not wait to see the next update, the detail is incredible.

Mary

[aprilart]

Lara, your drawing continues to come alive! This is looking so beautiful!

Thank you, Lara and Mary, for your kind words. :)

Here's the next update. I had to take this photo with a video camera as our real camera's battery is dead and I can't seem to locate the charger.... :rolleyes: Hee hee! :D So disregard the poor quality. The tones are pretty good though. :)

I don't have much to add about the drawing right now. I'm just chugging along at a pretty good pace.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Sep-2007/66892-CatalystWIP10wc.jpg

Title: "The Catalyst"
Medium: graphite
Size: 30 x 39 inches

Thank you for looking! :)

[Reinhard1]

April, my friend, you are truly good, very, very truly.

[isuki]

I cannot believe I never saw this thread before but have now read it twice. Wonderful ideas and drawings everyone.

April - Incredibly sensitive so far! Am I wrong in assuming you have taken on His suffering in the sense that to give love we all may have to sacrifice and that you would endure pain for Him? Re the ring of thorns around your arm? I could be way off, but I have to ask.

I am grateful and feel quite awakened by this exciting way of seeing you have introduced with this assignment Armin. I feel that creating in this way is much more emotionally satisfying and still fraught with challenges that demand of us a perseverance we do not always possess on a daily basis on top of being confronted with all the technical issues.

Interesting - and I will be applying this philosophy to my studies. I have much to learn technically still and instead of just practicing - for example, drawing fur by simply drawing an animal, I will try to be creative and thoughtful about it as well. :)

[stoney]

Reinhard, glad I could help. I was hoping I wasn't way off the mark.:)

Well here is an update on what I am doing. It doesn't seem like much progress but it has taken me a lot of time, though I haven't been timing anything.

Hope it works, the tree bark and the perspective really kept me working for a long time.

Wow. I understand why.

[Africanart]

April,

All I can say is WOW!!!!! :clap: I'll keep on watching...

Mary

[aprilart]

Thank you so very much, Reinhard, for your kind words, my friends! :)

Thank you very much, Mary! You are so sweet! :)

Thank you, Sue! The girl in this drawing is not me, though I certainly wished I looked like her! :D She is a beautiful girl. She was just a model I used for this particular drawing. :) Your impressions of what the drawing means is very interesting, and I certainly suppose they could be taken that way. Whatever people take from the drawing is very true to themselves, so no one view is wrong or better than the next. If this is how you see it, then that is what is true for you. :) Personally, that isn't what the symbolism means to me. However, I also know what the rest of this drawing is going to look like, as far as the subjects involved. The background is unknown to me as of yet, as it is just forming as it goes. But there is more to the subjects, which will also add to the meaning of what's going on here. :)

[stoney]

I'm revamping my previous idea. Same direction but considering making it not as complex yet get the point across.

[aprilart]

I look forward to seeing what you come up with, Stoney!

I thought a few close-ups might be nice to share here as someone asked for them in the regular drawing and sketching section..... These show the parts at close to the actual size they are, a bit grainy, but not too bad.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Sep-2007/66892-detail.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Sep-2007/66892-catalystdetail.jpg

Take care!
~April

[Reinhard1]

April, my friend. For crying out loud. These are spectacular. Thanks for sharing them with us. I will enjoy, study and learn.

[stoney]

Did a real 'quick n dirty' in ink. The ship deck will be parallel lengthwise rather than the angle it currently is. I wrote some stuff to either indicate what it is or to indicate what it says.

My question is what comes across to the viewer.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Sep-2007/33705-WC_project_sm.jpg

Dang. Didn't realize the last item got chopped via scanner. The item is a cane.

[aprilart]

Thank you so much, Reinhard! You are just too darn sweet for your own good! (((hug)))

Stoney, this is looking quite interesting! I have one concern that I hope you don't mind me sharing.... I'm not the teacher in this class, so I hope I am not stepping on any toes here, but the concern I have about this setup is that your eye starts at the sea and then moves to the upper right corner right out of the picture. The composition of a piece should keep the eye within the frame of the paper and moving around within it. However, I am fascinated by the message you are trying to convey with this piece. It is quite haunting. :)

[isuki]

Well I just read I can join in a class anytime. :thumbsup: Seeing as I love the idea of this approach so much and like a challenge, I'm in. Always have been a late bloomer and I may not finish in time, but here is my idea. I really need feedback so don't hesitate to give me your input. Armin I hope you are still out there......somewhere.


Symbolic Self-Portrait

This project involves not just a glimpse of who I am, but also whom I have wanted to be, hence the duality, or yin yang, consonance of opposites represented by the use of mirrors and use of props. My intention is to use mirrors on an open shelf to reflect both my face, (the mirror on the top shelf), and my hand by a smaller mirror on the lower shelf. The overall look will be for the face, frontal and turned to the side and up, looking at the viewer and the hand will wear a wedding ring and be resting, curved as on a belly, with the edge of the sleeve showing and most of the hand. At this point, I’ve decided, that the lighting will be brighter on the face and hand than on the shelf, although some of the glass props on the shelves will be lit from behind, using the same light source. That means that the shelf will be predominantly back lit, making the mirrors and important props advance and become the focal points as they will be reflecting my lit face and hands.
I will use props from my work as a buyer, putting them around the mirrors, and portraying them in a way that conveys various symbols translated by their shape, lighting, focus and placement in the piece. The placement of the items will form the shapes of symbols easily recognized but I hope more subtly introduced to the viewer. The shelf will be packed with items. Some will form shape symbols and some will be symbolic all on their own. Some will be more important than others and will be treated technically as so, to either meld into the background or show themselves more prominently. They should be there but their placement is more a part of the narrative rather than as a simple statement “I am a prop buyer” for example. I really do not want to be too blatant at all. I do not want the message to simply be what I do for a living, but a statement about who I’ve been in the past, who I am at present and who I would like to be. The challenge will be to keep it simple, stupid.

Some of the Props and Their Meanings
(I will not use all of these only a combination.)

1. Tree of life – fruit – maple tree growing through shelf – part of shelf
2. Glasses – half empty, half full
3. Pressed Glass Pitcher – top seen shaped as a crown behind mirror
4. Britain’s – metal soldiers on horse – battle – two of them
5. Two to Three Mirrors – one sterling, plain hand mirror with a circular face and small circular handle, second, also circular, pewter, smaller, fancy handle for hand reflection, a third mirror as an alternative view – shows the other hand holding an item which could become a focus symbol (more lit and in more contrast) – bruised tomato?? Oh so predictable!! (not sure about this item yet) That may create a nice trio or triangle in the composition as well. Meanings could allude to the golden section – holy trinity.
6. Glass Measure(s)
7. Teapot.
8. Old Remnant of Muskoka – red maple leaf
9. Canadian Indian, Italian, Heritage Item – prop
10. Bones & shells or leaves base of shelf– shells to represent my mother – as I do see some of myself in her or visa versa
11. Bone or branch becomes side of shelf – making image frame larger and not totally square. Has to be some awareness of death here as it figures more prominently in my life now that I am older.
12. Brushes or pencils? This symbol may be too literal. Perhaps an egg would be a better symbol of creativity and life.
13. Camera filter or lens? This symbol also may be too literal.
14. Baby rattle? Use a hat or pacifier? Baby blocks?
15. Old key, cross.
16. Rosary that hangs down over the shelves and creates a shadow – could be partly in the reflection and partly hanging from the shelf being held in my hand. Conversely, it could be another item I hold, one less obvious perhaps.
17. Magnifier sitting on shelf in front of mirror – may magnify some part of the reflection of my hand – the ring perhaps.

Key Shapes

1. Shape of the crown and the implication of a pregnant woman indicated by the shape that the props make after being strategically placed to form the look of a large belly. The shapes should portray and reveal a renaissance style woman in a Madonna like, traditional pose.
2. With three mirrors and the line that connects them I would like a triangle to be evident.


Preparatory Studies

I will have to move the live set to an area in my studio where I have natural light streaming in. The shelves are rather large unfortunately and this could take all day, but I plan to try to draw much of this from life and for that I need a good spot.

The first study will be a study of how the mirrors reflect my face and hand and how to make that believable. These are key areas. These studies alone will take some time.

I also need to sketch and plan out the more surreal parts of the drawing. The placement of the items I end up choosing (tree branches, grape vine, leaves, shells etc.) to make sure the composition works.

This is just a verbal brainstorming. The actual drawing will take a very long time. Hopefully I will still be around when this is finally finished!

PS. I don't mind revealing all. This isn't going in the Louvre and I believe that is what these classes are for and others will benefit more from it. In fact revealing all may open doors to my imagination that may not otherwise been opened just because of a response I may receive. Please fire away!

[stoney]

Stoney, this is looking quite interesting! I have one concern that I hope you don't mind me sharing....

I don't mind at all. :)


I'm not the teacher in this class, so I hope I am not stepping on any toes here, but the concern I have about this setup is that your eye starts at the sea and then moves to the upper right corner right out of the picture.


That's correct. A discord/disquiet situation is set up at the start and, hopefully, continues beyond the end.


The composition of a piece should keep the eye within the frame of the paper and moving around within it.

Conventionally, yes. :) I'm deliberately breaking a few rules here. Such sets a tone of discord which is what I want. You're also correct on the direction, and speed, of the viewers eye. Again, that is by design.

I surmise the viewer would blow through the work from beginning to end. It may cause the viewer to wonder if they missed something and, like a military aircraft 'touch 'n go' loop around for another look.


However, I am fascinated by the message you are trying to convey with this piece. It is quite haunting. :)

Oh, excellent! Haunting fascination. :) What I was hoping to get. If each person gets a 'message' tailored for them would be even better.

Now to see if I can pull this one off. I've got to rest first.

[drutland]

I have not had a chance to post here in quite some time. I started a new job shortly after this class started and have drawn just a little bit each week. I have kept up with everybody else's drawings, which have been so fabulous. I wanted to post what I have completed. The image is drawn almost lifesize on Mowhawk Navahoe paper 2'x3'. 270 weight, I think. It was extremley durable paper. I used a 2b and a 6b pencil, Generals starter kit. The image of my 3 sisters called relationship. Thanks for looking.
Dave
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Nov-2007/102100-Relationship1.JPG

[stoney]

I have not had a chance to post here in quite some time. I started a new job shortly after this class started and have drawn just a little bit each week. I have kept up with everybody else's drawings, which have been so fabulous. I wanted to post what I have completed. The image is drawn almost lifesize on Mowhawk Navahoe paper 2'x3'. 270 weight, I think. It was extremley durable paper. I used a 2b and a 6b pencil, Generals starter kit. The image of my 3 sisters called relationship. Thanks for looking.
Dave



Very very nice.