Klamath Woman WIP Critiques Please

[Steve311]

I'm new to drawing (only my 2nd effort), and I welcome any and all critiques. This is a pencil drawing (found the original in photo book of Native Americans). I'm really struggling with how to draw hair. Also I think her right eye (to our left) doesn't look quite right....the pupil may be too large. Still needs a lot of work. Your criticism, please.

[alfredart]

Steve, for your second shot this is really well done. Love the photo. You could push the darks a little more and bring out those wonderful wrinkles of hers.

Peace,
AL

[Trilby]

If this is only your 2nd effort in drawing you will soon be known as an excellent drawer. Artistically this is very good at this point. In terms of likeness you are close but there are some small differences from the photo that you may prefer. But if you are going for the likeness take a look at your proportions compared to the photo. Yours has a slightly narrower and longer face so the nose at the nostrils is also narrower. The subject's right eye is curving upwards where if you look at the ref the bottom of the eye follows the curve of the cheekbone downwards on the outer corner. The ref's eyes are also a bit wider vertically. The hair is just in need of highlights to give the hair strands some volumn. Use your kneaded earaser to put those in and edge them with some darker shadows. Deepen your darks. Don't be afraid of the dark, it is your friend. All these suggested changes are very small, half a pencil lead width or hairbreadth really, but they make a difference. Hope this helps.
TJ

[Diane Cutter]

What a very pleasant drawing... You've actually done a great job with the hair. I agree with both Al and TJ's comments... It's those little things, just a touch here and there that will make a huge difference.

Diane

[sassybird]

I also agree with Al and TJ's comments. You have a good start on this. Now is the time to add the detail to finish it off. For a second effort you have done a fine job:)

[Steve311]

Thanks to all of you for your comments. Taken them all to heart, and here's the most recent version. Still have some questions regarding her right eye (to our left). I moved it lower from the first version, but they still aren't looking (no pun intended) quite right....when looking at both of them. Anyway, thanks for all your comments....I appreciate it.

[Nakiska]

Hi,

My first thought with her eye is the shape of the upper lid is off. In the reference picture it's more of a 1/2 circle shape, and you have it more of an almond shape. I'm sorry I don't have any programs to be able to take the picture and draw what I'm talking about, so hopefully you'll understand.

Don't be afraid to add the subtle shadows in her face, that's what makes the structure.

Great job so far, looking forward to seeing this completed!

Take care,

Toni

[Jo Castillo]

You are off to a great and dramatic start. I think it is the upper shadow that hangs over the eye that has to go down following the cheek as was mentioned before. I'm impressed with your efforts. There is a drawing section/forum here on wc that can be a big help.

Looking forward to more posts.

Jo