Scratchboard type effect for pencil sketches.

[Zarathustra]

I was running through the first exercise in the Betty Edward’s book (Drawing on the right side of the brain) - where she sadistically demands a quickly sketched self-portrait attempt as the very first drawing lesson! – when I discovered how to create a very simple ‘scratchboard’ type effect.
Simply invert your image once you have a photograph/scan of it! The sketch lines become amazingly visible, although the trade off is a demonic effect!… Or with my attempt you end up looking like a bizarre Rolf Harris with cataracts!! :(

<img src=http://www.thegreatseparation.co.uk/wetcanvas/selfportrait.jpg>

[ZOTMA]

hee hee nice demon portrait
but seriously, way to go
she's right, the faster the better (as in concentrate on the whole instead of detailed bits and you'll get better proportion right from the start)
considering your tiny, I'm betting the positive version of this is close (watch the proportion of the forehead)

[Zarathustra]

Hi Zotma!

Being a small kid, freaky hormonal changes shot me up to 6ft 3” from the age of 13 to 14, so my face is a bit elongated. The proportions are still a bit out but I can at least recognise myself in the original sketch - a good sign!

You're right faster is better! Brain doesn't get a chance to process too much.

[greencook]

Zarusthara,
You crack me up!
This is a darn nice self-portrait with an interesting twist. Good idea too to really show you where the lines are. My first sp made me look like an insect. After you mentioned how Betty Edwards likes you to go fast I should try it again keeping that in mind. I'm certain my first attempt was WAY over-analyzed.
Thanks for pointing this out and showing us the "negative".

Have a great day! :)

[Zarathustra]

Hi Greencook.

Yes, I also had that strong temptation to over analyse, but I conquered the desire! ;)
The inverted image actually looks considerably better than the original which is only about 3" by 2".

[RedShoes]

This is a very nice piece and I definetly see that you have captured some of yourself. It has a kind of x-ray effect!

Hmmm, going fast. Maybe I need to try that, I always get sucked up in details, then I realize somethings off and it is so hard to make myself fix it or wipe the slate clean! I tell you one thing, a kneaded eraser is a beautfiul thing! :)

Zotma, how do you go faster? I keep saying I'm going to start 30 minute sketches. Sometimes under the figure sketch I see people doing 5 - 10 min sketches. It's just amazing...

Zarathustra, I've seen some of your other work and admired it. You are really doing so good and I am going to enjoy watching your pieces and watching you grow. You have wonderful talent in my opinion.