The Ugly Stage comes "before" the FINISH!

[piper2]

It's a testament to how far I've come since I first joined WC that I have the intestinal fortitude to post a piece of art in quite this ugly of an ugly stage. This is a bad photo, anyway, but still . . . yikes. This is a portrait commission of a chihuahua and a Yorkie, 8 x 10" on drafting film with prismas. I chose the film for this one because both of them have very fine hair and I wanted to embrace that rather than gloss over it like I do on my pastelbord and colorfix pieces. This is from a variety of references cobbled together -- I can scan my initial sketches to show how I arrived at this composition if anyone's desperately interested.

Anyway, C & C welcome, though . . . wow. It is very ugly, isn't it. :D

[CRYork]

It doesn't look ugly to me! This is going to be a darling portrait. Yes, I would be interested in seeing your beginning sketches. I am going to be doing a portrait of my friend's dog, and I can use all the help I can get! I will be following your progress on this....so I can learn, learn, learn!


Char

[mahla]

Hey, if we haven't been there, we're doing something wrong. But not ugly at all to me - well on its way to being a fantastic, painterly portrait, which is so hard with cp imo. (Well, ok - the terrier's left eye is a bit scary at the moment.) The chihuahua is already amazing - those eyes. If you have the time, please do post the sketches - would really like to see them (and learn).

Maggie did you do anything to the background strokes - burnish/brush/blend?

[taffy]

Nothing ugly about this, the eye's & noses are very good, and thats where I start, also IMO the BG I would leave until you have finished both dogs, then you can see what you need, it would be nice to see the reference.
Brian

[RobinZ]

Heh, heh...um...I think the Yorkie is ugly!!! But I know it wont' be for long.

[suz_lyn]

I love the chihuahua's eyes and nose already. Will look forward to your post-"ugly"-phase posts!!! :-)

[CAULFIELD]

No its not! Well maybe the background a little :wink2: but the dogs not at all!

[Chisaii]

You don't know what 'ugly' is until you've followed my path:
1. transfer drawing to surface
2. ugly stage 1
3. ugly stage 2
4. ugly stage 3.....
5. ugly stage 572...
6. Finished and not so ugly. :)

[ams]

Not ugly since I know where it will end up!

Thanks for posting this early stage. I am especially interested in where you go with the background from here (always my problem area :( ).

I'll be watching for the next "ugly" stage! :)

Anne

[Sandiclaus]

<I can scan my initial sketches to show how I arrived at this composition if anyone's desperately interested.>
I am indeed (desperate), please do share.

Sandi

[piper2]

Haha! You guys crack me up. Chisaii, you lie like a rug!

Okay, I'll show some of my process here. The client sent me about twenty photos (I always encourage them to send as many photos as possible if I can't go and take them myself -- these guys are in England so fat chance of that), but these two are my main pose references. I'm using the others, however, for information missing in these like color, mannerisms, etc.

As you can see, the compositions of these photos are not exactly beautiful things. So I knew I was going to have to do some sketches to place them better.

So I did two quick two-minute sketches. These are my shorthand and address rough shapes and values. They don't look like much (especially since my scanner made them look funky like pen instead of the pencil they are), but I sort out so many problems in this stage it's not even funny. I tried out a horizontal format, which was what I thought I would go with all along, and didn't like it. So turned the page and went to the vertical format. Ah! Much better.

And then here is where I'm at after maybe 45 more minutes of work. Well, 45 distracted minutes. I didn't get much time to work on this yesterday! I'll be doing more today.

Holly, you asked about the background. At the last stage it was all light vertical strokes with one of the darker french grays. When I use that amount of pressure on the film, I count on just 2-3 layers on each side, so I take that into account when I make my color choices.

[MYpencil]

I agree with the rest of the posters, this is in no way ugly :)
What amazing talent you have! Do you really create a daily piece of art?
I'm looking forward to seeing the finished piece.

[piper2]

Well, I did create a daily piece until about September when I got the contract for my novel. I've been busy writing and editing since then, so my art output has gone down. I expect it'll go back up this month, but I don't know if I'll ever go back to a full piece every day again -- it was amazing for learning though.

[mahla]

Thanks for the further visual info (and written) - in the chihauhua eye alone, you took the basic browns and white and added so much color and interest.

I've always wondered how you determine where to introduce the Maggic yellows, purples and blues (and others) - anyone else doing it would end up with a Peter Maxish disaster. (Sorry for all the questions.)

[IRBABOON]

This is going to be great. I love your use of colour and the eyes and noses are looking amazing.
Looking forward to seeing it progress.

[piper2]

It's okay, Holly. I have rules for my crazy colors -- I can use any color, anywhere, as long as it's the proper value. So if you took my pieces and put them in grayscale, they'd look photo realistic. If you convert them back, you see the colors. But they're invisible in the grayscale because they're the right value, if that makes sense.

[mahla]

That is ingenious - and makes perfect sense. Thanks for the explanation - and sign me up for some copies of the cp book you'll hopefully do after your novel.

[Meisie]

Well...not finished yet? ;) Looking wonderful...what ugly stage...?

[d-images]

Maggie,you're such a talented artist.Hope I can learn on this forum to become half as good as you.You've got a very good sense of composition,and your work always speak for themselves.You're definitely one of my inspirations on here.
Can't wait to see this one completed.
D'Shey.

[Ittybit]

This is a great start, nothing ugly about this beginning. Only wish may work looked half that "Ugly" at that stage.....! I like how you composed the pictures into one, that is how I mainly work (collage of pictures into one). Can't wait to see it completed. :clap:

[Sandiclaus]

Thanks for the additional info/images, Maggie. Funny, the first sketch is exactly what I would have come up with (and used) but the second one is so much more lively and unique!

If any of you aren't reading Maggie's blog, you are missing some great free entertainment. I do miss the daily works, but re-runs are good if you like the original well enough - maybe you could stick some of those in when you don't have a new one, Maggie.

Sandi

[piper2]

This is terrible! This is only another 35-45 more minutes of work and I'm already getting thoroughly tired of Yorkie hair.

Sandi, I thought reruns were cheating. ;)

Thanks, everyone else . . . especially D'Shey. WC is the sum of my art education, by the way . . . back in college, about six years ago, I tried to get into an art class and they told me my art portfolio wasn't sophisticated enough to get into the class. If they could see me now . . . :D

[ams]

I tried to get into an art class and they told me my art portfolio wasn't sophisticated enough to get into the class. If they could see me now . . .

Boy, did they miss the boat!!!!

I love how this is developing Maggie. You have captured the personalities. Your use of color is a fun mix of realism and abstraction. I'll be watching for the next installment!

Anne

[objectivistartist]

College art classes, from what I have seen in several universities over the years, is by and large a fraud - full of pompous blowhards who themselves are not capable of doing decent work, let along truly imaginative and inspiring work... so you were blessed in not taking their courses, as chances would be you'd had been ruined and never turn out the wonderful works you've done these past several years...... :thumbsup:

As for this particular piece, all can say is to chorus the others who say, whenever anyone else speaks in bemoanment - keep at it, keep going, it'll change and for the better....:clap::clap:

[Clever]

beautiful and full of personality and life as always....waiting for the finish. As far as I am concerned your work never has an ugly stage...it just moves from one interesting level to the next. I'll keep watching.

[IRBABOON]

I'm loving this, looking forward to seeing the next installment.

[piper2]

Robert, I agree with you now. Back then . . . well, I had some choice words to say.

Margaret & Baboon, thanks so much!!

This is my last update for today. Probably a fitful hour's worth of work (I keep getting distracted by internet).

[mahla]

I only hope those art teachers can watch you laughing all the way from the galleries, museums (and bookstores) to the bank.

Looks *great* - gotta say though that the terrier's left eye (awsi) looks like the yellow patch to the left might be a stretched part/white of the eye - but could well be my monitor. Can't believe what you accomplish in an hour!

[Glenspey]

Love your colour choices as always Maggie.

Gayle

[wet]

What a cute pair! I love the little guy in front. Wanda:wave: :wave:

[piper2]

Thanks, Gayle & Wanda.

Holly, I'd like to think that I could go back to the art professor who wouldn't let me into the class (and the creative writing professor who wouldn't let me add her class because I wasn't an English major) but I seriously doubt they'd remember me, and that would ruin the fun!

Okay, here's another update. About another 40 minutes of work and I can see the finish ahead of me! I've started to work the back a bit; I'll scan that when I get a little more time. Soon I'll have to take a photo instead of scanning, because this is getting to look not quite like the real thing. It's making the bare film look blue and the cream covered parts super white.

Anyway, C & C while I still have wiggle room?

[heb]

Once again I am thoroughly impressed with your use of color!

[frida]

Gorgeous Maggie! :clap:

I didn't see any "ugly stage". You've captured the lovely expression of the chihuahua on your first image, and the Yorkie on the next.

When we are in art school we look up to those people believing they are wise and have all the answers, and don't know they are just ordinary human beings, some with a big ego and tremendous biases... Many great minds have been stalled because of insensitive remarks or unwarranted "evaluations". Hope we do better if we get to teach! :thumbsup:

[Arizona Loki]

This is a wonderful portrait...whadda you talking about!? :)

Thank you for posting what you term "ugly" or not your best. It helps me remember that pictures have to go through several iterations before they are complete. That isn't failure...that's art! I have to guard against tossing anything that doesn't fit my ideal of perfect. I have a samoyed starting at me with crossed eyes (poor thing!) that is begging to be finished and I have resisted because my first attempt wasn't perfect.

Thanks for putting your art out there on a limb, you taught this artist a often forgotten lesson! I'm going to follow this thread, I love doggies!

Kirsten

[piper2]

Raquel, thanks so much, and you're right. We absolutely have to be conscious of what we say when we're put in a teaching position. I always strive to be the instructor that people will later say "I was so inspired by . . . "

Thanks, Kirsten. I remember I used to toss so many pieces out, thinking they were ruined, when really they just weren't done. I hope other CP'ers here remember that!

Here is another update. This is sort of a cruddy scan. I need to get out my camera later and take a pic. This is getting close to done, into the tweaking stage. It's probably 5-6 hours work on it so far at this stage.

[objectivistartist]

really coming around now... :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[frida]

I always strive to be the instructor that people will later say "I was so inspired by . . . "
I am sure you are...! :smug:

[mhkeough]

Hey. I clicked on your blog link and read the comments here, so I thought I might as well post my thoughts. :D

Spent a while perusing the shadows, especially where you lightened the foreground under the fur blankie, and darkened the area under the upper right white fluff. Marvelous, I thought, but then simple things amuse me, doncha know. But seriously, the shading is exceptional.

BTW, the Yorkie's hair is yummy. Love the eyes.

Nai...oops...:wink2:
Helene

[tURBOCAT]

I am drooling. Your work is magical.

What color do you have behind the film? And one more thing...

Can you share thoughts about working the back of the film. What do you do? What colors or contrast and how do you determine what goes on the back side?

Thanks!

[scottsart]

Maggie, this is phenomenal. I love your use of color. I think you have really captured these two subjects well!!! :thumbsup:

[Rita2479]

This looks fantastic Maggie! I'll echo everyone else and say that the colours in this one are wild...but in a very good way. :D

How did you decide on the colours you wanted to use for the bg?

Rita

[Chisaii]

Hey Mags, I remember reading an article that Clint Eastwood was told by an acting coach to find another occupation since he would never make it as an actor!!!!! (silly man!)

Sometimes the diamonds in the rough are overlooked by the "experts" but they do eventually shine! You're shining so bright that I gotta wear shades!!

[piper2]

Okay, I think I'm done. This is a photo instead of a scan, so it's a bit better.

Robert, Scott, thanks. Helene, too. :D

And here's a scan of the backside. (not MY backside). I didn't work the back of this as much as I normally do, but I wanted to add some dimension by having some areas showing white from the back.

First thoughts first:

- I put black all over the background to deaden it, darken it, and push it back from the subjects.
- I put oranges, magentas, and burnt ochre on the Yorkie's face to add depth to the color and get some more layers of color that I couldn't get on the front.
- I put purple on the inside of the ears
- I put periwinkle blue on almost all the whites so they wouldn't be so over the top white (nothing is that white in real life)
- I put cream on the back of the blanket top and some of the Chihuahua's head for added depth, especially since he was so light, I didn't want to work the front so much.
- French Grays on the bottom of the blanket, and some Ultramarine, because blue pushes things back.
- Black on the eyes and nose, because I wanted the eyes to really pop with contrast and draw the attention.

Generally, when I'm working the back of the film, I'm adding depth (like on the Yorkie's face), increasing contrast (like with the nose), or adding subtle colors that I want to come through not nearly as strongly as they would on the front (like the black on the bg and the cream and the periwinkle). I can also use wild color to layer that I couldn't do on the front -- I could see magenta all over the back of the Yorkie.

Remember, colors on the back draw attention to whatever you're adding them to -- grays and blacks will deaden and push back.

Rita asked how I chose the background color. Well, the client said they had a blue couch, so I figured that was a good starting point, and I'd already established in my value sketches (earlier in the thread) that it needed to be a pretty dark blue to make the rest of the piece work. So I used a really dark French gray first, then ultramarine, then black on the back.

I wasn't worried that I didn't have the exact colors worked out for the bg beforehand, but you'll note I DID have the exact value worked out. That's super super important. It also means that I could've put a montage of the sahara desert back there if I decided I wanted it, so long as it was the same range of values as I had planned for in my value sketch. So when people say "plan your background first," I take that to mean, plan what value your bg ought to be and you're cool.

[pinkrybns]

Maggie, "Your" backside is very interesting :D :D

Love that little chihuahua the most. Great colors overall.

Oh yesh, I wnt to say that I went to Uni, did the degrees, can't complain, but I went a long long time ago... guess things have changed since then. However, I don't think any of my former profs would have squechled your expression at all.

:)
Judy

[piper2]

Thanks Judy. I have no doubt that there are wonderful art schools out there. But my alma mater wasn't exactly known for their art department.

[mahla]

Fantastic finish Maggie! With all parts in, you really appreciate the comp, and there's interest wherever you look. You really caught the expression/personality of these guys/gals. You took two pretty mundane photos (if there can be such a thing with *dogs*) and turned out remarkable artwork.

Your explanations and scans/photos taught me a lot - thank you. Will you be framing this, or the client?

[bexilou]

I love all your work. They look like oil paintings when they're finished and I love looking at all your old work to pick up tips and ideas for my own. Thank you for sharing!

[piper2]

Holly, thank you! The client (in England) will be framing Billy & Bertie over there.

Bex, thanks to you too. I hear the oil painting comment a lot in person, because most of my pieces are on board instead of paper or film, and are framed without glass. So people scratch their heads and try and guess what medium they are . . . pretty entertaining. At least for my easily-amused brain.

[tURBOCAT]

Maggie - thanks for the detailed scoop on working the back of the painting.
So can I push my luck and ask one more?

I would never have guessed that you could frame colored pencil without glass. (As mostly a pastel artist, I am doomed to glass.)

So my questions are, glass on film pieces?

But on board, you can manage without? So what kind of board? And are they sprayed?

Thanks, once again.

[GoldenArt]

Maggie, I am always encouraged to see your work. I am another that looks up to the level you have set. I do not always comment but I am here trying to learn from you. Thank you for this thread and the explanations are wonderful. It is ironic you are doing this for someone else but so many are reaping rewards from it. Thanks again for allowing us to look over your shoulder. Rick

[piper2]

Aww, you guys are giving me the warm-fuzzies!

Rick, WC is where I got my art education, and the threads that were the most useful for me were the long work-in-progress threads. And I always daydreamed about the day that I'd be good enough that my WIPs could be useful. So . . . I'm glad they are!

Turbo (sorry, blast, I've forgotten your real name) - ask away. I frame my film pieces under regular glass and mat, although I'm thinking of experimenting with them fixed to some kind of archival support with archival adhesive. Because the film has no paper in it, it doesn't technically need to be under glass to keep from degrading. Glass is merely to prevent the paper from being exposed to air.

So the board I use is either the ready-made pastelbord (made by Ampersand) or a piece of Masonite primed with colorfix primer (also made by Ampersand). I've done CP straight on canvas as well, and also on wood . . . never hurts to experiment.

[objectivistartist]

doesn't using cp on canvas really eat the pencils?

[scottsart]

Maggie, great job! Love the use of color on this. I am sure that the customer will love it!

[Brattgirl]

Thanks Judy. I have no doubt that there are wonderful art schools out there. But my alma mater wasn't exactly known for their art department.

That's because they turned away people like you :)

Ditto what Rick said!

Maggie, your wild color choices blow me away everytime. I love to come and look at your work, (and take notes!) I now know your secret. My brain is trying to process the information and come up with a way to add PURPLE into every piece I do, as a "signature". lol. Now I'm going to buy every brand of every shade of every purple I can find. lol.

[Ittybit]

This turned out wonderful, your client should really be excited when they receive it. Beautiful job, thanks for sharing.

[bib]

:clap: :clap:
It is funny that this thread still is called "the ugly stage" ... although all members - including me - are spellbound from your fresh and wonderful picture.

Angela

[piper2]

Robert, the cp on the sanded surfaces does get used pretty quickly, but you use fewer layers, so I think it works out the same in the end.

Scott, Itty, and Angela -- thanks!

Jenna - I used to have just one crazy color I used, but I expanded to include a host of them! You're free to make purple your own . . . especially those dark purples. I don't use them. ;)

[pinkrybns]

so do you want the title changed to:
"The Ugly Stage comes "before" the FINISH" ?


:D

[piper2]

so do you want the title changed to:
"The Ugly Stage comes "before" the FINISH" ?


:D
Ja bitte!

[pinkrybns]

Ja bitte!
Graag Gedaan! :D

[d-images]

What a beautiful finish Maggie.The colors are really to die for.I wish I could be as bold with my use of colors.I've tagged along every step of the way,and come out with a lot of useful information.Thanks so much for sharing you talents with all of us.
D'Shey.

[SweetHobbit]

I like the look of the charcoal pencil. It gives it a more realistic look. All the images are wonderful, but I like the charcoal pencil the best.