peacemaker....... [Archive]

Gia

06-20-2002, 05:13 AM

MY IMAGE(S):
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/upload_spool/06-20-2002/8599_Kofan.jpg

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Title: peacemaker.......
Year Created: 2002
Medium: Watercolor
Surface: Watercolor Paper
Dimension: 12 x 9 1/2 1nch
Allow digital alterations?: Yes!

MY COMMENTS:
I am trying out watercolor as a medium for portraits..This is based on a sketch of a still
video pic......

MY QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP:
Any qritiques ar appreciated....

DraigAthar

06-20-2002, 07:31 AM

I think this is a nice portrait - I don't know a whole lot about portraiture, but I really like the expression you've painted here.

The background, however, I find very distracting. I'm not sure what the purpose of the spiderweb pattern is, and it strikes me as confusing. Also, I feel like you need a little more breathing space on the left side of the painting, because you've got the edge of the head right up next to the edge of the painting. You don't have to put the guy smack dab in the center, but maybe don't shove him so close to the edge, either?

Well done!

Amy

Carol Lois

07-05-2002, 12:55 PM

Glad you are stretching yourself by trying something new! Your subtle colors on the subject at least convey your admiration--in an admirable way! You have used your wash technique to create a soft skin texture on the face and neck with some skill. The eyes and mouth are strongly done and convey much about this personality.
I echo the previous comment about the background's puzzling quality and distraction from your subject. The background pattern is jarring because it is a bright (not subtle) value and done in a much more dramatic way. Therefore it lacks unity with foreground.
To your credit you have used a variety of techniques to achieve a believable form, no small challenge in watercolor portraits.
My main critical concern is that the leftside shadow on the forehead, making it look round, does not carry through below. I mean that the left shadow is missing at the side of the cheek and jaw, but especially at the side of the neck.
Overall I say a good start on a challenging type of watercolor!