Monthly Portraiture Classroom

[Dana Design]

Greetings And A Warm Welcome From Dana, Jocelyn And George.

This is the start of a new once a month portrait project. George generously proposed this idea for a project and it was warmly welcomed.

We hope all fellow... erm! and Lady :-) portrait painters will participate in the portrait challenge set out each month for you.

At the begining of each month a photograph will be chosen for you to paint, also a photograph of a set of lips or eyes for the novice to practice will be presented if you feel you're not advanced enough to commit yourself to a full portrait study.

If no eyes or lips are posted some months, then please use the ones on the photograph for a study.

Your studies can be of your own chosen medium, with the exception of digital work, and there is no time limit as the purpose is for you to gain experience and enjoyment from the challenge.

Backgrounds in the portrait are subject to the discretion of the individual but the subject must remain as is.

You can ask for help along the way so don't hold back as we will all have some advice and tips and critiques to offer.

Push yourself to the limit and think of it as being in an art classroom. :)

If you wish to submit photographs, please send a PM to George or Dana along with the photograph. The photo will only be accepted if it is of high quality and definition and subject to approval of the mods and guides. Photographs may vary from formal to casual, however, please keep in mind copyright law. We'd prefer that no famous personages be chosen.

Please post ALL of your work in this thread from start to finish! Have fun and we look forward to viewing your work.

[TheBaron]

Thanks to Dewi(Moderator)for letting us use her photograph from the WC Image Library to host the first of many challenges ahead.

Hope everyone likes the first photo? I chose this because it had a lot of definition and stood out as a good study to paint.
I think you will agree the skintone is good and the profile has not lost any detail in the eyes and features of the face.

:wave:

[gakinme]

Thank you, Dana, for the eye photo reference. It is nice to see there are monthly challenges here too.

Here is my attempt at the eye. I gave the eye a companion. Pardon me for having other drawings on the page. The lower eye was by my daughter. I have just started using color pencils for portraits and still trying to find the right combination of colors for skin tone.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jan-2009/86669-eye2.JPG

May I ask if I may do caricatures of the lady in the photo or does it have to be an exact copy?

Oh wait, I could crop it.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jan-2009/86669-eye2a.JPG

[Peanut Butter]

Here is my eye(s). The top one I did totally freehand and the iris ended up quite non-circular, so I tried again with a circle template. I am brand spankin' new to drawing people, they really intimidate me, but I really want to learn to draw them realistically! Any advice, help, crits, anything is totally welcome!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jan-2009/70245-Eye_3.JPG

[Anita Murphy]

I would like to join in here - I had already done a sketch of one of the references and shall sneak it in here. (somewhat cropped because its in my moleskine sketchbook) Will try to work on this over the weekend. One of my New Year's Resolution is to get to grips with other mediums for portraiture.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jan-2009/58769-IMG_2724a.jpg

[doppler]

I'll be in this - watercolours

[TheBaron]

Here is my eye(s). The top one I did totally freehand and the iris ended up quite non-circular, so I tried again with a circle template. I am brand spankin' new to drawing people, they really intimidate me, but I really want to learn to draw them realistically! Any advice, help, crits, anything is totally welcome!



Hi Laura
Its almost imposssible to get a precise circle by hand and an aid is always best to use.
When doing eyes for a portrait I use a pencil compass with the tip filed down so it doesnt pierce the canvas.
When shading eyes in pencil/grafite try using a Q-tip to blend the grafite around the whites of the eye and skintone,smudging a little bit of pencil on the drawing then blend with Q-tip.
Practice this to get the idea and amount to pencil in.

[TheBaron]

I would like to join in here - I had already done a sketch of one of the references and shall sneak it in here. (somewhat cropped because its in my moleskine sketchbook) Will try to work on this over the weekend. One of my New Year's Resolution is to get to grips with other mediums for portraiture.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Jan-2009/58769-IMG_2724a.jpg

Nice one Anita,put thos holes in the hat and work it some more. :thumbsup:

[dcorc]

Can I pick up on the issue of eye-shapes, please?

The shape the edges of the eyelids make over the surface of the eyeball is not just a simple wedge.

I've put in straight line-segments here, to draw attention to the shapes:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2009/30792-eyeeye.jpg

One of the essentials in portraiture is to realise that we have a tendency to draw formulaic representations of things (we think we know what stuff looks like), but we need to break away from that, and actually visually observe the shapes that are really there in that particular example.


Dave

[TheBaron]

Thank you, Dana, for the eye photo reference. It is nice to see there are monthly challenges here too.

Here is my attempt at the eye. I gave the eye a companion. Pardon me for having other drawings on the page. The lower eye was by my daughter. I have just started using color pencils for portraits and still trying to find the right combination of colors for skin tone.



May I ask if I may do caricatures of the lady in the photo or does it have to be an exact copy?

Oh wait, I could crop it.


Hi Sandra

If I may offer some advice,eyes are not completly almond shape and if you tae a few moments to observe the eye or any eyes(your own)you will see that near the tear duct its shape alters that oval shape.
Try looking at an eye as an object and copy that objects shapes.:D

[dcorc]

How's that for a cross-post, George? Great minds think alike :D


Dave

[TheBaron]

I'll be in this - watercolours

Ok Annie :thumbsup:

[jadehart]

Thanks for starting this thread, what a great idea :)

I have a few paintings going on right now, but I hope to join in sooner than later.

[Brattgirl]

I decided to start with the eye on my lunch break yesterday. I will try to work on the portrait this weekend. The eye was just a quick sketch in about a half hour. I can already see a few mistakes. :(

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2009/54098-noname.jpg

[gakinme]

Thank you, George, Dave, for pointing the eye out in detail.

Here's my second try.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2009/86669-eyes4.JPG

[TheBaron]

Thanks for starting this thread, what a great idea :)

I have a few paintings going on right now, but I hope to join in sooner than later.

No problems Jessica,sometimes during the months people will be busy and have their hands full.

[jtlwilson]

I think I'm going to give this a try.. I love this site so far!!! Won't be able to post it until tomorrow though...I'm so excited.

[TheBaron]

I decided to start with the eye on my lunch break yesterday. I will try to work on the portrait this weekend. The eye was just a quick sketch in about a half hour. I can already see a few mistakes. :(

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2009/54098-noname.jpg

Yup Jenna...you forgot to slope off at the tear duct:D

[TheBaron]

Hi all can you give a rundown what pencils/colour pencils,media and materials used when submitting your works. :thumbsup:

[TheBaron]

I'm better at painting eyes than drawing them. :o

2 minute sketch with a HB pencil...taking into consideration me nerves are shot trying to stop smoking:eek:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2009/107353-Pictur.jpg

[Peanut Butter]

Thanks for the help! I defiantely need to work on my shading. It wasn't very smooth. I did use a tortillon, haven't tried Q-tips, but will do that. The eye shape did give me a little difficulty. I tend to look at the big picture rather than breaking it down into smaller shapes and line segments, which doesn't help me any!

[gakinme]

Oh, I used Prismacolor pencils and a cheap Wal-Mart sketch book. The second one is just a 2B pencil.

[berningc]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2009/131950-scan0001.jpg
Okay, I'll be brave and post my attempt, which will obviously show that I'm a beginner. I think I've made her face too narrow. And I'm sure there are many other suggestions you wonderful artists can make. (I've painted two portraits--one of my grandmother and one of my grandfather. And last summer, I attended four days of life portrait sessions, three hours each. That was a wonderful experience. If I get really brave, I'll post what I did there.) For this piece I used a #2 pencil and a 6B pencil on Bienfang drawing paper.
Carol

[doppler]

Cross posted to the Watercolor forum ...
I love this lady's contented yet wistful look. I hope I captured it. I think I lost the shape of the closest eye but am happy with the far eye and the mouth.
A3 Arches CP and Rembrandt colours

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2009/141006-WC-challenge-WC.jpg

[Srishti]

Annie! It's beautiful :clap:

[taffy]

Arches 185 gsm watercolor paper, HB pencil blended with my finger, this classroom is fun.
Doppler your water color is a cracker:clap: :clap:
Brianhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2009/113459-Port_challenge.JPG

[winecountry]

Hi, Hope it's OK to join, I'm working on portraits in the pastel forum and found I need more work, so I'm doubling up trying to speed up the learning curve.

here are some eyes I used charchol and pastel pencils. sorry there are some crumbs I forgot to brush off .http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2009/103030-IMG_1979.jpg

[Netty]

Beautiful watercolour Annie,you have some good effects there,
Taffy,your drawing is lovely, good tones.
I love these eyes Colleen, beautiful!! are you using a sanded paper?

Well here is my play today, I draged the pastels out from
hidding :)

Soft pastels on Canson, I am trying to loosen up,so this was fun..

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jan-2009/85966-monthly_portrait_Jan_09.JPG

[taffy]

Netty, in the words of the new generation, " I'm GOB Smacked, if I saw this in a gallery, I'D BUY it.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, Realy mean it, its IMOP superb.
Brian

[TheBaron]

How do Carol,its not about being brave in showing your work..its about aquiring help and understanding regardless if you think its poor? we can only get better with practice and a little help from our fellow artist so dont hold back in posting your works :thumbsup: its fine but you have the face elongated rather than oval,take this into consideration when drawing the face ie pay more attention to the overall shape first and the rest will fall into place.

Superb! Annie
Watercolour is not my forte and it seems you have a good relationship with skintones in watercolours. :clap:

Nice one Brian
But you could have beaten it a bit more into the shading side.:thumbsup:

How do Coleen this classroom is open to all members of WC,your eyes look good despite the bread crumbs?:wink2:

Good one Netty
Could you not blend the the pastels with the finger? this is another medium I've never tried myself,although I do have a box of em.:thumbsup:

[LGHumphrey]

And I'm gobsmacked by the freshness of doppler's.

Here's my contribution, 40 X 30 cm., oils on unstretched linen.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jan-2009/60616-P1020987.JPG

I usually do these in about an hour and a half but this one took me 2 hours because I saw how good the other contributions were and they spurred me on to try to exceed myself a bit. Hope I've succeeded.

George you grumpy old bathtub (ha ha) I'd be more than pleased to have your critique, or from anyone else even if you're not a grumpy old bathtub. LOL.

[TheBaron]

And I'm gobsmacked by the freshness of doppler's.

Here's my contribution, 40 X 30 cm., oils on unstretched linen.



I usually do these in about an hour and a half but this one took me 2 hours because I saw how good the other contributions were and they spurred me on to try to exceed myself a bit. Hope I've succeeded.

George you grumpy old bathtub (ha ha) I'd be more than pleased to have your critique, or from anyone else even if you're not a grumpy old bathtub. LOL.

How do Lawrence
Long time since someone paid me a compliment like that:p

Smashing portrait Sir:thumbsup: I'd of blended the lips to the surrounding skin though.:)

[winecountry]

I'm using Colorfix paper, it's sanded...

I have a question for the forum or moderator, and I'm not trying to stir up trouble or offend, it's really a question from someone completely new to portraits....When I look here and see all the versions, like the beautiful watercolor by Annie, I can tell a resemblance to the original model, but everyone looks different, and none really looks like the photo precisely. So where is the line between a "portrait" and a resemblance? What makes something a portrait and not a painting based from a model whether live or photo..sorry don't know how to say it, hope you get the drift.

[CRYork]

Thanks to Jenna from the colored pencil forum for letting me know about this thread. It is educational and informative just looking at the other posts, but if I have time, I will give it a try later in the month. I have several projects to work on before I try this photo.

Great idea for a thread!

Char

[TheBaron]

I'm using Colorfix paper, it's sanded...

I have a question for the forum or moderator, and I'm not trying to stir up trouble or offend, it's really a question from someone completely new to portraits....When I look here and see all the versions, like the beautiful watercolor by Annie, I can tell a resemblance to the original model, but everyone looks different, and none really looks like the photo precisely. So where is the line between a "portrait" and a resemblance? What makes something a portrait and not a painting based from a model whether live or photo..sorry don't know how to say it, hope you get the drift.

What makes a portrait? hmmm! I would imagine its a representation of the model by each individual artist because everyone given will be different and unique.

[winecountry]

Well then what about "likeness" How much like them is it supposed to be...and how do you decide what is most characteristic of them and how do you get that down...Is it a matter of just making every feature be like what you see as exact as you can, or is there more? So far not a single one of mine seems really a portrait, ie a very good likeness....

[TheBaron]

Well then what about "likeness" How much like them is it supposed to be...and how do you decide what is most characteristic of them and how do you get that down...Is it a matter of just making every feature be like what you see as exact as you can, or is there more? So far not a single one of mine seems really a portrait, ie a very good likeness....

A portrait stems to to three concepts of the model...Head&shoulders,half the model or full lenght portrait, the likeness has nothing to do with the word 'portrait' but merely to portray the model as you as the individual see that model.

Its down to each participant how much likeness they put into their work,can we see your work?

As far as I can see all work submitted now have the likeness of the model.

[maw-t]

WOW some really nice ones! Here is my first attempt... pastel on suede matboard.. She was very difficult for me & it shows me thinks... I want to try againhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jan-2009/76639-ght.jpg ! Love this thread.. thanks for starting!

[maw-t]

Hi, Hope it's OK to join, I'm working on portraits in the pastel forum and found I need more work, so I'm doubling up trying to speed up the learning curve.

here are some eyes I used charchol and pastel pencils. sorry there are some crumbs I forgot to brush off .http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Jan-2009/103030-IMG_1979.jpg

Great work on those eyes! Looks just like her!!

[winecountry]

thanks George, that helps clarify things, all my portraits so far are 4 footed and furry,:lol: so didn't think it should be posted here...I'm just trying to get the hang of people for a bit....I'll post one when I get it done

[TheBaron]

WOW some really nice ones! Here is my first attempt... pastel on suede matboard.. She was very difficult for me & it shows me thinks... I want to try again ! Love this thread.. thanks for starting!

Why difficult for you T?

From what I can see you did so well.

[maw-t]

Why difficult for you T?

From what I can see you did so well.

Thanks! Not quiet sure.. I just worked n worked trying to get the angles right & just never quiet did it.. I think maybe because there is very little light & shadow contrast... I always try to look for that in a photo because they are easier to paint.. this was a challenge for me.. but that is what we need!

[TheBaron]

Thanks! Not quiet sure.. I just worked n worked trying to get the angles right & just never quiet did it.. I think maybe because there is very little light & shadow contrast... I always try to look for that in a photo because they are easier to paint.. this was a challenge for me.. but that is what we need!

Well you will be glad to know my next subject has what you require in the photo,it has more shadows and the lighting is good basically its the shadows that define the subject and is a good study to portray.

[Netty]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jan-2009/85966-monthly_portrait_Jan_09_2.JPG

Maw T , I found this difficult too for the same reason, there is a lack of good value in the face... You have used beautiful colours in your portrait, it is really beautiful and soft, lovely portrait!!
Painting on the suede matte board is really lovey, just wish it was not so much to buy,here it is $80 a sheet :(.

Brian, I am gobsmaked that you would say such a thing, thankyou sincerly for your encouragement.

Lawrence!! You are definately a fast portrait painter :) and done in typical Lawrence style :) , as we say down under, good onya mate :) , that means , well done :D

I took a better pic of my attempt, the light is better today.

[TheBaron]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jan-2009/85966-monthly_portrait_Jan_09_2.JPG


Painting on the suede matte board is really lovey, just wish it was not so much to buy,here it is $80 a sheet :(.
I took a better pic of my attempt, the light is better today.

Thats certainly a lot better Annie and it shows.
Wow! $80 Aust, have I got my currency right? thats £37 UK pounds for a sheet of said media.

[Netty]

Thats right George, I often go to the picture framers and ask for off cuts,I can usually manage to find a decent piece to use for a painting, at a good price. But I only dream of a full sheet, lol.... would be lovely.

[Roxie Real]

OK here is mine, color pencils ( which I am still trying to learn to use ) go easy on me George......Roxiehttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jan-2009/129150-100_1356.jpg

[taffy]

I just realised iv"e left the grid marks in.Sorry i'm a Bad lad.
Brian

[TheBaron]

OK here is mine, color pencils ( which I am still trying to learn to use ) go easy on me George......Roxie


:evil:

Tis alright Rox...ya caught me in a good mood:wink2:

Can coloured pencils be blended as per normal pencils?

[TheBaron]

I just realised iv"e left the grid marks in.Sorry i'm a Bad lad.
Brian

Good job it wasn't a commision then Bri. :eek:

[winecountry]

Finally starting to find my way a bit, I'm just posting the partial work as I'm combining lessons with the soft pastels class, it would be easier in paint, I could just mix the colors, but this is making me work harder and that's good!

I'm satisfied that I got some kind of likeness as this is one of the things I want to accomplish, I'm not and won't be a figure portrait painter really, just sometimes people want to be in the pet portraits I love to do, and I'd like to have enough skill to do something presentable, but I hope I don't have to do it often:lol: She's not finished, but I see I could do that if I wanted, I'm starting to see the planes and get some aids to keep things straight and in perspective. it's getting a little better with practice.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jan-2009/103030-IMG_1984.jpg

[mithila]

What a great thread! Thanks for starting this, Dana. Some great portraits here, and the discussion that's going on is helping me get a clearer idea of what portraiture is. Thanks for pointing out the shapes that come together to make the eye, Dave.

I'd love to join in, but January is usually a very busy month. However, I've painted this portrait when the photo was put up for the WDE. Can I crosspost my painting here? I'd like for it to be critiqued; that's a very good way to learn.

[LGHumphrey]

winecountry asked yesterday about how close a resemblance a portrait has to be. John Singer Sargent and Anders Zorn both painted a portrait of a certain American woman. No one would recognize that it was the same woman, imho.

[LGHumphrey]

Netty, that's a beautiful face.

maw-t, love yours too, because it's so "painterly."

This morning I was imagining what she would look like facing us.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Jan-2009/60616-P1020993.JPG

[mburrell]

The eye and for that matter the whole face can be broken down to shapes and formulas each having a name, mouth, brow,nose, ear, etc. I have found that if it has a name we tend to force it into our symbol for that part. What artist call negative space I call un-named spaces. I feel the name negative space has negative connotations and people won't buy into it easily on a subconscious level. So I renamed it you can call it what you want just so you come to understand how profoundly important it is to accurate observation uninhibited by our conception or language mind set.
I make a long winded deal about this because it is so helpful. Now if you draw the white shapes on either side of the iris (they have no name) the space between the eye lid and the brow, the nose and upper lip. Anything that has no name draw it if it has a name don't draw it. After you have drawn all the unnamed spaces then the named spaces will be almost done needing just a few lines. This works especially well when very odd angles make it difficult to use your formula. Hands become manageable when you draw the shapes between the figures and between the knuckles. Try it with a little practice your mapping, drawing skills will improve a lot. Remember when some one tosses you the keys or a ball you can manager to track them moving through the air and calculate where to put your hand to catch them. You're a wonder, amazing! You just need to move your mind to that kind of thinking. I hope that helps.
Mike

[mburrell]

I was on the second page when I made my comments about the unnamed spaces not realizing so much had been posted. I hope this may generate some thoughts.
Mike

[mburrell]

Wine country Coleen
You have a nice touch with your pastels and I think you will make a most presentable piece when ever you make your art.
Lawrence
You've made a beautiful painting I like the expression.

[TheBaron]

What a great thread! Thanks for starting this, Dana. Some great portraits here, and the discussion that's going on is helping me get a clearer idea of what portraiture is. Thanks for pointing out the shapes that come together to make the eye, Dave.

I'd love to join in, but January is usually a very busy month. However, I've painted this portrait when the photo was put up for the WDE. Can I crosspost my painting here? I'd like for it to be critiqued; that's a very good way to learn.

Couple of people tend to think that Dana started this concept of OAMP,I'd like to clarifiy it was I that started the thread monthly.

By the way D & Joc where are you?

[winecountry]

Lawrence, do you have names or links to those painting? Amazing how often Zorn's name comes up among painters of all kinds..

Thanks for all the comments on my effort, I'll keep trying

[TheBaron]

Lawrence, do you have names or links to those painting? Amazing how often Zorn's name comes up among painters of all kinds..

Thanks for all the comments on my effort, I'll keep trying
I'm thinking Lady Agnew and Mrs Frances Cleveland?

Dont wish to put the dampers on this but could we please keep this on topic ie the thread relates to monthly portrait challenge.

If you need links, PM the member.

If you wish to discuss portrait artist and their works can I put forward a request to Dana to open a sticky in relation to the above.

:wave:

[gaykir]

Sorry I'm late to class! I can't seem be on time for much these days. I wanted to get some feedback before I continue. I have a long way to go but I am wondering about structure.....Looking forward to hearing from you George.
How am I doing so far??

It's 12" X 16" Acrylic on Arches 140# cold press.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Jan-2009/56079-class_1.jpg

[TheBaron]

Sorry I'm late to class! I can't seem be on time for much these days. I wanted to get some feedback before I continue. I have a long way to go but I am wondering about structure.....Looking forward to hearing from you George.
How am I doing so far??

It's 12" X 16" Acrylic on Arches 140# cold press.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Jan-2009/56079-class_1.jpg
Marvellous! your putting your heart and soul into it and its showing:clap:those eyes are stunning.

Just a little concerned about the height of the forehead,maybe if you have intentions of putting in the hat you can cover the height problem over it?

Keep posting some updates and work those lips into the skin.

If you pull this off it would look fantastic in a frame.
Lovely stuff.:cool:

[jocelynsart]

That is beautiful, Winecountry.
Jocelyn

[winecountry]

sorry George, when I get into a new area my enthusiam knows no bounds, and I took this particular instruction to heart
Push yourself to the limit and think of it as being in an art classroom.
I will try to stay in tighter boundaries, just let me know when I step over again.:)

[gaykir]

Thanks very much George. I do plan to put a hat on her so yes, I should be able to easily remedy the forehead. I will keep you updated as I go. Thank you so very much for getting this class series started. I am so looking forward to it's continued success!

[TheBaron]

Thanks very much George. I do plan to put a hat on her so yes, I should be able to easily remedy the forehead. I will keep you updated as I go. Thank you so very much for getting this class series started. I am so looking forward to it's continued success!

You're welcome.
Don't rush this as there's still ample time in this months series to go for showing us the end result.

:thumbsup:

[winecountry]

parts and pieces
eye (posted actual size)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Jan-2009/103030-eye_1986.jpg
mouth with teeth ( actual size)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Jan-2009/103030-mouth_1985.jpg

both pastel on colorfix paper

[cleo99]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this thread. This is something I would deary like to improve at.
I will however, need to get to class earlier that this (before everyone else posts the great stuff!). They are lovely, nice work all! :clap:
But you don’t get better unless you try…..so here is my humble effort in graphite, I will try it again in pastel, if time allows.
All c&c welcome.

[mithila]

Couple of people tend to think that Dana started this concept of OAMP,I'd like to clarifiy it was I that started the thread monthly.

By the way D & Joc where are you?

I'm sorry, George. I read through Dana's first post in a hurry, my mistake.:o

[TheBaron]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this thread. This is something I would deary like to improve at.
I will however, need to get to class earlier that this (before everyone else posts the great stuff!). They are lovely, nice work all! :clap:
But you don’t get better unless you try…..so here is my humble effort in graphite, I will try it again in pastel, if time allows.
All c&c welcome.

Yay! welcome,welcome Cleo

Its good but you can do better:D take your time as there is plenty of days left in this month.

Good job there's no chalkboard in this classroom...people will be doing lines rather than sketching,painting otherwise:lol:

[TheBaron]

parts and pieces
eye (posted actual size)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Jan-2009/103030-eye_1986.jpg
( actual size)


both pastel on colorfix paper

This eye study is good Colleen,have you tried painting small studies of this ilk?

I'd just like to say at this point if you have a spare canvas say...14X18? during the months this canvas can be used to paint the small studies of whatever is presented in each month on that canvas and you can show it somewhere down the months.

I do this frequently to get a feel of the eyes and mouth of a subject and it also helps to get the colour right before applying to the original I'm going to work on,if the colour isn't right then its easily wiped off and try again on the scrap canvas.

[cleo99]

Oh no ....not lines :o

I will be timely and work hard :angel:


Thanks for the welcome.

[TheBaron]

I'm doing an Oil study of the eye,its not going very well because of the nerves but I'm attempting it:eek: its not bad... a bit frayed around the Iris and pupil.

Funny really only just noticed this but don't ya think the Iris has a strong resemblance to a certain fruit:lol:

Will show it as soon as its finished.

[winecountry]

George, is there some reason you are saying to do this in oil instead of the pastel?

[TheBaron]

George, is there some reason you are saying to do this in oil instead of the pastel?

No reason Colleen
Just that I've tried a few different mediums and years ago found that I was at my best with Oils,Watercolours wasn't too bad but I had to work hard to blend them together as I'm a slow painter.
I failed with colour pencils and graphite and detest Acrylics.

Im going to post this study of the eye in oils later and it will show how better I am at painting in oils than the poor attempt of the pencil I done earlier in the thread.

[winecountry]

Well here goes, my first portrait attempt, since there is time before the next one to try it, and since I've done a couple of the pieces, thought I'd try this in oil on a panel primed with gesso and pumice. I'm too clumsy to try it alla prima, so I'm doing an underpainting in values first, Doak Turkey Umber mixed with Gamblin Viridian, spike of lavender medium just trying to wash in the structure. Is it normal not to have a good likeness at this point or should it be there already? I see a lot of stuff off, but don't know how to fix it yet, I think I have to look at some of the ratios, or maybe this comes with more detail work as I go along...I really don't know what I'm doing:lol:

I did put it in Photoshop and messed with the lighting effects, so I'm not trying to copy the lighting of the photo exactly
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jan-2009/103030-vid_grisaille_1987.jpg

[TheBaron]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jan-2009/103030-vid_grisaille_1987.jpg

I think you're trying to pull the wool over our eyes Colleen:D
This is a very good underpainting,tread carefully with the skin colour,start with the shadows that are faintly there and build up to the overall lights.
Work those eyes first till you're satisfied with them ie round em off and put catchlights in the Iris.

Take your time no rush and post some updates :clap:

[arnoud3272]

Thank you George for starting and monitoring a classroom on portraiture.

Please post ALL of your work in this thread from start to finish
Well, here is my start. I won't be so ambitious as to tackle a complete portrait already.
I feel only confident enough in graphite, outlines in mechanical (.5 mm, 2B); will post updates along.
Shown in actual size (i.e. on a 96 dpi monitor). Of course very faint in IRL, scanner on steroids.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jan-2009/142886-eye-line.jpg

and cleaned up:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jan-2009/142886-eye-l-clean.jpg

Thanks for looking.

[LGHumphrey]

Today I tried to combine the features of our lovely latina model with those of Albrecht Dürer's poor old wall-eyed furrow-browed mother, but I seem to have come up with Dürer's father in drag.

Here's the mother:

http://www.artchive.com/artchive/D/durer/durer_mother.jpg.html

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jan-2009/60616-P1020995.JPG

[winecountry]

George, should the likness be improved before I go on? and it is my first real attempt, although 25 years ago I did one( badly) from a photo

I have been doing animals exclusively for the last 3 years, and each one has been a portrait of a specific animal that I knew and observed. Perhaps in doing all the furry people, my eye has been somewhat trained to look carefully, but I will still have to figure out all those skin tones, and how to get likness and something I call "aliveness"

My painting background is in acrylic, and watercolor, doing abstracts and impressionsim, so realism and oil painting are also new to me in the last 3 years. Esp new to me are all these techniques in using oil. I think painting people and esp portraits is the hardest genre, so I've left it for last to tackle, although my landscape and still life skills could be improved as well, at least I've done some of that before.

[desrtdremr]

Well, here's my attempt. I'm so glad that this monthly challenge is happening! Every time I paint a portrait I learn something new, and this was certainly no exception. Please let me know what I should work on to improve future pieces. I worked on this for about 3 hours yesterday and another hour or so today. It is 8X10 in oils on cavas board. Thanks so much for holding this challenge!:clap:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jan-2009/136210-class_1-09_003_edit.jpg

[TheBaron]

George, should the likness be improved before I go on? and it is my first real attempt, although 25 years ago I did one( badly) from a photo



her likeness is already there its just a matter of whether you can keep that likeness when putting in the skintones, we do lose some things along the way when colour is layed in and from then on its observation and whats been lost.

[TheBaron]

Well, here's my attempt. I'm so glad that this monthly challenge is happening! Every time I paint a portrait I learn something new, and this was certainly no exception. Please let me know what I should work on to improve future pieces. I worked on this for about 3 hours yesterday and another hour or so today. It is 8X10 in oils on cavas board. Thanks so much for holding this challenge!:clap:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jan-2009/136210-class_1-09_003_edit.jpg

Well done Krista
The likeness is good and the profile is also good,is the painting dark as I'm viewing it on my screen? or was it bad lighting from the camera?

Never the less you did well to get a good representation of the subject:thumbsup:

[desrtdremr]

Thanks, George. Yes, the lighting wasn't the best, so the image is a bit darker than the painting. I tried to lighten the photo up in photo shop, but it changed it too much, so I just left it. My photography skills are not very good...

It is really so much fun to see all the varieties of interpretations of the photos - there are sooooo many talented people out there!

[TheBaron]

The eye so far.
Oils on canvas piece 5"x7"

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Jan-2009/107353-Picture_236.jpg

[tyree]

:wave: im so very glad the portrait classroom is back...i have been working mostly with mech pencil and graphite...and recently starting to dabble with colour again...may have been a mistake:o ...this was done with pastel pencils on mi tienes paper...your critiques and comments are most welcome....btw...some excellent renditions so far!!!!! tyree

[Netty]

Great to see so many wonderful portraits, :)
Colleen your pastel work is really lovely, you have used beautiful skin colours.
Gayle, you have such a smooth hand with the watercolours, looking good!!!

Colleen, the best thing about art is , lol... do we ever know what we are doing??? thats the beauty in learning :D
I think your first for an oil, or is it acrylic? is pretty great!! I would like to try this too...

Good looking eye there George :)

[LGHumphrey]

Tried my hand at a Modigliani effect today.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Jan-2009/60616-P1030002.JPG

[jtlwilson]

everyones work looks wonderful so far...

[terri66]

Well here is my attempt. I'm also having some photo taking challenges, so same painting, different settings and neither is quite right. The cheek correction in person works, while the photos make it glaringly obvious.:( This is done in pastels on a dark blue suede board and this does influence the predominant colours. Big picture, playing with my pastels is a good thing.

[gaykir]

Netty - Thanks but surprise!!! It's all acrylic. I stopped using watercolors years ago.

[LGHumphrey]

desrtdremr, nice effort there. What about a small highlight in each eye?

[TheBaron]

:wave: im so very glad the portrait classroom is back...i have been working mostly with mech pencil and graphite...and recently starting to dabble with colour again...may have been a mistake:o ...this was done with pastel pencils on mi tienes paper...your critiques and comments are most welcome....btw...some excellent renditions so far!!!!! tyree

How do Susan
Glad you can join us and please do take part in this MPC if and when you get time?

Cute portrait but if I'm honest you have put a couple of years on the poor girl.:D

[TheBaron]

Good looking eye there George :)

I thank you Netty...not finished yet as my hardrive went down early this morning:crying: lost all contents.

Will post an update soon?

[TheBaron]

everyones work looks wonderful so far...


How do Jessica
Welcome to WC and the portraiture and classroom...hope you will frequent this forum and look forward to seeing your work:thumbsup:

[TheBaron]

Well here is my attempt. I'm also having some photo taking challenges, so same painting, different settings and neither is quite right. The cheek correction in person works, while the photos make it glaringly obvious.:( This is done in pastels on a dark blue suede board and this does influence the predominant colours. Big picture, playing with my pastels is a good thing.

How do Terri
Welcome to the classroom...we can only get better by practice,practice and more practice...not that there's nothing wrong with your work mind:D so keep at it but strive for that better drawing/pastel portrait by observing whats in the face,treat it as an study in objects rather features and take time to look at the object.

ps have you tried any other mediums ie oils,acrylics ect as I've stated earlier in the thread some people shine in certain mediums and fail with other mediums I myself am at my best with "oils" and fail with pastels,pencils ect.

[winecountry]

Well I painted more and then noticed the more I painted the more she started looking like me! what the hey is that?
so I spent more time putting her likeness back in, and I really think I have the eyes, (what do you think?) the mouth is off, but I'm going to let this dry now so I can paint on the color.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Jan-2009/103030-vid2024.jpg

[Mette Rörström]

Hi!:wave:
I saw this thread, and decided to try. So,here is mine...
Rembrandt pastels on Ingres paper. 21 x 29 cm.


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Jan-2009/130835-Woman_with_hat.JPG

[gaykir]

Oh Mette - Bravo!!

[Mette Rörström]

Thank you, Gayle!

[TheBaron]

Hi!:wave:
I saw this thread, and decided to try. So,here is mine...
Rembrandt pastels on Ingres paper. 21 x 29 cm.





This is the portrait classroom Mette...what you doing in here? :D

:clap: marvellous.

[Netty]

Netty - Thanks but surprise!!! It's all acrylic. I stopped using watercolors years ago.

AHHhhhh Yes!! I have a friend who does really wonderful acrylics that just look like watercolours.... How cool is that!!! You already know, lol...

I need to give this a try too :)

[Mette Rörström]

George..Thank you!

[wetbob]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Jan-2009/100299-woman.JPG

Charcoal on printingpaper. Quicksketch within an hour.

She had an interesting face. Maybe im trying to finish one in oils this month.

THNX FOR WATCHING

WB

[arnoud3272]

Hi,

A first exploratory shading. On a printout of the scan, so could not erase the outline where needed.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Jan-2009/142886-eye-hatched.jpg

Shown in actual size.

[Dana Design]

Hi!:wave:
I saw this thread, and decided to try. So,here is mine...
Rembrandt pastels on Ingres paper. 21 x 29 cm.


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Jan-2009/130835-Woman_with_hat.JPG


Wow! Absolutely fabulous work! Good to have you here as I can certainly learn something from this.

AND, everyone is doing SO well! The likeness is there on everyone's efforts and it's exciting to see the different 'takes' on technique and medium.

Loving this!

[CRYork]

OK here is mine, color pencils ( which I am still trying to learn to use ) go easy on me George......Roxiehttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Jan-2009/129150-100_1356.jpg

Hi, Roxie! Nice job on this...the likeness is good. We need more people from the cp forum over here. I guess I will try this...but, the going might be slow. I have another portrait that I am working on right now, too.

Char

[Mette Rörström]

thank you,Dana! :)

[LGHumphrey]

Mette that's wonderful, you're obviously a very experienced artist.

[maw-t]

:clap: Some truely GREAT efforts!~! :clap: Mette she looks so.... ALIVE!
I gave her another try.. maybe a better likeness? I think I I made some mud though... pastels on wallis sanded paper.http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Jan-2009/76639-port.jpg

[Mette Rörström]

LGHumphrey.....Thank you! I have not done so many portraits, but been working with oil since 1989. It is the latest months that I have dicided to learn portrait painting with pastels.
T....Thank you! :)
mette.

[winecountry]

color glazed over the grisaille, she's gotten sort of masculine looking, I'm letting this dry to finish the eyes, which need a bit of adjusting, skin tones are a touch muddy but glazing should correct that, this likeness thing is really hard!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Jan-2009/103030-IMG_2027.jpg

[TheBaron]

I can see Im gonna have to come up with a harder challenge next month with you lot :D I've just the subject in mind :evil:

Well done Colleen, I'd like to do grisaille but I don't have the patience.

[Netty]

Love the glazing over the grisaille Colleen, :)
I tried this last month and went too heavy with the glazes,
Your looks great !!!

T, this is so effective, lots of colours intertwined, I really love this....

There is some great diversity here with each portrait!!

George, Who do you have in mind for next month ??? :D

Annie.

[Dea]

Hi all,
here is my effort, I feel I've gotten a bit muddy and the likeness could be better, let me know what you think.

Deanna
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Jan-2009/40985-DSCF1933.jpg

[Mette Rörström]

hi,Dea!
I like it! She is beutyful!

[winecountry]

this is my latest and last effort with this beautiful lady, who has a almost Mona Lisa quality to her...

I tried and tried this is the 5 th work, and finally the likeness showed up, this is not finished, if I went on the likeness would be refined with more values and tiny changes, the basic is what I' was after, and finally this did it, it took tremendous effort and drawing and redrawing, but the best thing I figured out was where is my eye level viewing from? Notice we are looking slightly up at her because we can see the underneath of the eyelid, and a lot of the under part of the nose, I saw I often made it looking straight on or down or lots of other views...but not what was in the photo. One thing that really kept getting off was the direction of her gaze, notice it is up and out, most of the posting change that and make it different which is fine, but I wanted to try and get that and no matter what I did kept losing it, with the eyes dropping into a gaze at the view mode. I'm happy to say I learn a lot trying to understand how to do that:lol:

I found getting the eyes is half the battle, the nose , mouth , skin tones. the rest, Again this is not finished, I'm not going to finish it, the wood of the panel makes the background color, I used clear gesso to paint on a birch panel.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Jan-2009/103030-final_vid_wc.jpg

[LGHumphrey]

Well done, Colleen, but your previous one was excellent too.

Dea, that's a very sweet face, not muddy at all.

[winecountry]

thanks Lawrence, it still has a long way to go, I'm starting on one of my mom, where I took the photo, and I know what she looks like, I'm anxious to see if it's any easier to do.

I'm miles away from the masters we've been comparing by PM:lol:

[desrtdremr]

As Lawrence suggested, I added a highlight to the eyes. It really did make a difference! Plus, this photo isn't as dark as my first one. I'm not sure what to do with the background at this point. I started a landscape today, so I may just put this one away for a while... I will take any advice anyone has to offer! Thanks for looking.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Jan-2009/136210-class_1-09_007_editII.jpg

[Striver]

Hi all, I will join in please and hopefully make a start this week coming.

May I ask about the size of photo's submitted, am wondering if this is why on some pages I scroll down and can read all, others I have to scroll sideways and down as if watching tennis to read what is off screen. Yes I can reduce percentage of the screen but need a magnifying glass then.

If all photo's were common size would this cure it, or is it just me. Trust there is no offense. I will learn a lot here, thank you for starting the classroom.
Kind regards all, and a little late but
Happy New Year
Les

[TheBaron]

Hi all, I will join in please and hopefully make a start this week coming.

May I ask about the size of photo's submitted, am wondering if this is why on some pages I scroll down and can read all, others I have to scroll sideways and down as if watching tennis to read what is off screen. Yes I can reduce percentage of the screen but need a magnifying glass then.

If all photo's were common size would this cure it, or is it just me. Trust there is no offense. I will learn a lot here, thank you for starting the classroom.
Kind regards all, and a little late but
Happy New Year
Les
Hi Les
Sorry we can't all submit the same size photos just for the sake of one or two people who have their monitor settings at 800x600:D I myself cannnot abide anything below 1024x768 as the icons are huge and like you will have to scroll around the screen:eek: so basically the majority of internet sites out there are set for people with a screen resolution of 1024x768 and over.

Please do take part in this monthly challenge and we hope to see your work. :thumbsup:

Hey les
Just remembered a trick a person had with his sight...
He had a optical mouse mouse with a wheel in the center,he had difficulty reading small text and when he needed to read the text he held down the "CRTL" key and scrolled the wheel on his mouse backwards or forwards to make the text bigger or smaller to normal.
Have you a wheel on your mouse?

[TheBaron]

Hi all

I'm overwelmed by the amount that been taking part this first month and would like to congratulate and thank all taking part.
On the same token I'm a bit disappointed in only seeing one or two "oils" being submitted:crying: and the bulk of the submissions being pastels.

Maybe this months subject didn't appeal to a number of followers because it lacked shadows or something? I promise you Febuary will appeal to those who like shadows in the subject,you may not like the subject? but thats irrelevant as the goal is to enhance your art skills in your chosen medium.

I've noticed a lot of good submissions in Pastels and I put it to those who work in Pastels if you have never tried another medium can I suggest you do at least try one ie there are small sets of acrylics/oils/watercolour paints out there... buy one and a small canvas and give it a try :thumbsup:

Keep On Doodling :D

[winecountry]

George not meaning to step on your toes, but don't you think the media should be up to the artist? :D

And speaking as an artist who can work in watercolor, acrylic, tempera, oils, pastels and sculpture I choose what personally fills my needs and desires.

As one who is new to portrait work, I'm using the ones that will support my learning portrait work, as I gain skills in the basics, I'll consider branching out into other media. Pastels IMHO are as worthy as oils, or any media, and great artists for hundreds of years have used them. It's hard enough just getting a portrait without having to learn a new media at the same time.

I thank you for having the classroom and hosting this, I hope my opinion here does not offend you.

[TheBaron]

George not meaning to step on your toes, but don't you think the media should be up to the artist? :D

And speaking as an artist who can work in watercolor, acrylic, tempera, oils, pastels and sculpture I choose what personally fills my needs and desires.

As one who is new to portrait work, I'm using the ones that will support my learning portrait work, as I gain skills in the basics, I'll consider branching out into other media. Pastels IMHO are as worthy as oils, or any media, and great artists for hundreds of years have used them. It's hard enough just getting a portrait without having to learn a new media at the same time.

I thank you for having the classroom and hosting this, I hope my opinion here does not offend you.

Sure its up to the Artist but what I'm trying to say Colleen is...

If you're good at Pastels then you might be even better in another choice medium :wink2:

Throw what you like at me Colleen...it'll just bounce off :p :D
Glad you and many others are joining in and we will all learn something from it on each month.

[winecountry]

I know you are basing that opinion on your own personal experience of not being so good at one and finding you did better work in another, and so are suggesting this for people who may not have tried other media.

But can you explainOn the same token I'm a bit disappointed in only seeing one or two "oils" being submitted and the bulk of the submissions being pastels. in which you seem to infer pastels are not as interesting to you as oils. I hope you are not being elistist here,:lol: both media call for differing skills, personally my goal is to produce equal quality work in both media, and tho oils take more technical knowledge, pastels have superior qualities of rendering light that nothing else can match,( this is not just my opinion, but one of the saying of many artists, past and present) due to the purity of pigment with only tiny amounts of trace binders that form a crystalline structure, they reflect light like no other media, and since they do not change with time as oils do, 400 year old pastels look as fresh as the day they were made, which can not be said of 400 year old oils.

I'm glad you're open to hearing other voices, I'm speaking from experience, I won't bring this up again, I've said my piece, I don't want to hijack the thread or be OT.

[Striver]

George
Thank you for the info, usefull to know. Have adjusted my display accordingly and yes the print is smaller. Also an interesting trick with the mouse wheel and CTR. Tried it and it works.
Will see if i can get used to the smaller read out, can always go back if want to.
So there we are, already learning
Cheers
Les

[Wagtail]

Hello all

Well, I'd kind of decided to make participation here a goal for the new year, so here's my effort on the portrait - drawing, WIP and final outcome.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Jan-2009/85391-Walidah_drawing.jpg

Contrast tweaked so you can see the lines:)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Jan-2009/85391-DSC_5823.jpg

Remembered to stop and take a pic. Light not the best tho, but you get the idea.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Jan-2009/85391-Walidah_Dewi_WetCanvas.jpg

Painting finally finished. This is 8 by 10 inches, watercolour (W&N Artists colours), on Fabriano Artistico NOT.

C&C more than welcome. I'll try the eye study too if I have time.

[arnoud3272]

For some time now I was thinking about taking the D&S Forums Class 101 - 33 Advanced realistic portraiture. But its teacher is no longer active on WC!. So, when I saw the announcement of this classroom in December, I thought it was the right occasion to get advice and feedback.
This is were I am now:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Jan-2009/142886-eye-wip-1.jpg

Shown in actual size (when on 96 dpi monitor).
Mechanical pencil .5 mm - "circulism" technique.

Thanks for looking.

[atelier_m]

Hi all

I'm overwelmed by the amount that been taking part this first month and would like to congratulate and thank all taking part.
On the same token I'm a bit disappointed in only seeing one or two "oils" being submitted:crying: and the bulk of the submissions being pastels.

:D

Well, I'll tell you the reason I didn't do this challenge, and the reason I don't do challenges in general. It is probably because of my lack of technical computer expertise and the rudimentary level of my equipment. Everytime I try to print one of the reference photos provided, the files are so small I get a poor quality image ... and I believe in good reference. I just don't want to paint from a fuzzy pixelated reference. If I try to send it somewhere for a good copy, like Costco, this image was rejected by them as being too small to print even as a 4 x 6" print. So, I gave up. This is true of many of the photos in the RIL.

I just didn't want you thinking I was ignoring your challenge ... only experiencing technical difficulties. ;)

Mary :)

PS I am an oil painter. :eek: ... :cool: !

[TheBaron]

Well, I'll tell you the reason I didn't do this challenge, and the reason I don't do challenges in general. It is probably because of my lack of technical computer expertise and the rudimentary level of my equipment. Everytime I try to print one of the reference photos provided, the files are so small I get a poor quality image ... and I believe in good reference. I just don't want to paint from a fuzzy pixelated reference. If I try to send it somewhere for a good copy, like Costco, this image was rejected by them as being too small to print even as a 4 x 6" print. So, I gave up. This is true of many of the photos in the RIL.

I just didn't want you thinking I was ignoring your challenge ... only experiencing technical difficulties. ;)

Mary :)

PS I am an oil painter. :eek: ... :cool: !
Heh! the pictures are of good quality anyone else agree with Mary on this?

Here's the bigger picture,if you would have read my second post at the begining of this thread you could have looked it up:smug:
Anyway you have no excuses now to join in :p

http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=87199&size=big&cat=ve

[winecountry]

I just use the pointer and click on the pic. Then use the right click button to get "Save to Disc" and choose that, it downloads to the desktop, and I use that as is, it's plenty big enough to work from if not, I use the "Zoom In" command to get it bigger, you can print any size by using the print dialog box and print 100% or 125% or 175% bigger and it is still detailed enough.

hope this helps

[LGHumphrey]

Well done, Wagtail, a very beautiful painting.

[atelier_m]

Heh! the pictures are of good quality anyone else agree with Mary on this?

Here's the bigger picture,if you would have read my second post at the begining of this thread you could have looked it up:smug:
Anyway you have no excuses now to join in :p

http://www.wetcanvas.com/RefLib/showphoto.php?photo=87199&size=big&cat=ve

But, George ... now her pores are too large. :lol: Although, seeing it in the larger size I may decide to do it in pastel.

OK, I'll get cracking now that I have the larger image. When I enlarge the smaller ones, they look like mush. I am sure that it is all my fault, though. winecountry, I will send your instructions to Costco so they can figure out how to do it, too. ;)

Mary :p

[gaykir]

My version.....I screwed some stuff up, learned some stuff and just generally made some headway toward being a bit better.

Acrylic 12" X 16" on Arches 140# cold press

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Jan-2009/56079-191_Girl_In_A_Yellow_Hat.jpg

[LGHumphrey]

Beautiful work, Gayle.

[Striver]

Hi all:clap:
Interesting postings.
Here is a start i made and decided to call it a day on this one, foolish me just started sketching on some available ordinary copy paper. of course it started showing promise but the paper is the let down, cant work it too much, anyway started another larger one and will try some color. This is on watercolor paper so we will see how we progress..

graphite pencil on crappy paper, scan shows the graphite up, looks better straight on.
C&C welcome
Enjoy
Les
Oh any chance of someone showing the best way to tackle the hat texture in dif/mediums?
L:thumbsup:

[TheBaron]

My version.....I screwed some stuff up, learned some stuff and just generally made some headway toward being a bit better.

Acrylic 12" X 16" on Arches 140# cold press



Lovely work Gayle

I had a feeling ya stuffed up somewhere along the line due to the fact ya took a while for updates:D never the less good outcome. :thumbsup:

I've had a go at acrylics and I felt like I was under pressure due to them drying fast even with retards added :mad: they soon went in the bin.

[joolee]

Hi all, I joined about a week ago, lurked about a bit and then saw this post and realised I had to get involved. I love the various interpretations of this photo. I'm not sure whether I can post my efforts now, but will have a go.
Joolee

[joolee]

Don't know if these will post or not - here goes! I am a recent returner to art after many years and a new convert to pastels. I had some problems with the skin tones, which made me realise I need MORE pastels! This is my WIP

Joolee

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t284/smashersasha/AmericanPortrait001.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t284/smashersasha/AmericanPortrait003.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t284/smashersasha/AmericanPortrait005.jpg

[arnoud3272]

I shaded the last square cm and I will now hide the drawing for some days before looking for things to be improved.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2009/142886-eye-wip-2.jpg

Shown in actual size on a 96 dpi monitor.

[LGHumphrey]

Nice WIP joolee.

[eyepaint]

I'm practicing working in ATC size so I have a few little versions of this ref. These are acrylic on watercolour paper, each in 2.5"x3.5" size. Two versions of nearly the entire face, and several close-ups as I practice (a) facial features, in (b) acrylics, in (c) ATC size.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2009/96240-IMGP6698-1.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2009/96240-IMGP6698-2.JPG

Awwww she has milk on her chin in the last one....

Cheers,

[TheBaron]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2009/142886-eye-wip-2.jpg


Lovely job Arnoud but the pupil is slightly of center. :thumbsup:

[ALBuslovich]

Hi all:wave:

Thanks for this Thread, I am generally to shy showing my drawings, but this classroom idea is great. I found you today when looking for help with colour pencils. Although I should first learn to shade correctly I think.

Till now it is only some linework and I tried out some colour in the eyes. Sorry for the quality, the camera had problems to pick up the faint lines. Oh, and sorry I am late :o

[arnoud3272]

Hi George,

Thank you for your encouragement and advice. I will try to correct the pupil without losing the highlight -- and possibly tackle other improvements. It is only a study, so I will not be upset if I mess it up. But as I said, will wait a few days, for a fresh look.

I like this thread very much.

[winecountry]

thanks for the wip joolee, you really have her likeness but kept it so simple and clean.

[joolee]

Thank you for your comments Colleen & Humphrey.

AlBuslovich - this is a really good start - and a good likeness. Be braver at showing your work!

Arnoud, I think the eye shows great technicial skill. Is the iris always central? I guess that's the sort of acute observation that we all need to be good at portraiture.

I have done a little more to my effort. As backgrounds cause me much angst and as this one really doesn't matter at all, I thought I would be brave. Not sure I have learned much from it. My husband (who is my greatest asset because he has become my worst critic) says that the actual photo is "hard" and my portrait is "soft" so I haven't really caught a likeness. I recognise that I have a light touch and that many of the really good pastel portraits I have seen are much bolder. I guess I need to experiment more. I may experiment with this one - and probably completely ruin it!
Joolee
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t284/smashersasha/AmericanPortrait005-1.jpg

[TheBaron]

Arnoud, I think the eye shows great technicial skill. Is the iris always central? I guess that's the sort of acute observation that we all need to be good at portraiture.

I have done a little more to my effort. As backgrounds cause me much angst and as this one really doesn't matter at all, I thought I would be brave. Not sure I have learned much from it. My husband (who is my greatest asset because he has become my worst critic) says that the actual photo is "hard" and my portrait is "soft" so I haven't really caught a likeness. I recognise that I have a light touch and that many of the really good pastel portraits I have seen are much bolder. I guess I need to experiment more. I may experiment with this one - and probably completely ruin it!
Joolee

How do Joolee

I think you should strive for a little more depth in the colour which will bring it more to life which at present is good but can be better,also observe the ear shape.

Here is what I have done in PS to give you an idea how much richer your portrait looks with a deeper colour,I tried to get a closer colour to the photo but because the colour is pale to begin with it wasn't possible?

:thumbsup:

The Iris is the outer ring of the eyes and the pupil is the inner circle of the Iris which is always dead center of the Iris.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Jan-2009/107353-AmericanPortrait005-1.jpg

[joolee]

Gosh, yes - thanks Baron. I know nothing about paintshop either so I need to get to it and put some studying hours in. It looks so much better in the darker shades. And you are right about the ear - hate them with a vengence and need to study them properly.

I did mean the pupil, rather than the iris (stupid woman that I am) - but I have just gone back and look at the original photo. I don't think it is central there either - I'm sure its slightly off. Something else I need to study....

Can I call myself Jools as Joolee is really not me at all?

Jools

[Striver]

Hi

2nd try in Acrylic on W/C paper, gessoed out the first one as yuck, once again its gone dark on me and will be easy to screw up again. Skin tone is my problem and I wonder how/if it can be lightened and HOW. I will put it away until tomorrow and hope that someone can help. There is a nice skin tone on the photograph and i would love to get it right when painting.

C&C most welcome
Cheers
Les:thumbsup:

[ALBuslovich]

Hi Jools,

thanks for your encouragement, I am just starting out to learn to tone my drawings. It is not hard for me to get the likeness in a portrait BUT it always ends there, so I never have finished drawings because they are all kind of flat.
I just bought "How to draw real people" by Hammond, I think you could call her the queen of shading?

Btw. not that I am an expert in any of this, but I think you do not need darker colours, but more contrast in your colours. It is just a feeling and I remember reading in one of my many books that you have to be boldly use contrasts to make your subject pop out. So maybe the green background or the shirt is to pale?

Alex

[arnoud3272]

I did mean the pupil, ... - but I have just gone back and look at the original photo. I don't think it is central there either - I'm sure its slightly off.
Hi Jools,

I have looked at the portrait images in the RIL. It is difficult to find good examples, they have to be frontal and high resolution. And very often the pupils are obscured by shadows, highlights and/or reflections. So after all, just drawing/painting them by formula is probably OK.
The results: almost always the pupil in one eye is not central, and judging on perspective cues, it is the one farther from the axis of the camera. So my conclusion is that it is a camera artifact, lens distortion because of the close distance.

[ALBuslovich]

I have got a copy of "Heads and Hands" by Andrew Loomis and maybe this page about eyes could help.

I love the book! From what I see the pupil would always be dead center, right?


Alex

[TheBaron]

I love the book! From what I see the pupil would always be dead center, right?
Alex

That is correct Alex,whatever the position of the Iris is looking, whether it be up,down,left,right the pupil will be dead center in the Iris or if you like...the circumference of the outer ring of the Iris should be equal all around the pupil.

[atelier_m]

Why wouldn't the laws of perspective apply? The iris, if seen in perspective, is an ellipse. The center of an ellipse seen at an oblique perspective is not at the halfway point. If you look at the Loomis diagram of the eyeballs alone, the second row from the top, the middle and right hand eyeballs ... the pupils are not equidistant from the edge of the iris. They are seen in perspective and we see more of the near half of the iris than the far half.

Or look at the center bottom eye in the same Loomis illustration (Two Eyes Working Together). We see much less of the far iris. There is a double contour there, one for the iris and the outer one for the clear lens.

Something adds to this problem. The pupil does not rest on the surface of the eye. The iris is bowl shaped with the pupil resting at the bottom center of the bowl. The clear lens above it distorts the position of the pupil, just like water in a glass distorts a straw in the glass. I'm not sure it would serve any purpose to show this in a portrait, but it can account for what you see in a photograph.

In addition, even when the eye faces the photographer or artist, if you are off center, either vertically or horizontally, from the pupil, since the iris is not flat but sloping down toward the pupil, you will begin to see the iris in perspective also. Put a quarter in the bottom of a bowl, set it on a table and look down into the center. Move up, down, right, left. The distance from the pupil to the edge will not remain equidistant.

Complicated stuff!

Mary

[Striver]

Hi all
No more time left now, life is back in the way demanding attention.

Still think I have gone as far as i can expect and actually think I have stretched myself for the good. As far as i am concerned it is as good as i can get. Would have appreciated some help on the hat texture, but another time perhaps when there is more time, (if ever).

C&C are welcome particulary if suggesting how it could be better. Been to the library and got several books on Acrylic painting, late night reading at least.

Enjoy life
Les:)

[ThreeWolves]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Jan-2009/98863-eye01.JPG

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/24-Jan-2009/98863-portrait01.JPG

These are my first attempt at the eye and the portrait. I don't think I found a likeness. I got to the point where I didn't know what else to change. C and C welcome.

[ALBuslovich]

ThreeWolves,

I think your problem is constructing the head. I have always started with the nose and then created the head
around it - AND HAD ALWAYS PROBLEMS TO FIND A LIKENESS. It is really gambling,
then I found "Fun with a pencil" by Andrew Loomis and he teaches to construct the head first and then the features fall into the
right places.


Alex

[ALBuslovich]

Here is a new attempt, tried it with a charcoal pencil.

[arnoud3272]

The eye study, finalized -- I think.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Jan-2009/142886-eye-study.jpg

Thanks for looking

[Lauren F-M]

I just found this thread - wow, have you all been busy! :eek:

So many wonderful portraits of this woman -- Annie, Colleen, Lawrence, Krista, Mette, Jools, Gayle, Les, Maw-t... and the rest of you -- Bravo! :clap: :clap:

Arnoud -- you have done a lovely job on that eye. :thumbsup:

Not sure I'll have time to participate. Am recovering from surgery and wrestling with a new computer. Looking forward to February's thread. :D

[atelier_m]

I just found this thread - wow, have you all been busy! :eek:

So many wonderful portraits of this woman -- Annie, Colleen, Lawrence, Krista, Mette, Jools, Gayle, Les, Maw-t... and the rest of you -- Bravo! :clap: :clap:

Arnoud -- you have done a lovely job on that eye. :thumbsup:

Not sure I'll have time to participate. Am recovering from surgery and wrestling with a new computer. Looking forward to February's thread. :D

Yes, I am very impressed by the work on this thread, too. First couple of weeks of the term are chaotic in my life and I'm finally settling down to work on this today! I have a chunk of time tomorrow, too.

George, thanks for leaving the trail of breadcrumbs to the larger image. Costco was happy and I picked my print up yesterday. :thumbsup:

Mary :)

[TheBaron]

Costco was happy and I picked my print up yesterday. :thumbsup:

Mary :)
Well Mary I'm afraid not all subjects will be huge to print out as that one, simply because I cannot find them without paying a small fee on (royalty free )sites:confused:

so basically its copying from the Laptop or computer screen because printing off a phot from computer you have to mess about with the colours to get it right.

Sorry for this folks but its very time consuming browsing the net for subjects and at the same time keeping within the guidlines of WC's conditions of copy laws.:(

I found some excellant photos but a small amount of monies had to be exchanged to get the rights to the source so cannot show these.

So what I do have is fairly decent to copy in the following months.

[ThreeWolves]

Thank you Alex. I actually do start with the head. I still have an interesting time finding the shape.

[atelier_m]

I found some excellant photos but a small amount of monies had to be exchanged to get the rights to the source so cannot show these.

So what I do have is fairly decent to copy in the following months.

Thanks for your hard work. I agree, it is difficult to find good copy with the rights to use it.

Mary

[sendaglue]

Here are my mom and my efforts for this project. First is my mom's, with the initial drawing and then I will post mine. C and C welcome!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Jan-2009/117479-P1010011.JPG

Here is where the painting is right now:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Jan-2009/117479-GS_wet_can_painting.jpg

And now my drawing:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Jan-2009/117479-P1010012A_wet_can.jpg

And the current progress on my painting:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Jan-2009/117479-P1010013A_wet_can.jpg

Again - C and C welcome for both of us! We had a rare chance to paint together, both of us belong to wetcanvas, and had a wonderful time painting and egging each other on.

Suzy

[joolee]

Thank you Alex & Mary for the explanations and diagrams of eyes. It just goes to show what complex beings we all are!

Suzy - love the really strong colours in both your painting and your mum's painting. This is something I am still struggling with but I think I have managed to get a bit more colour in. I'm not doing any more to it now as I have lost interest (because I have just received my new box of prismacolors - so am taken with them now - so fickle!)
Jools

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t284/smashersasha/prismacolors-Jan2009001.jpg

[Glenda Spinks]

Thanks Joolee for those kind words. Your colors matched the look on her face, which gave us a glimpse of the real person. I love this thread and hopefully we can keep it going. Thanks to all who took the time to look.
Glenda {mum]
p.s. wow, does the mistakes really show up ! nostrils are not right. forgot the red in the corner of her left eye. in fact the eyes are not right, one seems to be looking away. her skin tones need to be improved, skin looks blotchy [what a terrible word] and I could go on and on but will get back to work.:wave:

[Kimba_S]

I tried it in Watercolor.

24 x 24 cm, Paper Hahnemühle, Colors Schminke.

It's my 3rd attempt in painting a portrait and I am not satisfied with the shadows.

But I'm willing to learn and enjoy the monthly portrait painting very much.

Julia

[cleo99]

Well...I finished it in January...but just! Thank you for this challenge, this is my second go at this photo, and I think it is an improvement on the first. But as you can tell I have a long way to go.

Pastel on colorfix.

[TheBaron]

Well...I finished it in January...but just! Thank you for this challenge, this is my second go at this photo, and I think it is an improvement on the first. But as you can tell I have a long way to go.

Pastel on colorfix.

How do Cleo and everyone that took the time to take part in the start of this Monthly Challenge.

It was a difficult subject to take on mainly due to no shadows in the face and also because of it being a side on profile which even I have difficulty doing this type of pose,so congratulations for each and everyone who have taken the time to make this a worthwhile involvment with their portraits.

We can only get better with practice so come in and join the FEB MPC instead of looking. :thumbsup:

[CRYork]

George, I meant to do this portrait, but have been working on another one in the colored pencil forum, which I am finished with. I am going to try to get this portrait finished tonight. I have it drawn out on brown Mi Teintes paper, so I think I can have it done by midnight! Is that ok?

Char

[TheBaron]

George, I meant to do this portrait, but have been working on another one in the colored pencil forum, which I am finished with. I am going to try to get this portrait finished tonight. I have it drawn out on brown Mi Teintes paper, so I think I can have it done by midnight! Is that ok?

Char
No problem Charlotte.
The thread can be brought up at any time as any other threads in the forum are.

:thumbsup:

[CRYork]

I didn't get it done last night, too much going on...but, I will post it in this thread when I do get it finished, hopefully, in a couple of days.

Char

[CRYork]

I finally got to work on this. Better late than never! It is an 8x10, I used Prismacolor colored pencils on a green Mi Tientes textured paper. The paper was not a good choice, because I can't get the texture to not show on the face. I guess I can say it is stylized!:lol:

So, George, how did I do on the likeness, and on everything else? Will gladly accept C&C from anyone.:)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Feb-2009/70412-img466.jpg
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Feb-2009/70412-portraitclassjan.jpg
Char

[Dana Design]

I'd say this is an excellent likeness. One hint: Usually the upper lip is always a bit darker than the bottom. Try darkening it and it will give a better sense of depth around the mouth.

[TheBaron]

I finally got to work on this. Better late than never! It is an 8x10, I used Prismacolor colored pencils on a green Mi Tientes textured paper. The paper was not a good choice, because I can't get the texture to not show on the face. I guess I can say it is stylized!:lol:

So, George, how did I do on the likeness, and on everything else? Will gladly accept C&C from anyone.:)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Feb-2009/70412-img466.jpg

Char

Canary yellow over the darkest areas and then light poppy red over it might of given you her skintone colour? mind you I've never used pencils do they blend into each other good?
Likeness is fine.

[CRYork]

I added some sand (which is a yellow), some golden brown, and some light peach to the skin tones. Colored pencil does usually blend well, and there are several methods to do that, but on the colored, textured paper like this, it is harder to blend it. I am new to using the colored paper.

Here is the re-work:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Feb-2009/70412-img467.jpg
Thanks for the critiques!

Char