Feb:Monthly Portrait Challenge

[TheBaron]

Greetings And A Warm Welcome to Febuarys monthly portrait challenge.

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.


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 along with the photograph. The photo will only be accepted if it is of high quality and definition. Photographs may vary from formal to casual, however, please keep in mind copyright law.

This months subject is a man of the cloth,regardless of whom it is has no relevance and is taken as the exercise/challenge.
One or two members were dissapointed last month because there was no shadows in the subject so this months subject has character elements :-) it has a sort of rembrandt lighting to it and makes a good composition to draw,paint.

Lets see what you can do with this one lol

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

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jan-2009/107353-overview_large.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jan-2009/107353-subpage_ear.jpg

[Mikey]

Well George this is a challenge with such a tiny photo, even if it is a very professional one at that.

[TheBaron]

Well George this is a challenge with such a tiny photo, even if it is a very professional one at that.

Work from the screen Mikey:D thats what I do when I can't enlarge the photo.

Sorry but FREE photos of good quality and size are few and far between.:(

[Mikey]

Never mind I've begun it anyway.

[TheBaron]

Never mind I've begun it anyway.

Do I have your approval that it makes a good subject? despite its size.:wink2:

[Mikey]

Couldn't resist george.

[Mikey]

Oils 8 x 8 inches

I'll take a half decent photo in daylight tomorrow.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jan-2009/28043-Rowan.jpg

[Mikey]

This it by morning light

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Feb-2009/28043-Rowan_2.jpg

[billmahler]

This is a marvellous reference foto, but I don't have time to do such an ambitious pose, so I'll do part of it.

[Mikey]

Let's see it Bill.

[TheBaron]

This is a marvellous reference foto, but I don't have time to do such an ambitious pose, so I'll do part of it.

I thought so too Bill.
Do what you think Bill but the purpose of posting the full image is because theres a hand study there as well,the background is not too much of a challenge for the ambitious.

I will be doing a study myself before the end of the month,gonna try a blocking in approach on this as the shadows dominantly define the face.

[Mette Rörström]

Thank you, George. For this ref.I love the dark background and the color on his.....?....the purple...thing. And the hands:). I will start painting right away..

[couturej]

Mikey, very nice portrait! I love your bold brushwork.

Here's mine for this month. I don't think I captured the likeness but it was fun. He kinda has a mad scientist look. Golden Open acrylics on canvas 8X10.

Thank you George for starting this challenge! :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Feb-2009/84697-IMG_6445_resized.jpg

[Randa2000]

very nice Mikey
nice photo George thank you
can i post it here but with pencil ?

[gaykir]

Good grief - we're two days in from the original post and look at all the work!! This will be a busy month. I'm working on a commission, the challenge in the Arylics forum is a portrait I can't resist and now this one. So many great subjects! Thanks George.

[producer4u]

Great challenge for practice. I decided to do a sketch and work on my drawing more than dealing with color. This is pencil on paper approx. 11"x16".

Please point any problem areas you see and thanks for looking!

Johnny

[TheBaron]

very nice Mikey
nice photo George thank you
can i post it here but with pencil ?

Did you read the beginning post radar :wink2:

[TheBaron]

I have done the initial drawing but will wait for daylight to take a pic.

Must say my nerves are well and truly gone when it comes to drawing now and it will be evident when I post the drawing. :(

[Randa2000]

i am new to pencil sketch ,i liked to share my first sketch here
thank youhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Feb-2009/121987-WC_portrait.JPG

[TheBaron]

Can't take a decent pic because the drawing is so light,so here it is on an old canvas I'm going over as you can see the previous paint showing up.

Drawing is not important to me so long as the initial outlay is there for me to work to on painting it.

Size 15"x11"

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Feb-2009/107353-Picture.jpg

[TheBaron]

Thank you, George. For this ref.I love the dark background and the color on his.....?....the purple...thing. And the hands:). I will start painting right away..

I think the cloth is known a "Scarlet" in the church Mette,although "Scarlet is lighter than that shown in the pic.

[TheBaron]

Mikey, very nice portrait! I love your bold brushwork.

Here's mine for this month. I don't think I captured the likeness but it was fun. He kinda has a mad scientist look. Golden Open acrylics on canvas 8X10.

Thank you George for starting this challenge! :)



"He kinda has a mad scientist look"
:lol::lol::lol: people in the UK would agree with you Janet.

You're welcome for the challenge but if ya feel like having another go don't let it stop ya. :thumbsup:

[Mikey]

Producer, I hate to be a critic, but think you have a slight skew. The eyes, nose and mouth are pretty well accurate but the whole head isn't leaning over to the viewers left enough.

Thanks Couture.

George, this photo gives tremendous lesson in the use of edges. The photographer seems to have a good amount of knowledge on classical painting.

[TheBaron]

George, this photo gives tremendous lesson in the use of edges. The photographer seems to have a good amount of knowledge on classical painting.

Yep,just a pity it wasn't on a larger scale:( working from the monitor at the mo on his viewers left arm and lo and behold the damn monitor has started to go on the blink...keeps switching itself off and I have to wait half hour or so to get it working again and then it only stays on for 10/15 minutes at a time.

sheeeesh! it never rains but pours with me and me problems I swear someone up there has got it in for me:eek:

[bchlvr]

Fantastic portraits so far!

[doctasi]

9 1/2 by 12 1/2 inch watercolor and color pencil on 90 lb. paper. It was scanned and is darker than actual work.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Feb-2009/135953-2-1-2009_8;01;26_PM.jpg

[TheBaron]

Not as fast as you lot :D but I do like to get some realism into my paintings and that takes time and as I have a month that gives me time to leave it alone and do other things and come back to it before the paint becomes tacky.

I'm at this stage and will let it dry for a day? and start to refine the folds and deepen the cloth.

sorry for the flash rebound. :o

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Feb-2009/107353-Picture_006.jpg

[taffy]

Rowan Williams A.B. of C 8 x 10 acrylic on mat board. ( the board started to seperate while doing the crimson/scarlet robe, so had to leave it,http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Feb-2009/113459-Grid_lines.JPG http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Feb-2009/113459-Rowan_Williams.JPG to much water!!!).
Brian

[TheBaron]

Why is everyone wanting to do a one minute wonder portrait? ya can't learn and improve by doing that, what I have learnt is I should reduce my canvas size from 30x26 to smaller dimensions because it seems I'm at my best on a smaller scale.

Nuff said.:p

[doppler]

I think I'll be in this one too!

[Mette Rörström]

I desided to do it in oil this time.This is where I am so far...lots of work to do yet..
:)


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Feb-2009/130835-DSCN0757.jpg

[taffy]

Why is everyone wanting to do a one minute wonder portrait? ya can't learn and improve by doing that, what I have learnt is I should reduce my canvas size from 30x26 to smaller dimensions because it seems I'm at my best on a smaller scale.

Nuff said.:p

My one minute wonder took me five hours, 8 x 10 acylic, I think I have learnt a lot from this, but cant see the sense in trying to make it last for a month,when the acrylic dries as fast as a speeding car, maybe i'm in the wrong place. (back to CP which does take forever).
Brian

[TheBaron]

My one minute wonder took me five hours, 8 x 10 acylic, I think I have learnt a lot from this, but cant see the sense in trying to make it last for a month,when the acrylic dries as fast as a speeding car, maybe i'm in the wrong place. (back to CP which does take forever).
Brian

How do Brian

When I say 1 minute wonder I don't mean stretch it over the month I mean strive to better the portrait each time you start one.

I noticed you lightened the photograph do you have problems doing dark shadows?
what I mean is your portrait lacks a few real shadows and you have used make-up to overide that problem.
I don't think I'm being harsh here and apologies if you think that but the whole point of the MPC is to get each and everyone of us to better their goal in doing portraits.
You have the ability to draw or paint a head and facial features at a reasonable level,why stop there?

[billmahler]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Feb-2009/111636-bishopshands1.jpg
Oil on board
8X10
This is about 2/3 done, but I thought I'd let you see it so far.
I'll let this tack up a bit before scumbling in some more light color in the hands and fixing up some of the values.
I've been looking for hands to paint, and these were particularly expressive.
How does it look?

[TheBaron]

Oil on board
8X10
This is about 2/3 done, but I thought I'd let you see it so far.
I'll let this tack up a bit before scumbling in some more light color in the hands and fixing up some of the values.
I've been looking for hands to paint, and these were particularly expressive.
How does it look?

:thumbsup:

A lot better than my hands are going at the mo bill,dang! because of the way they're situated I'm making mud and keep having to wipe paint off to get the hands looking right.

[David Baker]

Ok-george You Have Talked Me Into Doing This Painting. I Will Start Today And Post As I Go. I Have To Work For 6 More Months Before Retirement, So Teach Me How To Do Portraits.

David

[Dana Design]

Bill, those hands look beautiful! You've given such strength to them. I wouldn't touch them with another dab of paint. Well done!

[Mette Rörström]

hi!
here it is agin...
(sorry it is a bit shiny...wet paint.)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Feb-2009/130835-DSCN0763.JPG

[TheBaron]

Getting there slowly but surely,looks like I need to have a relationship with drawing and painting the hands now:( oh hum.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Feb-2009/107353-hand.jpg

[David Baker]

here is my drawing.

DAVID

[TheBaron]

hi!
here it is agin...
(sorry it is a bit shiny...wet paint.)



Thats not bad Mette,helluva difference against your previous one :thumbsup:

[TheBaron]

here is my drawing.

DAVID

Nice David,will you be glazing it? :thumbsup:

[Striver]

George
Nice subject and challenge.
I fell over and dunked my camera in the sea, so need to buy another, digital and trying to find out what is suitable for our kind of work. Any details on this photograph. Digital, what MP. Wondering if more mp is better resoltion, when enlarging this one on my computor it pixelates, hence the question. Good if you can help.
Thoughts on whether to show the back pannelling or dark shadow which also is impressive would be appreciated, guess it's our own decision anyway. still disussion is good.
WIll start later this week with whole.
Take some keeping up with you guys, speed and quality so high, well done.
Regards
Les

[TheBaron]

George
Nice subject and challenge.
I fell over and dunked my camera in the sea, so need to buy another, digital and trying to find out what is suitable for our kind of work. Any details on this photograph. Digital, what MP. Wondering if more mp is better resoltion, when enlarging this one on my computor it pixelates, hence the question. Good if you can help.
Thoughts on whether to show the back pannelling or dark shadow which also is impressive would be appreciated, guess it's our own decision anyway. still disussion is good.
WIll start later this week with whole.
Take some keeping up with you guys, speed and quality so high, well done.
Regards
Les

This any good Les? not worth going over the brightness level as it would detract from the good composition it is.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Feb-2009/107353-overview_largeb.jpg

[TheBaron]

Hi All
This is slightly bigger and might not be so pixelated when printed out?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Feb-2009/107353-2003-02-27_a_lg.jpg

[Striver]

Cheers
Les

[Mette Rörström]

Thats not bad Mette,helluva difference against your previous one :thumbsup:
Thank You,Georg!
I realy need the practice..painting portrait with oils is difficult. I always have problems with skinn colors.:)

[TheBaron]

Thank You,Georg!
I realy need the practice..painting portrait with oils is difficult. I always have problems with skinn colors.:)

You're not alone,skin tones are the bain of painting portraits some artist just have the knack on mixing them.

start with a basic pallete and stick with them for a while

Cadium Red
Yellow Ochre
Burnt Umber or Raw Umber
Titanium White
Virdian
Ultra Marine Blue
This will give a good range to work with,mix the skintones starting with Yellow Ochre and add increments of Cad Red and Titanium white,adding the other colours in increments will alter the skintones.
:thumbsup:

[Mette Rörström]

Georg..Thank you! This is the color I normaly use. I think I need practice on mixing them :) When I got them on the canvas it sometimes ends up as mudd. I will continue to follow this thread.Mmaybe I can get it rigth after a while.

[David Baker]

yes, working on shadows now--or when i can get away from my office.;

[Glenda Spinks]

What a marvelous photo. I liked last month's also , enjoyed hunting out the different shadows in her face. Here is my blocking in stage. I looking forward to seeing if I can pull him out of the shadows. All C & C are welcome and thank you , George , for this thread and thanks to all for looking.
I am using pastels on Wallis paper.:wave: having trouble inserting my pic, will have to ask daughter for a little help. darn ! I hate getting old !

[astarvinartist]

I'd like to have a go at this if that's okay. It will be my first participation on WC. I hope to make a start next week.
I've first got to find my way around the site, I normally post on DA.

[David Baker]

I have some of the shading done, its a little rough now.

DAVID

[TheBaron]

What a marvelous photo. I liked last month's also , enjoyed hunting out the different shadows in her face. Here is my blocking in stage. I looking forward to seeing if I can pull him out of the shadows. All C & C are welcome and thank you , George , for this thread and thanks to all for looking.
I am using pastels on Wallis paper.:wave: having trouble inserting my pic, will have to ask daughter for a little help. darn ! I hate getting old !

Normally if the pic doesn't upload Glenda its because the pic is too big and uploader can't convert it to the size required?

[billmahler]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Feb-2009/111636-bishopshands2.jpg

Here are his finished hands.
The darks love glare, so some of the darks are messed up.

I'm fascinated by how the others are coming.
Nice drawing, David.

[David Baker]

Thanks Bill, Those Hands You Did Is Great. I Am Having Trouble With His Left Hand And His Eye Glasses Is Off. Have To Fix It Tomorrow, I'm Whipped For This Day.

David

[kadon]

I'll see if I can get started on this. Kathy

[Striver]

David, great work and your web page also. What youve done up to now, is it all graphite (pencil). Watching with interets
Cheers
Les

[David Baker]

No -- That Is Vandyke Brown. This Is A Oil Painting Or Will Be I Hope.

Just The First Layer, Shadows.

David

[TheBaron]

I have some of the shading done, its a little rough now.

DAVID

Nice under painting David
Is the moustach finished? I ask because it doesn't look as though you pencilled it in.

[Striver]

Doing a grisaille in Brown? thanks for coming back
Cheers
Les

[terri66]

I was more interested in pushing the colour than anything else this time around. It's coloured conte and rembrandt pastels on gessoed watercolour paper, about 8 x 10". There is a hand study in my future as well using the same methodology but on a different surface. This took about 2 hours.

[David Baker]

No Baron I Just Roughed The Moustach And Beard In. Just Kind Of Outlined There Position. I Have Never Painted Either Before . Was Thinking I Would Paint It Like Hair Since Thats What It Is--just Stiffer?
Any Help From You Baron,could Use Some.
David

[Dana Design]

Terri66, very good likeness! Terrific color! I like it! You've absolutely caught the essence of this man's gaze.

[Dana Design]

No Baron I Just Roughed The Moustach And Beard In. Just Kind Of Outlined There Position. I Have Never Painted Either Before . Was Thinking I Would Paint It Like Hair Since Thats What It Is--just Stiffer?
Any Help From You Baron,could Use Some.
David

An important thing that I learned when doing portraits with beards is to make sure the actual skin color is painted in first and THEN, place the hair on top of it. Use variegated colors to denote the hair as a beard has many colors to it.

[billmahler]

Terri66
You really caught his attitude and expression nicely
Well done

[TheBaron]

No Baron I Just Roughed The Moustach And Beard In. Just Kind Of Outlined There Position. I Have Never Painted Either Before . Was Thinking I Would Paint It Like Hair Since Thats What It Is--just Stiffer?
Any Help From You Baron,could Use Some.
David

I don't do glazing David and what I do to represent hair might not work with glazing? pertaing to the moustache and beard area I would put a darkish layer over the beard&moustache area and let it dry,then I would put a slightly lighter layer than the previous layer and let this dry completely.
I would then put a whitish layer over the beard&moustache and let it become tacky and get my pointed scraper(pic below) and scrape away the white to reveal the dark layer below everso carefully and randomly.

but as I said I do this Alla Prima and not Glazing.

Scraper...and below this is the technique done.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Feb-2009/107353-107353-Picture.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Feb-2009/107353-107353-Picture_029.jpg

[terri66]

Thanks Bill and Dana, I'm starting to experiment with Colorfix's palette from the pastel class forum, Still life the colourful way while doing Don's figurative and portrait class as well.
Bill, I really enjoyed seeing how well you depicted his hands.
David, your under-painting is progressing nicely too.

[David Baker]

thanks Dana -Bill -and The Baron for the advice, Im not sure what ill do yet.
boy Baron that scraper rilly shows every hair. thanks for that trick--i will remember it. I usually work with a bigger canvas than this 14in x 18in but im having fun with it. Here is where i am now.

DAVID

when i vew this pix with paint shop pro it looks great, but viewed with windows it looks to dark. go figure that.

[David Baker]

thats about what it looks like.
DAVID

[TheBaron]

when i vew this pix with paint shop pro it looks great, but viewed with windows it looks to dark. go figure that.

This is the problem with uploaders to their site it destroys colour and sometimes the photo,it has been proved through a few sites.

There's been times the colour representation on my monitor photo has differed to that I have upload and yet all I have done is resized the photo in paintshop.

[Glenda Spinks]

[URL="http://C:\GlendaM\MyDocuments\feb.wetcanvas"http://C:\GlendaM\MyDocuments\feb.wetcanvas[/URL]

Hope this works

[TheBaron]

Hope this works

How do Glenda,fraid it did not upload.

See this artical and at the bottom it has consecutive pages ie 1.2.3.4 to help you understand how to upload,print them out if need be?
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Articles2/44487/496/

[Glenda Spinks]

Thanks George, will read and learn how.

[TheBaron]

Here is where i am now.


This is getting to be a good painting,love the wood. :thumbsup:

[kadon]

Posting rough beginnings: The eye on his right is a bit too high, but I intent to work on the section between the two eyes to bring it into alignment...and of course I am working on the tones/placements.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Feb-2009/118422-portrait_latest.jpg

Kathy

[kadon]

Have done a bit more: I still have to work on the corner of his left eye but I am waiting for that part to dry first....so continued on.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Feb-2009/118422-Photo.jpg

Kathy

[arnoud3272]

Thank you, George, for this reference.
I hesitated a bit before joining in this thread - it is no longer considered a classroom, and the first days it looked rather like a race.
I decided to jump in after all. This is after 3 days -- OK, not man-days but still - I am not sure that I can finish within a month.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Feb-2009/142886-prelate-wip-1.jpg

Size A4, mechanical pencils: 2H, HB and 2B

Thanks for looking.

[Dana Design]

Arnoud, and everyone! Take your time on your work...it's a monthly challenge. Some of us paint faster than others and there is no hurry to finish a painting. Some of us work and paint in our spare time. Please don't feel rushed as you have the rest of the month to finish it. Posting updates is a learning exercise for all of us and I'm impressed by the quality of the work I'm seeing.

[BermudaArt]

Some great work shown already in this thread. I am finishing a few projects and then travelling in a few days but I will get started on this next week.

Keep up the good work everyone! :thumbsup:

[Striver]

Hi all:wave:
Made a start and like the study so much gone to canvas 30x20 inches.
After enless hours here is stage 1 the drawing, lets see how we get on applying Acrylic my difficulty, still it is a learning curve.
Tempt in Auckland 27c & sticky
Enjoy life, it is for real
Les:thumbsup:

C&Cwelcome

[Dana Design]

Striver, I like this beginning! Looks like you've made him friendlier and more approachable. I like it.

[Striver]

Thanks
Les:wave:

[David Baker]

Nice Work Kathy And A Good Drawing From Striver-waiting For The Paint..here Is Where I Am Today.

[TheBaron]

Nice Work Kathy And A Good Drawing From Striver-waiting For The Paint..here Is Where I Am Today.

Good start on the colour David,problem with mine at the mo is I didn't make enough robe colour mix to complete it overall:( now I have to either make a larger batch and go over it again or hit lucky and try to match the existing colour?

[TheBaron]

Thank you, George, for this reference.
I hesitated a bit before joining in this thread - it is no longer considered a classroom, and the first days it looked rather like a race.
I decided to jump in after all. This is after 3 days -- OK, not man-days but still - I am not sure that I can finish within a month.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Feb-2009/142886-prelate-wip-1.jpg

Size A4, mechanical pencils: 2H, HB and 2B

Thanks for looking.
Looks a bit like Chairman Mao at the mo Arnoud :D :thumbsup:

[kadon]

I meant to add that I welcome any C& C George and/or David. Kathy

[TheBaron]

This is at this stage at the mo,will have to layer another coat over the viewers left as that batch of paint was opaquish and wasn't happy with the colour anyway.

C&C as always I won't bite. :D

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Feb-2009/107353-Picture_036.jpg

[Striver]

David, appreciate your stages, more the better for me on this learning curve.
Cheers
Les

[kadon]

Thanks for encouragement Dave....I I appreciate the way you are going about your painting....much for me to learn. Kathy

[kadon]

I also appreciate very much your step by step WIP's George..thank you.
Kathy

[David Baker]

George Is Right --make Sure You Mix Enough Color For That Shirt
Thing, I Hope I Have Enough To Finish It With. I,ll Never Get That Mix Right- Twice. I Did Think About It George, Thought I Mixed Enough, But Not Sure Now. Had Company Over Today, Didn't Paint As Much As I Wanted.

[David Baker]

HAY ARNOUD, AS GEORGE SAID (Push yourself to the limit and think of it as being in an art classroom) FOR ME IT IS TO PRACTICE ON SHADOWS,LIGHT,A LIT UP FACE IN A DARK BACKGROUND. HAY -WE WILL JUST HAVE FUN AT OUR OWN PACE. JUST TAKE YOUR TIME AND HAVE FUN. ASK AS MANY QUESTIONS AS YOU LIKE. WE ALL WILL HELP IF WE CAN.

DAVID

[TheBaron]

I meant to add that I welcome any C& C George and/or David. Kathy

Too early to comment yet Kathy :thumbsup: but put some of that forhead colour into the left viewers nose side and make the lower lips more prominent and half moon shape.

[TheBaron]

George Is Right --make Sure You Mix Enough Color For That Shirt
Thing, I Hope I Have Enough To Finish It With. I,ll Never Get That Mix Right- Twice. I Did Think About It George, Thought I Mixed Enough, But Not Sure Now. Had Company Over Today, Didn't Paint As Much As I Wanted.

Lesson learnt,damn normally I make a pile so must have had something nagging away at me? to not realise there won't be enough on me plate(pallette) :D

[arnoud3272]

Looks a bit like Chairman Mao at the mo Arnoud :D :thumbsup:
Had the same thought myself George!:lol:

Cheers,
Arnoud

[David Baker]

If Anyone Is Interested I Mixed That Color With
Alizarin Crimson--titanium White---vandyke Brown And A Touch Of Pathalo Blue. Be Careful With That Blue. As You Paint The Shadows With Vandyke Brown The Color Becomes Just The Right Match.

David

[TinaC]

I thought I would participate in your challenge this month, I normally hang out in the figure forum. I attempted last months but had a medium crisis as I attempted gouache for the first time and found out its not my friend. I think this is a very good reference although I had to crop it as its only 12" x 14" pastel on suede matboard but I may do a full size painting too. Let me know what you think, its not finished yet but I think I am losing more than I am gaining with my latest edits and am leaving it alone for a bit.

Good work everyone else, too many to comment on right now but I am watching with great interest.

Thanks to Baron for such an inspired choice this month.


Started last night diving straight in with no measuring, when will I ever learn?
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Feb-2009/117326-IMG_3804a_1.jpg


Didnt think I had 'got' him when I looked at it this morning and so this....!
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Feb-2009/117326-IMG_3807b_2.jpg

[TheBaron]

I thought I would participate in your challenge this month, I normally hang out in the figure forum. I attempted last months but had a medium crisis as I attempted gouache for the first time and found out its not my friend. I think this is a very good reference although I had to crop it as its only 12" x 14" pastel on suede matboard but I may do a full size painting too. Let me know what you think, its not finished yet but I think I am losing more than I am gaining with my latest edits and am leaving it alone for a bit.

Thanks to Baron for such an inspired choice this month.

Started last night diving straight in with no measuring, when will I ever learn?

Didnt think I had 'got' him when I looked at it this morning and so this....!

How do Tina
You have the head done Ok but you still need to get some likeness into the face,concentrate on the shadows within the eyes area and try to simulate those shadows and it will fall into place I promise:D this man has one dominent feature of his character and thats his eyebrows,you can see how they curl by observing the left viewers eye just above the rim of the spectacles.
Work that nose more as its there but there's something missing:wink2:
Draw what you see and as stated it will fall into place just observe closely and take time to glance over your work and the photo.

Thanks for that.
Stay with us each month has a different subject. :thumbsup:

[Striver]

David, interested for sure, thanks please continue I am very weak on mixing.
Tina, really looks good.
Regards
Les

[gakinme]

Thank you for the photo references, George. Here's my practice on the ear. Prismacolor pencils on scrap paper. This is harder than I thought. So many bumps and curves in an ear.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Feb-2009/86669-ear.JPG

[David Baker]

Good Morning --george, I Think,where You Are At Its Morning. I Hope You Are Painting. It Looks Better And Better Each Day. I Hade Plenty Of That Mix, As It Turned Out. Here Is Where I Am At Now. Don't Let Me Get To Tight With Those Edges, As You Know I Tend To Do.

[Striver]

George, David
You both have painted the cassock RED. I wonder if this is an underpainting? on my monitor it is purple. Can I assume he is a Bishop, and are we allowed to know who he is out of interest?
Cheers
Les

[TheBaron]

George, David
You both have painted the cassock RED. I wonder if this is an underpainting? on my monitor it is purple. Can I assume he is a Bishop, and are we allowed to know who he is out of interest?
Cheers
Les

He's an Archbishop
Who do you see here wearing red,the ones at the back or the one s at the front?

http://www.abbaswatchman.com/scarlet%20purple%20Catholic%20church.bmp

[arnoud3272]

Can I assume he is a Bishop, and are we allowed to know who he is out of interest?

Hi Les,
Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury.
I didn't know - it was already revealed by Brian ("taffy").
In Wikipedia you can find a picture of his brows that are worth a study in themselves.

Edit: Hi George, we crossposted

[Striver]

Arnoud,George, thank you for coming back.
I now know his name and title, great
George, do not follow you with the one at the front or back, isnt there only one subject?
On my monitor yours and Davids painting shows a RED cassock, the photo on my monitor shows a purple one. Question is, what is the right color, yes could be my monitor playing up.
Kind regards
Les

[TheBaron]

Arnoud,George, thank you for coming back.
I now know his name and title, great
George, do not follow you with the one at the front or back, isnt there only one subject?
On my monitor yours and Davids painting shows a RED cassock, the photo on my monitor shows a purple one. Question is, what is the right color, yes could be my monitor playing up.
Kind regards
Les

The photo is showing purple and I have painted it crimson.
All monitors will show a different colour to that of another monitor,if you go to post 45 and 44 you will see or should see a difference in colour of the cassock.

[Striver]

Noted
Les

[kadon]

I don't do glazing David and what I do to represent hair might not work with glazing? pertaing to the moustache and beard area I would put a darkish layer over the beard&moustache area and let it dry,then I would put a slightly lighter layer than the previous layer and let this dry completely.
I would then put a whitish layer over the beard&moustache and let it become tacky and get my pointed scraper(pic below) and scrape away the white to reveal the dark layer below everso carefully and randomly.

but as I said I do this Alla Prima and not Glazing.

Scraper...and below this is the technique done.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Feb-2009/107353-107353-Picture.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Feb-2009/107353-107353-Picture_029.jpg

This is brilliant! Kathy

[TheBaron]

This is brilliant! Kathy
The threads here Kathy. :thumbsup:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=530816

http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=530849

[ThreeWolves]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Feb-2009/98863-PICT4413.JPG

This is what I have so far. C and C welcome. I think I am close to a likeness even. grin. I am working with conte'. I don't know if I have the currage to add color. Skin tones is something I haven't ventured into yet.

[ThreeWolves]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Feb-2009/98863-PICT4414.JPG
Here is where I am at. C and C welcome

[TheBaron]

Thank you for the photo references, George. Here's my practice on the ear. Prismacolor pencils on scrap paper. This is harder than I thought. So many bumps and curves in an ear.



There's your mistake Sandra
You where looking at it as bumps instead of shadows&shapes:D

You were a bit over zealous with the pencils I gotta say I would have just used 3 pencils on that Brown,Orange and Red the white would probably been the backing paper media.

Good effort though.:D

[gakinme]

Okay, George. I'll try it again. Thanks for the tip. Brown, orange and red. Okay, just 3 colors.

[TheBaron]

Okay, George. I'll try it again. Thanks for the tip. Brown, orange and red. Okay, just 3 colors.

Dunno how ya blend with those pencils? I'd imagine a Q-tip would help?

[TheBaron]

Just the viewers left top half of the robe(Casock) to redo again now and thats it finished.
I must say I've had more fun watching my carpet fade than painting the robe:(

C&C
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Feb-2009/107353-1.jpg

[TheBaron]

I'm gonna start on the face now,maybe? and I just realised how great it is when doing a portrait of someone wearing spectacles.

We can isolate the layering in of the skintone and work on it as and we feel like ie complete the forhead then leave it alone for hours or days without the need to complete the whole face in one session Ala Prima wise.

This also must be a god send for the Acrylics buffs out there where you have work as fast as you can before the paint dries(sad).

Anyway bet you're all waiting to see his kipper :D

[Lell]

Better late than never, I will give this a go since i have only ever painted 1 portrait and we are also doing potrait painting at art class for 10 weeks.

[TheBaron]

Better late than never, I will give this a go since i have only ever painted 1 portrait and we are also doing potrait painting at art class for 10 weeks.

Tsk! late as usual Lell

Anyway welcome to WC and portraiture,its the place to be :thumbsup:

[kadon]

Ta muchly for the threads George.

[Mette Rörström]

hi!
I love to watch your work, step by step.:thumbsup:
I was bored this morning, so I did a new portrait.
Rembrandt pastel on canson paper.20 x 24 cm.


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Feb-2009/130835-DSCN0779.JPG

[TinaC]

Well I am a dummy, I picked the second photo to work from because I liked the hands better then didnt include them.:lol: So I have been working from what I consider to be the less good head reference. I tried to get a better understanding of the mouth area by looking at the first ref but I have struggled with the likeness a bit. So here it is, a good excercise in any case and if I do a full painting in oils maybe I will use the hands of one and the head of the other. Not a great photo I'm afraid, it melds more in real life.

Good work everyone else. Mr Threewolves I have seen your self portrait posts and think you did a good job with this especially round the eye area, keep at it!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Feb-2009/117326-IMG_3814_2_edited-1.jpg

[billmahler]

Well done, August999
Snappy colors.

[TheBaron]

Ta muchly for the threads George.

On the same teqnique I was experimenting with grass...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Feb-2009/107353-107353-grass.JPG

Could have been better but it was a test on not so smooth canvas and it worked,had it had been smooth the result would have been better.

thats enough on that going of topic here:D

[Mette Rörström]

Hi! I have worked more on this...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Feb-2009/130835-DSCN0782.JPG

[Striver]

Neat folds George, quite natural and I like the hand.
Les

[ThreeWolves]

Thank you August999, I feel I am slowly getting better.

[kadon]

Thanks again George. Kathy

[David Baker]

There is some good work on these pages since yesterday. I did a little today, realy tired of that robe, not much of it left to do. Could of been a better picture.

[David Baker]

I ment to say better picture of my painting. to light.

[TheBaron]

Do these specs look uniform? Ta.

Dang! just realised whilst looking at this the joing bits of the frame are missing,the bits that join the nose bridge...sheeesh! thought they looked odd. :D

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Feb-2009/107353-head.jpg

[Roxie Real]

The robe and background look great David. can't wait to see how you do the face and hands. Roxie

[TheBaron]

There is some good work on these pages since yesterday. I did a little today, realy tired of that robe, not much of it left to do. Could of been a better picture.

How ya getting on David? I can see why not a lot of people are doing this now:( the face a specs are a toughie even for me:crying: but I must prevail otherwise I've wasted my time attempting it.

[David Baker]

George, do you ever sleep? I think its like 3:am in Liverpool. I know what you mean, don't feel like finishing it because you have in your mind. I think we all do that, at least I do. If I ever finish that robe I will be fine.
thanks Roxie I’m trying.

[TheBaron]

George, do you ever sleep? I think its like 3:am in Liverpool. I know what you mean, don't feel like finishing it because you have in your mind. I think we all do that, at least I do. If I ever finish that robe I will be fine.
thanks Roxie I’m trying.

3:45 actually,I get bouts of insomnia David :(

[kadon]

George...Keep going...your efforts are most inspiring and enlghtening even if we are not doing the robe. Yes, I will be working on the face and specs. soon - which, latter, I thing is a bit tough....but there you go....Kathy

[David Baker]

George That Is Great Drawing With Paint On Those Rems And I Like The Flesh Color, Good Blending, The Roundnes Of His Head. I See You Blocked In His Beard Like I Did.

[TheBaron]

George...Keep going...your efforts are most inspiring and enlghtening even if we are not doing the robe. Yes, I will be working on the face and specs. soon - which, latter, I thing is a bit tough....but there you go....Kathy

Thanks Kathy will percy vere :D come hail or snow...mind we're due some more snow over here.

Just wish he did'nt have weird eyebrows.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Feb-2009/107353-head1.jpg

[David Baker]

Kandon, I Just Checked Out Your Home Page. That Is A Great Painting Of The Water-fall. George Isn't Going To Stop, It's To Good Of A Painting To Stop Now.

[TheBaron]

Kandon, I Just Checked Out Your Home Page. That Is A Great Painting Of The Water-fall. George Isn't Going To Stop, It's To Good Of A Painting To Stop Now.

Well I think I need some sleep,starting to make mistakes...can you tell where :lol:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/07-Feb-2009/107353-head2.jpg

[kadon]

Well thank you Dan for your appreciation of my Waterfall.

And George...I keep hearing about snow in your part of the world (Lots of painting projects have snow as their subject)...but here we have just had temperatures of over 46 degrees...fires everywhere. It's been called the hottest day on the planet. Smoke everywhere... hot strong winds....roads blocked....a lot caused by fire bugs.....46 people dead...apart from many who died from heat related causes.

Kathy

[David Baker]

Well I think I need some sleep,starting to make mistakes...can you tell where

NO I CAN'T, LOOKS LIKE IT IS COMING ALONG TO ME.

[Dana Design]

How ya getting on David? I can see why not a lot of people are doing this now:( the face a specs are a toughie even for me:crying: but I must prevail otherwise I've wasted my time attempting it.


This may sound crazy but whenever I have to do a portrait with specs, I paint in the face first, complete with eyes, eyebrows and THEN I paint the glasses on. Taking into account, of course, that the colors of the eyes behind the glasses will be a variance of color from the normal skin tones.

Somehow it works for me.

Looking good, George!

[arnoud3272]

Hi everyone,
Very intriguing to study all the nice work. I am partly colorblind, so I will stick to graphite.
Here is an update on my efforts. Mao is gone.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Feb-2009/142886-R_Williams-wip-2.jpg

[Striver]

Arnoud, that is looking good wrinkles skin & hair realistic. Are you blending or circulism,perhaps both.

George, I will be brave enough to ask what your skin colors are and how you are doing them. Would like to get away from my hit & miss, more miss than hits.
Cheers
Les

[arnoud3272]

Arnoud, that is looking good wrinkles skin & hair realistic. Are you blending or circulism,perhaps both.

Hi Les, thank you for the encouragement.
No blending, I intended this to be an exercise in pencil techniques. Skin is a circulism practice, the background is very tight crosshatching, the hair is directional lines + circulism for the very dark "solid" parts. Found the suggestions in the D&S Classroom, classes 101 - 33 Advanced realistic portraiture and 102 - 7 Negative drawing.

Cheers,
Arnoud

[TheBaron]

Arnoud, that is looking good wrinkles skin & hair realistic. Are you blending or circulism,perhaps both.

George, I will be brave enough to ask what your skin colors are and how you are doing them. Would like to get away from my hit & miss, more miss than hits.
Cheers
Les
How do Les

Its not the Pallete that makes the skintone its the artist:D

Pallete is...
Cadium Red
Yellow Ochre
Pthalo Blue
Titanium Whiite
Hookers Green or Virdian
Burnt Umber
Cadium Orange
Lamp Black if needed?

How I do my skintones is make a basic pile of fleshtone of CadRed,YellOchre and Tit white,this will serve the purpose of foundation.

starting in the shadows I apply a very thin layer of this foundation I then add to this on the canvas increments of what I think that shadows colours are? could be Burnt Umber could be Pthalo Blue added to the foundation in otherwords I mix the colours on the canvas and not to the pile on the pallete.

Every artist has their own teqnique and mine is a little unorthodox.

Get some scrap canvas and draw a few oval shapes with eyes and a nose and lips,nothing complicated and try the above method.

To add to this:once the bulk of the skin is complete look at the photo/model closely and add dabs of appropriate colour into those places ever so gently blending them in but not to eradicate the colour into the surrounding colour,this gives the impression of those little faint blotches/highlights in the skin but don't over do it.

:wink2:

[TheBaron]

Mao is gone.



But Dennis Healy is coming to light. :D

Looking good Arnoud :thumbsup:

[TheBaron]

This may sound crazy but whenever I have to do a portrait with specs, I paint in the face first, complete with eyes, eyebrows and THEN I paint the glasses on. Taking into account, of course, that the colors of the eyes behind the glasses will be a variance of color from the normal skin tones.

Somehow it works for me.

Looking good, George!
Can't do that D reason being its easier to blend out any mistakes if the brush slips:D

Thanks for that Madam:wink2:

[Striver]

Was'nt Dennis a politician
Les

[TheBaron]

Was'nt Dennis a politician
Les

He tried to be. :lol:

[gakinme]

Not sure if you would accept a live drawing, George. If not, just go ahead and delete this post, please. But I happened to look at my youngest son's ear last night after your exercise and it was very bulby and interesting at the bottom.

I used orange, brown and red as you suggested and kept wanting to reach for a blue or green or deep purple instead for contrast. :lol:

I was getting motion sickness drawing his ear for half an hour because he kept bobbing up and down. :( Is that why we only work from photos for kids?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Feb-2009/86669-sonear.JPG

[David Baker]

Hay George I Finished That Robe, Or I Have For Now. Go Back Over It Later After The Face And Hands.:clap:

[arnoud3272]

But Dennis Healy is coming to light. :D


Hi George,

Never heard of Denis Healy - am a bit continental - so I googled for a picture. Well well, I never before realized how fond the British (?) are of oversize eyebrows.

Thank you for your comments,
Arnoud

[TheBaron]

Hay George I Finished That Robe, Or I Have For Now. Go Back Over It Later After The Face And Hands.:clap:

Not in the mood for painting today/tonight feeling a little down.

Paint those specs before ya do any solid ground work as it helps to get them right in shape ie you can wipe of the oils where as if you paint the flesh tones in first its hard to wipe off the rims dark colour if its not right,lesson learnt myself as I can see slight discrepency in both lense holders,one is the viewers left top corner and tother is near the nose bridge of the right viewers holder.

[David Baker]

I Had To Go And Get The Picture To Compare With. The Only One That Is Slightly Noticeable Is The Nose Bridge On The Right.you Can Fix It, May Have To Let It Dry First Though. Every One Of My Friends Say I Am My Worst Enemy When It Comes To Painting.sounds Like Your The Same.a Good Artist And Friend Finaly Made Me Understand That You Can Always Fix It. I Still Get Mad And Trash Paintings Sometime. But What He Said Sometimes Helps.
I Will Place Those Glasses First. Thanks George.

[kadon]

This is it for me...if there's anything wrong (and probably there is:rolleyes: )
I think I would have to start again. I have just been concentrating on the face.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Feb-2009/118422-fiished_2.jpg

Kathy

[doppler]

Hi everyone ... here is my version of the challenge in watercolour.
1/4 sheet Arches CP and rembrandt colours. Did the fabulous purple underpainting first the added glazes of the other colours over.
Colours are mostly french ultramarine and alizarin crimson and burnt sienna. The background darkened up with a wash of sepia. Oh and some permanent red violet /FUB for the coat.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Feb-2009/141006-Churchman-wc-wc.jpg

[TheBaron]

Not sure if you would accept a live drawing, George. If not, just go ahead and delete this post, please. But I happened to look at my youngest son's ear last night after your exercise and it was very bulby and interesting at the bottom.

I used orange, brown and red as you suggested and kept wanting to reach for a blue or green or deep purple instead for contrast. :lol:

I was getting motion sickness drawing his ear for half an hour because he kept bobbing up and down. :( Is that why we only work from photos for kids?



How do Sandra
I believe thes pencils can be blended with an appropriate blending tool? or as I said use a Q-tip.
You seem to be using the pencils instead which they can be used but with a better degree of blending,see vid here.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkX43PYSaLk

You can draw the ear but blending in could be better. :thumbsup:

[TheBaron]

I Had To Go And Get The Picture To Compare With. The Only One That Is Slightly Noticeable Is The Nose Bridge On The Right.you Can Fix It, May Have To Let It Dry First Though. Every One Of My Friends Say I Am My Worst Enemy When It Comes To Painting.sounds Like Your The Same.a Good Artist And Friend Finaly Made Me Understand That You Can Always Fix It. I Still Get Mad And Trash Paintings Sometime. But What He Said Sometimes Helps.
I Will Place Those Glasses First. Thanks George.

Oh yes I'm the same,I painted a girl which taffy brought into the forum a couple of days ago,this painting started out great and then ended up me doing mistake after mistake it went through two or three different phases before I slashed it with a knife and repaired it some time after? to give it another go...it failed and now I've covered the whole face in a light flesh colour and sometime I'm gonna have another go...I hate being defeated :mad:

Funny enough the slash was across the mouth and was unintentional but the irony of it is I was having the problem there :lol:maybe its a sign not to waste more time on it?

[TheBaron]

Hi everyone ... here is my version of the challenge in watercolour.
1/4 sheet Arches CP and rembrandt colours. Did the fabulous purple underpainting first the added glazes of the other colours over.
Colours are mostly french ultramarine and alizarin crimson and burnt sienna. The background darkened up with a wash of sepia. Oh and some permanent red violet /FUB for the coat.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Feb-2009/141006-Churchman-wc-wc.jpg
Well done Annie
Its a good for watercolour and you did do the whole subject:clap:however had you got the eyes right ie used the shadows in the lenses to form the eyes,the right viewers eye looks very good as it looks as though the lense is casting the shadow behind it:thumbsup: the nose could be a bit fatter and it would have been exceptional,you have good flesh tones for a watercolourist.

so next time you do a portrait with someone wearing specs use the shadows to form the eye :wink2:

Oh and by the way...Archbishops rings are black stones and not red ones. :D

[TheBaron]

This is it for me...if there's anything wrong (and probably there is:rolleyes: )
I think I would have to start again. I have just been concentrating on the face.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Feb-2009/118422-fiished_2.jpg

Kathy

Apart from the eyes and nose your skintones are good and as a face it has roundness in 3D modelling and thats the way a portrait should look ie not flat so ya did well:thumbsup:

[kadon]

Thanks George. Kathy

[doppler]

Hey Baron , thanks for critique. I was well fed up with it by this stage and thought "enough is enough". I see the nose now ... and the glasses. Damn.

Being irreligious I wouldn't have a clue what colour stone they have in their rings.

Last time I went to church I dropped that fold down kneely thing on the top of my foot and spent the next five minutes trying not to scream as my foot swelled. Was there a message?

I then looked up and saw that my husband and friends had spent the last 5 minutes trying not to laugh at me. Forget totally what the sermon was.

:) By the way ... what's this " for a watercolourist" ????

[TheBaron]

:) By the way ... what's this " for a watercolourist" ????

Someone who paints with watercolours...if ya can't kick yourself get your husband to do it. :D

[David Baker]

Annie, You Have Watercolor Mastered, Great Work. I Looked At Your Web Site, Wonderful. Have You Ever Tried Oil Paint Or Acrylics?

David

[TheBaron]

Annie, You Have Watercolor Mastered, Great Work. I Looked At Your Web Site, Wonderful. Have You Ever Tried Oil Paint Or Acrylics?

David
Have you started on the face and hands yet? or have you made a mess of it?
:music::music:

Ere by the way you don't have any stars on your joining up profile?

[David Baker]

I Put To Much Paint On The Hands. Trying To Mix On Canvas, Will Have To Let It Get Tacky To Continue. Still Trying I Will Send A Pix In A Few Minutes. Only Been On This Site A Month? Or So ?????

[David Baker]

Ok- Here Is Picture Of Hands

[doppler]

Mr Baron I would never ask my husband to kick me ... he'd enjoy it too much :rolleyes:

David, the only time I tried oils was way way back in the misty misty past and high school. Don't like turps a lot.
Acrylics maybe in the future. I'm still entranced with watercolour and the transparency and effects you can get with it. Haven't even started nibbling at the edges of its possibilities yet.
By the way love your painting in evolution....:thumbsup:

[David Baker]

ANNIE I THINK WITH THE DETAIL YOU PUT INTO YOUR PAINTINGS, THAT IF YOU TRIED OIL OR ACRYLICS YOU COULD BE FANTASTIC. I USE ODERLESS PAINT THINNER TO CLEAN BRUSHES, AND LIQUIN TO THIN MY PAINT-NO SMELL AND DRIES FASTER.

_____________________________
SEE MY WEB SITE
http://www.freewebs.com/davidspaintings/

[TheBaron]

I Put To Much Paint On The Hands. Trying To Mix On Canvas, Will Have To Let It Get Tacky To Continue. Still Trying I Will Send A Pix In A Few Minutes. Only Been On This Site A Month? Or So ?????


It takes some getting used to applying the paint into paint on the canvas but I've always done it this way.

when there is too much paint been applied to the area you are working on use a kitchen towel paper to dampen(absorb) the excess paint providing the surrounding work is dry? I just place it over the paint and and use my paint brushes wooden end tip to press the towel into the paint and it comes off leaving a thin layer although this doesn't happen often as I'm used to applying the correct amount by now.

Hah! sorry its 50 post that get the first star,my mistake thinking it was 35.:o

[maw-t]

Great photo ! I had fun with this one.. love the shadows.. this was a fairly quick sketch in pastels on sanded paper.. he looks a bit lopsided... any helps suggestions most appreciated!http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Feb-2009/76639-baronpaint.jpg :thumbsup:

[TheBaron]

Great photo ! I had fun with this one.. love the shadows.. this was a fairly quick sketch in pastels on sanded paper.. he looks a bit lopsided... any helps suggestions most appreciated!http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-Feb-2009/76639-baronpaint.jpg :thumbsup:

Yes Maw

You forgot to shave one side of his cheek:D good effort though:thumbsup:

Lopsided? wouldn't you be after sampling the communal wine. :D

[TheBaron]

Tis gone a bit quiet for this months challenge and only into 10th day of it,I know I said take ya time but this is rediculous :lol:

I'm thinking this was a hard subject for some so maybe we should start March's challenge early :lol::lol:

will continue my effort this evening all being well?

:thumbsup:

[arnoud3272]

Here is one eye. Reminds me of the January "classroom".

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2009/142886-R_Williams-wip-3.jpg


I'm thinking this was a hard subject for some so maybe we should start March's challenge early :lol::lol:

Because it is hard, we need enough time. You promised we could have the whole month:confused:

[maw-t]

Yes Maw

You forgot to shave one side of his cheek:D good effort though:thumbsup:


Lopsided? wouldn't you be after sampling the communal wine. :D

I suspected, but didnt want to say anything... :angel:

I'll feed him, fill him with java & see what I can do with him then:rolleyes: Shaving him while in this condition could be hazardous! :lol:

[Striver]

Been hard at work on him and making some progress, life is now interupting and the grand child will take me over Fr to Mon coming. have to take him sailing, so will post progress bext week, meanwhile he is looking at me from the wall.
Arnoud, looking good and Cirulism takes time.
Cheers all
Les
Oh any idea of the eye color.
L

[arnoud3272]

Arnoud, looking good and Cirulism takes time.

Oh any idea of the eye color.

Thank you for your nice comment.

Here is a crop of another RW image. Probably copyrighted, but small excerpts for educational purposes are allowed -- at least where I live.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2009/142886-r_w_eyecolor.jpg

Always the same spectacles

Cheers,
Arnoud

[TheBaron]

Because it is hard, we need enough time. You promised we could have the whole month:confused:

You do Arnoud,don't take everything what I say at face value:D

[Tracy Lewis]

Wow! I have only just found this thread. All the work is so good. Gonna give this a go. I am not very good at portaits, but won't get better if I don't try.

[David Baker]

Ok George, I Did The Hands, Would Like To Start The Face Tomorrow But Will Be Out Of Town.:clap:

[TheBaron]

Ok George, I Did The Hands, Would Like To Start The Face Tomorrow But Will Be Out Of Town.:clap:
Very nice David

If I may I'd like to say the veins are not correct though.

The Dorsal Metacarpal vein is the main carrier for offshoot veins to the other fingers and never crossover near the fingers ie all offshoot veins from the carrier goes in a straight line to the fingers

[ThreeWolves]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2009/98863-PICT4420.JPG


This is where I am at. I think I am comming closer to a likeness in the face. It is the nose and mouth that is giving me the greatest problems. C and C welcome. The eye's are close, but it still does not have that benevelent glair.

[David Baker]

Yes I Didn't Get Real Serious With Them, If You Ask Me His Veins Look To Big -even In The Picture We Are Doing The Painting From. He Must Have High Blood Pressure !!

[TheBaron]

This is where I am at. I think I am comming closer to a likeness in the face. It is the nose and mouth that is giving me the greatest problems. C and C welcome. The eye's are close, but it still does not have that benevelent glair.

Follow Shadows Shaun instead of looking at the nose as an object,if you do this then the nose will fall into shape on the end result.

The bridge of the nose is too sharp and too thinly a white line.

Tried altering it in PS...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2009/107353-98863-PICT4420.JPG

[ThreeWolves]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2009/98863-PICT4421.JPG

Seeing it on the screen helped a bit. At least with the mouth I think. Did a bit more with shadows. How is the likeness??.

[TheBaron]

Hi all
If you're having difficulty with mouths,eyes,nose and there are shadows that define the shape use the shadows to mold the object.

when I done this eye that is what I done above...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2009/107353-Image1.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2009/107353-Image2.jpg


Its not perfection but I think you'll agree its not far off the mark in likeness,a bit of more slant and closure on the upper lid should bring it into line.

[TheBaron]

Yes I Didn't Get Real Serious With Them, If You Ask Me His Veins Look To Big -even In The Picture We Are Doing The Painting From. He Must Have High Blood Pressure !!

If you can? try and omit that middle crossover and that will look a whole lot better and it is,don't get me wrong the hands look real good. :thumbsup:

[TheBaron]

How does it look now?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2009/107353-monthly_portrait-HANDS-1-_jpg.jpg

[ThreeWolves]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-Feb-2009/98863-PICT4422.JPG


The nose made a big difference. I am learning again to look at both positive and negative space. It is a matter of seeing. I know I am a neophyte compared to some of you. Thank you for your help. I don't really know where else to go with this.

[TheBaron]

The nose made a big difference. I am learning again to look at both positive and negative space. It is a matter of seeing. I know I am a neophyte compared to some of you. Thank you for your help. I don't really know where else to go with this.


Turning a photo into Black&White and then into Negative will also help with adjustment of the Brightness and Contrast if there's a lot of shadows but what you have to keep in mind is the whites are the dark areas and the darks are the highlights.

[David Baker]

Ok George . I Am Going Out The Door Now. Fix It Tomorrow.

[Striver]

3 wolves, Shouldnt the mouth line up with the eye's and nostrils, appear a tad differrent to me. no offense I hope.
Regards
Les

[arnoud3272]

An eye a day keeps the teacher away.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Feb-2009/142886-R_Williams-wip-4.jpg

[Striver]

As the Sailor said " Eye eye sir"

[David Baker]

ok will fix hands and hope to start face, have to get through with this have 2 portrits waiting to be done.

[Dana Design]

An eye a day keeps the teacher away.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Feb-2009/142886-R_Williams-wip-4.jpg


Looking beautiful! I'm so impressed with such fine drawing. Wish it were contagious!

[arnoud3272]

Thank you for your kind words, Dana. It is a real encouragement, coming from you.

Cheers,
Arnoud

[doppler]

Love the pencil drawing Arnoud.
Love what you are doing David.

[David Baker]

annie, I LOOKED AT YOUR HOME PAGE AGAIN, THOSE PORTRAITS OF KATIE, MATTIE, YOUR MOM AND DAD. THEY ARE REALY GREAT TO ME. THEY ALL ARE GREAT. YOU HAVE A GREAT ARTISTIC ABILITY THERE GIRL. HOW MUCH YOU CHARGE FOR A PORTRAIT LIKE KATIE. IN DOLLARS.
OR MABY TRADE WITH ME.

[David Baker]

Am I The Only One Left On This String ?

[arnoud3272]

Annie - thank you for your kind words.
David - you are not alone, I am still here, but I am busy. It is clear that I have not finished.

Cheers,
Arnoud

[TheBaron]

Annie - thank you for your kind words.
David - you are not alone, I am still here, but I am busy. It is clear that I have not finished.

Cheers,
Arnoud
You take your time Arnoud this is becoming exceptionally unique and well executed,David should have well had his finished and framed by now?

Can I make a suggestion Arnoud?

Make the reflections in the spectacles a bit more whiter as this might give it more bravado for want of a better word?

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Feb-2009/107353-142886-R_Williams-wip-4.jpg

[Striver]

Still here, Grandson taken me over for four days plus 1-2 days to recover has taken me out the loop, also life itself is interfering. The bishop is staring at me awaiting and encouraging me. I will continue when I break free sometime this coming week. Meanwhile I can only monitor when allowed. He is worth the time and we are the best of mate's.
Enjoy
Les

[Striver]

Arnoud,
Looking great and worth the time and effort.
Les

[arnoud3272]

Can I make a suggestion Arnoud?

Make the reflections in the spectacles a bit more whiter as this might give it more bravado for want of a better word?
You are right, George. But even when working top to bottom, there is always some very fine graphite dust floating around and gradually it gives a slight haze over the whole paper. Taking out the bright highlights is literally the finishing touch.
Thank you for looking and for your kind comments.

[David Baker]

You Are Right George, Should Of Finished. Had To Work Last Couple Of Days, And Tomorrow To It Looks Like. Arnald Your Drawing Looks Great. Les I Am Waiting To See That Painting.

[TheBaron]

Just started on this again ie part of the background,might not be able to pull off the dark shadow area's but will have to see on the end result?
I suppose when the paint is dry I can glaze over the dark areas to give the dramatic shadows? I have not used any medium whatsoever in the painting just pure out the tube oil so it should dry at a faster rate.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Feb-2009/107353-089.jpg

[Dana Design]

George, what you've done with the chair already is beautiful.

[ams]

I've enjoyed looking at all the wonderful work here. I have learned a lot by seeing the same reference done by so many different people.

I would like to practice portraits so this seemed a good place to start. This is watercolor, 8 x 10 on Arches cp.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Feb-2009/7993-Archbishop3.jpg

Anne

[kadon]

Ditto George. Kathy

[arnoud3272]

I learn a lot by looking at all the thorough studies here.

I did not post intermediate stages with the beard because they were all very "ugly". Tutorials on drawing hair assume that the highlights run across the strands, not with them.
This is where I am now. Except for a final balancing, there is still a lot of graphite to lay down, but nothing critical any more.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Feb-2009/142886-R_Williams-wip-5.jpg

Thank you for looking.

[old_hobbyist]

Acrylic, 12 x 16, 3 h. Sorry that I didn't match the robe color exactly, but I kinda like my color combo. Jim

[A couple of years ago, I posted my weekly 1 h portrait sketches but from critiques, I quickly realized that this forum is primarily for accomplished pro painters in oils rather than in my medium. And so I stopped posting here.

But I thot that the challenge this mo was particularly interesting, so decided to post anyway. So, accomplished pro painters - have a field day with your c&c's. I might even be back next mo!]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Feb-2009/115806-monthly_portrait-02-09=pic.jpg

[David Baker]

Im not an accomplished pro painter, but i sure think you did a great job with this painting.You have the light face and hands coming out of the darker background and yet it doesn't shine to bright. the face has a 3d look with shadows, It looks like the man.can't believe you did this in only 3 hours.
great.

[MSegev]

I've just joined WC and feel kinda lost in the pages/channels/forums. This "room" looks like the right place for me, but alas, since my day job is not art related, I'm limited in time. I like the reference photo a lot, it's rare in quality. Is it too late for me to participate in the challenge? How much time do I have? Will this "monthly challenge" expire as soon as the new month's challenge begins?

[gakinme]

Thank you, George, for the youtube link. Now I see what you mean by blending. Thanks again.

[TheBaron]

I've just joined WC and feel kinda lost in the pages/channels/forums. This "room" looks like the right place for me, but alas, since my day job is not art related, I'm limited in time. I like the reference photo a lot, it's rare in quality. Is it too late for me to participate in the challenge? How much time do I have? Will this "monthly challenge" expire as soon as the new month's challenge begins?

How do MSegev

The monthly challenge is open to everyone on WC and it is open as long as you can still find the folder when it gets unlocked and lost in the old threads that precede it ie you can still post your work and revive the folder should you not finish the subject in time.

[TheBaron]

Thank you, George, for the youtube link. Now I see what you mean by blending. Thanks again.

You're welcome Sandra.

[TheBaron]

I've enjoyed looking at all the wonderful work here. I have learned a lot by seeing the same reference done by so many different people.

I would like to practice portraits so this seemed a good place to start. This is watercolor, 8 x 10 on Arches cp.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Feb-2009/7993-Archbishop3.jpg

Anne

How do Anne
Glad you took part and you're welcome to participate each month as is any WC member.

Your water colour is very good,on my monitor I see a constant use of lilac colour in your paintings any significance as to why that is? or is the water in New Jersey that colour:D

[TheBaron]

[A couple of years ago, I posted my weekly 1 h portrait sketches but from critiques, I quickly realized that this forum is primarily for accomplished pro painters in oils rather than in my medium. And so I stopped posting here.



How do Jim

Dunno where ya got that idea from the statement above? but I don't class myself as a pro portrait painter in fact my work is good but far from perfect but I do try to better my portraits every time I start one.

I've never had any intuition apart from school art classes but that was many moons erm! quite awhile ago.

My motto is...if ya can draw the face and its features then you can do better if ya just look and observe whats in the subject.
Although one or two might get upset with that if directed at them,ahem! :wink2:

[ams]

Your water colour is very good,on my monitor I see a constant use of lilac colour in your paintings any significance as to why that is? or is the water in New Jersey that colour

Thanks George. I switched to watercolor from colored pencil just a few months ago so I'm still very much at the experimental stage with portraits in w/c.

I think I must see the world through lilac colored glasses. ;) I usually work with a pretty limited palette and only occasionally is lilac in it so I guess I just mix my colors in that direction. I do tend to use lilac/purple in whites to show shadows. Maybe I overdo it a little. :confused:

On this particular painting, the purple in the background came out stronger than I had planned. :( I am still getting a feel for how powerful some colors are and how to balance them with others.

I reworked the background. The purple is still more prominent than I would like but at least irl it has improved a little.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Feb-2009/7993-Archbishop4.jpg

Anne

[Dana Design]

Acrylic, 12 x 16, 3 h. Sorry that I didn't match the robe color exactly, but I kinda like my color combo. Jim

[A couple of years ago, I posted my weekly 1 h portrait sketches but from critiques, I quickly realized that this forum is primarily for accomplished pro painters in oils rather than in my medium. And so I stopped posting here.

But I thot that the challenge this mo was particularly interesting, so decided to post anyway. So, accomplished pro painters - have a field day with your c&c's. I might even be back next mo!]


To the contrary, as George said, this Portraiture forum is for anyone who likes to paint portraits and more importantly, how to refine your portrait skills. It's a great learning platform and you are most welcome to post here! We're all here to help each other progress.

[kennychaffin]

Nice Work Kathy And A Good Drawing From Striver-waiting For The Paint..here Is Where I Am Today.

I'm working my way through this thread (due the baron's prompting in the landscape thread :wave:) and just want to say this is looking wonderful David!

[kennychaffin]

....
I must say I've had more fun watching my carpet fade than painting the robe:(

C&C


:lol: :lol: :lol:

It is looking great so far though!

[kennychaffin]

Very nice Annie!

Hi everyone ... here is my version of the challenge in watercolour.
1/4 sheet Arches CP and rembrandt colours. Did the fabulous purple underpainting first the added glazes of the other colours over.
Colours are mostly french ultramarine and alizarin crimson and burnt sienna. The background darkened up with a wash of sepia. Oh and some permanent red violet /FUB for the coat.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Feb-2009/141006-Churchman-wc-wc.jpg

[kennychaffin]

Tis gone a bit quiet for this months challenge and only into 10th day of it,I know I said take ya time but this is rediculous :lol:

I'm thinking this was a hard subject for some so maybe we should start March's challenge early :lol::lol:

will continue my effort this evening all being well?

:thumbsup:

Well, I've always admired this archbishop guy and his look. Still a couple of weeks left in the month. I may give it a shot....but so little time....so much to do....:eek:

[kennychaffin]

Yes I Didn't Get Real Serious With Them, If You Ask Me His Veins Look To Big -even In The Picture We Are Doing The Painting From. He Must Have High Blood Pressure !!

You would too, if you had his worries and concerns. :D

[ams]

I ended up removing some of the purple blotches and going over the whole background with burnt umber to tone things down. I also worked on the transitions from his hair/beard to his face and the background. I like it much better now.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Feb-2009/7993-Archbishop5.jpg

Anne

[kennychaffin]

Nice Anne!

[Striver]

It is Monday and Ive survived 4 days of a boistrus Grandson, now exhausted but hopefully will post something later this week when strength returns. Have misplaced my get up and go.
Cheers
Les

[kennychaffin]

It is Monday and Ive survived 4 days of a boistrus Grandson, now exhausted but hopefully will post something later this week when strength returns. Have misplaced my get up and go.
Cheers
Les

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: You poor guy! I can only imagine, I'm sure I'll get my chance in the near future....

[MSegev]

I'm still trying to find my way around WC as a new member, so please pardon my errors in advance.
I liked the reference photo so much that I decided to give it a try, eventhough the only canvas I had handy was 20cmX30cm (way too small for the subject).
This is where I'm at after the first layer; obviously there's a lot of work ahead. Right now I'm not sure if I'm not entirely off on the drawing part. I need real honest, straightforward, critique, I'm not here for "nice and polite".
20 X 30 cm - oil on stretched canvas

[TheBaron]

I'm still trying to find my way around WC as a new member, so please pardon my errors in advance.
I liked the reference photo so much that I decided to give it a try, eventhough the only canvas I had handy was 20cmX30cm (way too small for the subject).
This is where I'm at after the first layer; obviously there's a lot of work ahead. Right now I'm not sure if I'm not entirely off on the drawing part. I need real honest, straightforward, critique, I'm not here for "nice and polite".
20 X 30 cm - oil on stretched canvas

Did not upload Mary?

When you have found it on your computer and it shows up in the box,click on the pic to accept it and then it should show up in another box with your text,then submit post.
Make sure the pic is 800x600 pixels or near enough?
:thumbsup:

[MSegev]

Did not upload Mary?

When you have found it on your computer and it shows up in the box,click on the pic to accept it and then it should show up in another box with your text,then submit post.
Make sure the pic is 800x600 pixels or near enough?
:thumbsup:
So sorry George, I had to resize the darn thing. I've never done that before :o

[kennychaffin]

Looks great to me so far Mary

[MSegev]

Kenny, you don't think the proportions are wrong?

[ams]

I'm still trying to find my way around WC as a new member, so please pardon my errors in advance.
I liked the reference photo so much that I decided to give it a try, eventhough the only canvas I had handy was 20cmX30cm (way too small for the subject).
This is where I'm at after the first layer; obviously there's a lot of work ahead. Right now I'm not sure if I'm not entirely off on the drawing part. I need real honest, straightforward, critique, I'm not here for "nice and polite".
20 X 30 cm - oil on stretched canvas

It looks pretty good to me. The only thing I notice at all is his right cheek (our left). In the reference photo he may a little thinner there. The over all proportions feel right. You have done a good job on his hand (which is always a challenge for me).

Anne

[MSegev]

Anne, you're absolutely right about the cheek. Thank you!
Now that I look at it with rested eyes, I also notice that I got the whole head area slightly widened and the subject's left arm and the sleeve need to be adjusted.

Mary

[kennychaffin]

Kenny, you don't think the proportions are wrong?
To be honest I did not compare it directly to the reference, I was just giving my initial impression. Now that I look at the two kind of side by side, I still think it's very close. Maybe a slight difference in the subjects right cheek, but not much at all.

Oh, I see someone else mentioned that as well. :)

[TheBaron]

I'm still trying to find my way around WC as a new member, so please pardon my errors in advance.
I liked the reference photo so much that I decided to give it a try, eventhough the only canvas I had handy was 20cmX30cm (way too small for the subject).
This is where I'm at after the first layer; obviously there's a lot of work ahead. Right now I'm not sure if I'm not entirely off on the drawing part. I need real honest, straightforward, critique, I'm not here for "nice and polite".
20 X 30 cm - oil on stretched canvas

You need a bit more white beard/sideburns up the viewers right cheek.

[MSegev]

I hope the drawing is more accurate now. I'll refine after it's dry, so every correction comment will be much appreciated.

Mary

[MSegev]

You need a bit more white beard/sideburns up the viewers right cheek.
Thank you George!

[TheBaron]

Oi! David you should have finished by now with only the head to complete,have you made a boob and ruined it?

I've finished the background and am working on the robe again,seems I have made the right colour for the robe this time and a big pile of it as well:D will post an update when half the robe is complete to show how much the other was rubbish.

[WC Lee]

Gave this a try, though on a small scale and not quite finished. I might do this again on a larger canvas if I can muster up the inspiration :eek: Anyhow, this one is done on canvas, 5 x 7.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Feb-2009/122017-20090217_oil_sketch_5_x_7.jpg

[kennychaffin]

Nice work for that size Wong!

[David Baker]

Oi! David you should have finished by now with only the head to complete,have you made a boob and ruined it?

I've finished the background and am working on the robe again,seems I have made the right colour for the robe this time and a big pile of it as well will post an update when half the robe is complete to show how much the other was rubbish.


NO GEORGE, HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO WORK ON IT . BEEN WORKING MY BUNNS OFF. AND WHEN THE DAY IS OVER ONLY WONT TO SLEEP. I WILL FINISH IT THIS WEEK.

[TheBaron]

Gave this a try, though on a small scale and not quite finished. I might do this again on a larger canvas if I can muster up the inspiration :eek: Anyhow, this one is done on canvas, 5 x 7.



Where's his medallion Wong?:D tis a good effort on a small scale.:thumbsup:

I'm having trouble with the darks to his viewers right side,you know the faded black into black...its not bad but I'm not entirely disatisfied with it :) and the robe is looking a lot better.

[David Baker]

Ok- George. Thanks For The Push, Put Some Paint On The Face Just For You.

[MSegev]

wow David, you've done a stunningly meticulous job on the bishop's (?) hands. You're not going to let that head ruin a beautiful portrait, are you?

Mary