Balancing -- Portrait (x-post from figure)

[Bongo1]

What do you guys think of this? Please provide frank, constructive criticism.

The source photo is courtesy of MJ Ranum: http://fc28.deviantart.com/fs23/f/20...anum_stock.jpg (http://fc28.deviantart.com/fs23/f/2008/026/5/8/Dark_Tree___4_by_mjranum_stock.jpg). The model's name is AmberG. Please note that the source is a nude figure. I zoomed in on the face for the portrait.

This is a pastel on sanded paper; 24" x 32".

[edencompton]

Hi Bongo - What were you trying to communicate with this painting? It's difficult to provide constructive criticism when you don't know what the artist intended. Is it a good likeness? I don't know. You obviously have a good handle on tone, value and color which comes through in this portrait. I think it looks great (depending on what you wanted)!

[Bongo1]

Here's both the reference photo and the latest version of my drawing. What do you guys think?

[DAK723]

This is a very strong bold statement - from a very difficult angle to capture, I might add. The fairly monochromatic flesh colors work well together and I like the contrast with the background, as well as the small touches where the blue peaks through.

If you are aiming for technical accuracy, there are some small issues - but I'm not sure if that is your goal. One thing that does stand out is the torso - I would try for a bit more variation in skin tone from shoulder to shoulder. In the photo there is some suggestion of the collarbones and a definite variation in value under the collarbones and elsewhere. The blue armpit reads oddly (to me, anyway) as it is the only shadow area done in blue and not in a dark brown.

Again, you may be trying for a very bold effect, but if not, you might try for a bit more transition as your light flesh tones transition into shadow, especially on the chin. There seems to be a definite middle value between the lightest light and the very dark value of the chin line on the photo. Because skin is translucent, there is almost always a scattering of light in the skin itself resulting in smooth transitions from light to shadow.

Again, the overall effect is very strong and effective! Despite my pickiness, this is very nicely done!

Don

[BetsyPriesing]

Bongo a very nice beginning. I agree with Don about a tiny bit more transition on the flesh.
Although the photo shows the bulging neck, i feel you need to back down its value and move it over a tiny bit toward her center. right now its the 1st thing i see and then really can't stop looking at it. I would also look at the eye sockets and how the shadow appears under her eyes..both shape and value. I think that will help to bring a closer likeness.
great to see it, and look forward to your updates.

[Bongo1]

Thanks, guys, for your fantastic comments. I've worked on the blending, the shadows around the eyes and the neck. Improved? What jumps out as remaining problems? I tried to warm up the shadow on the left side of her face. Is it too prominent now?

Please let me know your thoughts. I very much appreciate your input.

[DAK723]

Yes, definitely improved! I like the way you have softened the hair in the upper left, too!

Don