Give me some criticism!

[xgorian]

Hello all! I've decided that i want to learn how to draw, so i started about a month ago.
I just finished a portrait of Avril Lavigne.
So now I'm asking you guys for some criticism so that i can get better!

[Mares Rex]

Nice! Proportions are good. I like the highlight on the lower lip. I would like to see a wider range of values. Right now it's very high key except for the very dark eye lashes. This is a problem with working from pro model photos - fashion photographers seem to hate contrast and do everything in their power to flatten out shadows. When doing portraits, many of us prefer a single strong light source from above, giving nice shadows to work with.

It's still a nice portrait though, especially considering how long you've been drawing.

[xgorian]

Thank you very much for the feedback!

[adamsnez]

what did you use to blend? (please don't say finger. i used to do that...) Certain areas - top and mid forehead, her left side face; don't transition well. Looks like these areas have been pressed hard when blending (i see 4 main problem areas regarding that matter)

[xgorian]

I've used this:
http://www.penstore.se/shop/11494/ar...pic-515109.jpg Don't really know what they are called

Thanks for your comment!

[Mares Rex]

It's a paper stump. Some call them tortillons, although tortillons are twisted I think.

[bethanyt]

I think this is a fine effort. I also think that drawing from photos is only part of developing as an artist.
Do you draw from life?
Way back when, I decided that drawing from life for 30 minutes every day was the way to go (thanks Harley Brown). This is one of the most important things I do to develop improving my skills- both hand-eye and "seeing".
This along with getting great teachers is the way to go IMHO.

[lovin art]

Totally Agree Oliver and with Miss Beth!!!! ..you need to practice from real life in order to improve that goes for any artist ... Lovely Eyes but they kind of Lack depth because theres not enough modeling around them ...if you can try drawing simple Shapes to start with ... thats where it all begins ...

[Eveline]

Well done xgorian!
I agree with all things said, especially about the shadows.
And if your going for likeness, I think her jawline is a bit sharper, less round. Also her mouth appears a bit small to me. I think the corner of the mouth needs to be extended to where the pupil of her eye is (drop a line from there, right down, and there the corner should be).

Oh, and I love the way you did her eyes!

[Sissal]

She is lovely, isn't she?

Proportionate, for sure, tho I feel like this is overall so light in value, until the eyes, which stand out almost too much. I believe there would be just as deep/dark shadows along her jawline at places, under her hair, corners of the mouth and perhaps in her hair as well. The darks would give it more realism.

Tho, it's lovely and ethereal as it is.

[xgorian]

thank you all for the coments! =)

[Artbynan]

Hi,
I love it!
The only thing I see is that it need more value range, that way it will bring her out in a more realistic way. I dont know if you have a reference image but, use your creation!!
Happy drawing!!!