Portrait Challenge -- August 2010

[bluebirder]

Just had to have an attempt at this fellow, oil on paper 7x10 inches
just prussian blue and white
Steve

[Yako]

Hi! i'm new here . I've been lurking for a while. These are my first postings here, i usually post only in the digital forum.

Portraiture is not my strength but i want to give it a try. I think here i can learn a bit. Crits are welcome (but please be light these are my first steps in this area) The lady is done with 2B pencil & and bond paper. The nude is done digitally with a wacom tablet and procreate painter classic mainly pencil and watercolors

[Marianne S]

Looking at my drawing in the cold light of day, I realise that I've completely missed his left ear, not to mention the shadows.
Marianne

[mianong]

I am in awe of the rendering that is learned in a classical atelier. I would love to know how to take my relatively quick (three hours?) 12x8 oil on paper painting to something that the academy would accept.



Any pointers, books, criticisms would be appreciated. I am interested in "Classic Still Life Painting" by Jane Jones. Has anyone read this?

Thanks again for the great references,
Max

Also, I couldn't resist sketching the figure in the background.

[doppler]

Great refs Kevin and excellent work so far!!

This is my take on one - 1/4 sheet Arches rough and transparent watercolour



Somehow I've made him look more snooty than grim!

[Lulu]

wow, what fun!
and thanks so much for the ref images Kevin, has been an opportunity for me to 'play'.
About 10 x 8" 'something' rough, and W&N yellow ochre, indian red and Windsor blue.

This guy made me scared just painting him! lol

[doppler]

Looking GREAT Lulu!

[123harry]

Good work appearing here.
mianong: I particularly like the stone rendering in your study, captures the expression of the bust too.

[mianong]

123harry, thanks for the critique.

I agree there is lots of great work here. I think I would like to try another (maybe in charcoal ) and attempt to emulate the great classical cast drawings. I've got to develop more patience and knowing how to correct mistakes without destroying my paper.

Also, the Met has a great database on its website.
http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_ar...tion_database/

I just found out the little boy is "Emile Gauguin, the Artist's Son, as a Child" - Paul Gauguin

Hopefully by next week I will be able to post another.

[kevinwueste]

I'm glad you are all having fun with my Met/GCA photos! I am in the midst of a W.I.P. on this one.. just lots to sort out still.. this is tiny about 4" or so head size.. all hb and 6b graphite in my sketchbook while watching tv

[doppler]

Fabulous sketch Kevin !!
Here's my take on that one ... the epicure ...
1/4 sheet Arches rough ... transparent watercolour.



C and C welcome.

[Lulu]

I really like that Kevin!
And Annie, wowee! fantastic! and how on earth did you do that background in w/c???

[doppler]

Lulu thanks ... there's an underpainting of permanent alizarin crimso/burnt sienna mix then when dry ... sepia over the top. And again in the darker bottom parts.

[roy-p]

I'm in a bit of an awe at the wonderful work posted so far, and kind of hesitant to post this Conte Carbone piece ... I really need to attempt it a second time, and the rest of the refs too, just not finding the opportunity (so far). Ugh..!



Thanks so much for looking anyway

[kevinwueste]

Prosenjit - love it - what are you worried about mate ??

Annie - love it -f eels like stone ! there are so many shapes in this head that's why I love it and the sad feel of the tilt of his head and gaze.. You have captured that nicely .. His nose might be a tad long but it doesn't take anything away from the piece.. one thing is - you have chosen a few very hard edges/transitions for the terminator shadows ( core shadows) vs the softer, rolling turns on the form.. is that an aesthetic decision - if yes - cool - if not, they are all so much softer and will help build form..

Lulu - very soft and subtle - nice!!

Mianong - really lovely soft rendering !!