My Boys

Ken Babcock · #1 05-09-2010, 11:33 PM

MY IMAGE(S):

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Title: My Boys
Year Created:
Medium: Digital
Surface: Canvas
Dimension: 12x18
Allow digital alterations?: No, please :)

MY COMMENTS:
Digital painting I did yesterday of my boys

MY QUESTIONS FOR THE GROUP:
No questions

tgsloth · #2 05-10-2010, 08:17 AM

Ken, this forum is for "traditional" media. Wet Canvas has a digital art forum where you'll get a bigger and more informed response to your art. Terrific image, by the way.

Ken Babcock · #3 05-10-2010, 09:18 AM

Thanks.

I know the forum is for more traditional styles, but I figured my digital paintings look more like traditional paintings than digital.

If I didn't state it was digitally created, I'd bet most would think it was an oil painting.

tlmarchi · #4 05-10-2010, 09:46 AM

At first glance I was ready to throw my brushes and paints in the trash! But knowing it's a digital design, I think I'll hold onto them a little longer!

Good lookin' boys by the way.

Ken Babcock · #5 05-10-2010, 10:52 AM

Thanks - I think.

It's not a digital design. That makes me think of someone taking a photograph and adding Photoshop filters over top of the photograph. I don't do that. There are no filters used at all in my digital paintings. In fact, it's probably harder to paint in Photoshop than traditionally, and I know cause I do both.

The process is the exact same as a traditional painting. Begin with a blank canvas and sketch the subject(s). Then build layer upon layer of paint. Same thing, just different tools. My tablet and pen is the same as my brush. My tablet is sensitive to the amount of pressure I apply, just like a real brush is. Rather than mixing paint on my palette, I have to mix it digitally, which takes longer.

I should paint this with oils. I'll bet you won't be able to tell the difference between my two styles of painting.

Margaretta · #6 05-10-2010, 12:00 PM

Now I'm really smiling....beautiful boys and a great contrast to that dark love triangle!

The foliage is so detailed and fine as are the boys' faces etc. The method is intriguing me more as the results are awesome but a huge amount of skill must be required to produce your work and a whole lot of practice.....am I too old to start?

(Had a rethink about the car after what you said.....OK I'd be happy to fly in it!

)

Ken Babcock · #7 05-10-2010, 12:37 PM

You're never too old to start anything. Heck, I'm 34 and just starting things now. Although I was only about 7 or so when I did begin to paint.

Yeah the car was a bit different, but was painted exactly how my client expressed how he wanted it. As long as the client is happy then I am too

Bis007 · #8 05-10-2010, 02:03 PM

Is there a reference photo?

tgsloth · #9 05-10-2010, 02:33 PM

You argue that digital painting is harder. Not when it comes to brush cleaning!

Ken Babcock · #10 05-10-2010, 02:44 PM

There is a reference photo, yes. I don't have it on this computer I'm on right now though.

Ahhh brush cleaning. I still do that. I'm not totally a digital painter; I still paint with oils and acrylic too. Visions of Bob Ross slapping the 2" blender brush dry while covering everyone. hahaha

Lindzarelli · #11 05-11-2010, 02:02 PM

With all due respect, it does look like a digital manipulation.

Ken Babcock · #12 05-11-2010, 04:39 PM

Sorry, wasn't manipulated at all. No Photoshop filters used either.

Doesn't matter, I know that I did it and that's all that really matters.

TScottDove · #13 05-11-2010, 04:57 PM

Ken, I think many of us are just unfamiliar with the digital painting process. I, for one, just assumed one started with a scanned or digitized photo. (Either way I'm impressed as the whole drawing-on-a-pad-yet-looking-at-a-screen still confounds me.) Do you have any in-progress images? Even some close-up shots would be interesting to see.

As for composition, the boys make up approximately 1/6th of the entire piece. I might have thrown the balance more to the subjects and less about the background.

Bis007 · #14 05-11-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TScottDove

Ken, I think many of us are just unfamiliar with the digital painting process. I, for one, just assumed one started with a scanned or digitized photo. (Either way I'm impressed as the whole drawing-on-a-pad-yet-looking-at-a-screen still confounds me.) Do you have any in-progress images? Even some close-up shots would be interesting to see.

As for composition, the boys make up approximately 1/6th of the entire piece. I might have thrown the balance more to the subjects and less about the background.

Ken, I have to agree with TScott! IMO i think it was a photo and it was manipulated digitally - leaving the face- it is easy to blur and use the various tools for the foliage. Have ask for a ref, and agreed there was one-I do not doubt your skill- but it obvious especially when the boys's face remain untouch. Maybe you can supply a larger version of this. (I think you forgot to blur the front foilage). Nice work

Nice painting of your boys. They are the cutest.

Ken Babcock · #15 05-11-2010, 08:33 PM

Sorry guys, but again, absolutely no filters or blurring used. Only brushes and colors. I realize the kids look a little small, but when I wrap the canvas around 1.5" stretcher bars I'll lose 3" in each direction so the kids will be more in focus. Done intentionally.

Here are a couple of closeups showing the brushstrokes. Oh, and the kids' faces ARE painted, just hard to see in that image.

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