Finally joining in

[louisiton]

I've been loving this site for the past three months or so and I'm amazed at the beatiful and inspiring art that I've seen here. I found the time this week (now that my kids have gone back to school) to do a couple of pictures. One is a self-portrait that I'm not satisfied with - it's too boring (lifeless), but the other one of the little girl has left me feeling like there may be hope for me yet. They are both done in pastel. I've just been drawing for six months or so now, so I know that I'm very much at the learning stage.

I'd welcome any comments (esp on the self-portrait).

Thanks, Louise

[louisiton]

Apparently my image is too big. I'll see what I can do about that.

[louisiton]

Let's see if this technophobe can manage this.

[louisiton]

Here is the other one

[elizabeth ours]

beautiful, you remind me of my daughter.

liz

by the way, you self-portrait is not at all lifeless - it is very focused or contemplative.

[Olan]

Hello Louise and welcome.
Just wanted to say that you do nice eyes ,however, I would take the lines (wrinkles) out from under the little girls eyes. Just some soft modeling of a cresent shape to show a ball shape (eye ball) should do the trick. Both renderings are well done. 6mos?!!!
jmo

[louisiton]

Thanks Liz and JMO,

It didn't even occur to me to do anything with the eyes other than what I saw in the photo. That's the area I think I need to work on the most - creativity. That is, knowing what part of the picture is interesting and should stay and what part is superfluous and should be omitted (artistic license, I guess).

Thanks for the comments.

[Jolanta]

Hi,
You are good. You are very good. Just keep drawing and everything will fall in place. I did learn a lot from this site. Most of all I learned to have a confidence in my art even knowing I will have to learn for the rest of my life it takes away this paralizing fear and I can really enjoy drawing.
You are very welcome here

Jolanta

[Mikki Petersen]

These are both very good works. You should be feeling quite proud to achieve such a level of competence in such a short span of time.

Welcome to the wonderful world of WC! Here you will find support, encouragement, wonderful advice and tons of tips and lessons. Be careful, though, because you can end up spending your painting time perusing all the great postings here. But, I learn from the looking as much from the doing, so I guess there are worse things you could do.

[jocelynsart]

Hi Louise: I have not met you so I say welcome and hi!
I think that these are great! I know what you mean about the self portrait feeling slightly boring to you but I think others may not feel it is. It may just be the use of space that gives this feeling, as the portrait itself is great! I like the sort of surprised look in it. I really love the little girl! It is an amazing drawing.
It is funny, one thing that I have come to realize from working with photo reference, is that some detaisl "read" differently when transferred from photo to drawing. Things can come across differently, more focal or noticeable (exaggerated if you will), or indistinguishable, to the viewer when in a painting or drawing. Basically, you have to go with your gut and feeling of balance. Learn to omit or adjust things that lstrike you as funny in your drawing. It is sometimes hard to do when dealing with likenesses however.
Joss

[Olan]

Sorry Louise I see the confussion guess I should have followed with my name.

J ust M y O pinion

Olan

[rca]

Hi, Louise :

I love the way you did the eyes on both cases, but specially on the first painting! How lovely they are!!!

Congratulations!
Rui.

[Dark_Shades]

I welcomed you on the pastel forum with the little girl...... so its an added bonus to see you here with another one in toe ...... your self portrait is really lovely..... and as others have said ..... it IS NOT boring or lifeless lol - well done

I would say perhaps check the mouth/jawline and ear area ...... felt as if you werent comfortable with this part

[louisiton]

Well, you've all blown me away with your kind words of praise and encouragement. I'll never get my head through the door again! Thanks so much.

[Allan Jameson]

Very good work .....very relaxed renderings .....I like both of them for different reasons ....but the little girl is beautiful.