You can't start too soon preparing yourself for the next portrait. So I started my new adventure with this sketch. I used a photograph I took twelve years ago, but the camera must have been set to auto. I quickly surmised there was a flash. I do not like to use a flash ever when taking photographs to be used for a painting reference. I don't like the shading on the faces either. Even with the flash washout, their skin tones are red and will have to be adjusted. As far as the drawing goes, I got a better likeness of one son than I did of the other in this first drawing--but, all in all, not too bad for a first, free hand try. The study took me about two hours with no music. I kept thinking Linda, turn on BB. But I was too busy comparing shapes and noticing proportions and taking note of points in common. The session flew by.  |
| This PM, my baby hands got happier. I had my music on. |
Studying the drawing this way is advantageous. The translation makes where I went wrong clearer to me.
Like my youngest son's eyes--and the shape of his hair. You do notice that both of my guys have facial hair. I haven't a clue why they like it. They both do have chins. and strong jawlines.
Just been looking through your slideshow, Linda ... and now, here is your sketch of 'the lads' ... meanwhile the rest of us have to settle for being mere mortals :0) Totally brilliant, Madam [removes hat and makes a low bow].
ReplyDeleteDrawing in your company is a bit like bombing along the highway thinking I'm Ferrari himself, when something goes passed me like a bat-out-of-hell ... and I get out to see if I've stopped :0)
Meanwhile - back at the drawing board: I've just finished the Poet's Corner - will photograph it tomorrow, and post. It's a big picture and a lousy photographer {he says lining up excuses in advance)
Thank you John, I am giving it my best try. It's nice to hear I'm doing okay. I can't wait to see your drawing. I imagine you are quite the draughtsman just by what you choose to spend your time on. As for photograph, the trick is to put in art where no shadows fall--on the ground outside is good if the weather allows--then take a lot of photographs checking that the artwork edge is parallel too the camera viewing lens opening. In the computer, checkout auto fix. That's often all you need to do with gray tone work--if you think you need to do more. Adjust the exposure. My camera over exposes regularly. I always have to adjust for that. Good luck. I'm looking forward to what I know was a big effort. I already admire your patience.
DeleteWOW, GORGEOUS MEN.. Can't wait to see what the 3rd son looks like... btw, the one w/the specs seems to favor you... or am I wrong? Eyes and mouth remind me of you...
ReplyDeleteActually, baby pic to baby pic, my youngest, on the left, is my look alike. Thanks. They are my finest sculptures LOL. You won't get to see my middle one, he really is vehemently anti-picture of himself online. Remember your high school year book captions? There was always one that read: Not pictured "Jane Lewellen Schumacher" or some such name. That's my middle one's attitude.
DeleteGood luck with the portrait Linda. I am impressed by your preparation - I do none :(. I am sure it will be another wonderful piece.
ReplyDeleteEvelyn you don't have to do any preparation, you're good right off the bat--as baseball fans say. Maybe we should say right off the brush? Portraiture doesn't take luck; it takes seeing and noting the points. How's the tee shirt business?
DeleteYour posts are so fun to read. The baby hands look great! I like hearing about your process. Keep going with the step by step!
ReplyDeleteKatherine, I would think that everybody is as sick of these hands as I am, but I'm close. I do wish I was closer to our museum, I could stand a look or five at the cherubs and the baby
DeleteJesuses.
Two greats sons, you did an amazing sketch...both look like you, specially the one with the glasses, keep up the good wok :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane. For this next painting, I keep visualizing just three heads cut off at the lower neck sitting on a white canvas--like a painting I saw in the movie Wall Street in Bud Fox's high-end shabby decorated apartment. I hope it doesn't come out like that.LOL
DeleteTalked about YOU tonight at our artist's meeting. We decided that you are extra cool. Excellent drawing and the baby is looking good too!
ReplyDeleteOMG. That's why my ears were burning last night. Thank the group though; it's nice to be thought of as cool. You're pretty cool too-- a very dynamic artist with a very good eye and a ton of enthusiasm to do all that you do. I couldn't keep up.
DeleteI'm getting down to that's as far as I can go with this portrait. The baby's hands are shaping up. It's a matter of having the right brush and holding a steady hand. In spite of the added drying time, I am liking oils very much. You can't beat that finish--it's just lush.
Hi Linda. Baby's hands are looking great! And I look forward to seeing the next portrait of your sons. [I must say I share his dislike of facebook]
ReplyDeleteMe too. I hate to admit it, I fell into the FB trap, but since then I cut off the public. I never had anything trite to say with regards to what was on my mind. YET, many artists think that those social networks are the way to get their art in front of the world. They may have a point: step into the new marketing.
DeleteThanks. I'm spending a lot of time on the baby's hands. I remember my own children's hands and how endearing it was as their long, lean fingers wrapped around mine to win my heart and undying protection forever.