The next drawing is of my grandson, a young violinist whose mother is Korean. I really wanted to paint his portrait. I came close, but not close enough. I couldn't quite capture his nose and eyes. Practice, practice, practice!
The third drawing of a little girl was fairly successful, but I overworked the eyes, and then couldn't correct it. She ended up having a slightly cross-eyed look. I used a combination of charcoal and pencil, and the hair didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped.
The last drawing is my attempt at capturing Raquel Welch. I hope she'll forgive me! Again, I should have modelled the form before adding details. The principle of 1/3's would have improved this drawing. I didn't place the eyes into round, deep pockets; they look somewhat flat. Portraits are the most difficult for most artists. Drawing from both live models and photographs as often as possible is critical. And don't forget the Public Library. When you need a refresher course, the books are free and extremely helpful.
So now I've bared my earliest attempts at drawing the figure. I hope you see the progress I've made on my art gallery: http://carol-allen-anfinsen.artistwebsites.com/ and in my mini gallery on Facebook at AnfinsenArt.
Thanks for showing us the earlier attempts at portrait work. It encourages us to keep trying when our first attempts don't quiet turn out the way we see it in our head.As you encourage practice does make perfect and i intend to practice, practice and then practice some more.
ReplyDeleteyou said there were flaws there, but for someone like me, that can't draw, I would love to even be able to produce something like that. I always wanted to learn how to draw, but I am not good at all with that.
ReplyDeleteThoughts of a Career Woman
Thank you Caroline and Laura for your comments. I'm just starting my next portrait piece for my "With These Hands" Series. I may show the progress online. Laura, I didn't know I could draw either, until a wonderful teacher taught me how to see. Take some classes--you never know?
ReplyDeleteBrave and good of you to show your earlier work like that, Carol.
ReplyDeleteBrave or crazy, I don't know which! Younger artists sometimes feel intimidated by accomplished artists, thinking they will never measure up. I want them to know they can. I've received my share of intimidation because I'm "self-taught." Keep trying, keep learning and practicing and you can do it!
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