Commission for a grandson

Carolyn Bannister · 04-19-2005, 07:06 AM

Hi Julie,

I have to say I really like it, I think you have captured the texture of his skin wonderfully, it looks really soft, just how older skin is.

The only thing that I noticed, and take this with pinch of salt because I'm not really qualified to critique, is that his shoulders seem a little low, or is it his collar where it meets the face? To me it gives the impression that he is a slimmer man with a longer neck.

Carolyn (Bannister)

Michele Rushworth · 04-19-2005, 09:59 AM

He'll love it. I think it's fine as it is, personally.

Patricia Joyce · 04-19-2005, 10:15 AM

This is a lovely drawing. Older people make great portraits in my opinion because there is so much to render. What I would do, following Jimmie's advice, is to really, really squint down and see the shapes of the values. I think if you brought up the lightest sides of the whole form, forehead, nose, cheek, neck and shirt you will like the dark background better. And I would darken the ear which is in shadow.

It is a beautiful drawing. You have really captured this gentleman and he will love it even if you don't change it from it's current state.

Cindy Procious · 04-19-2005, 10:55 AM

This is a beautiful drawing. But, I agree with Jimmie - since you darkened the background, there are many elements that would dissapear into the background - take nibbles out of his hairline in the shadow side, darken down the shirt at the shoulder.

I've adjusted the levels on your reference just to show you what I mean - hope you don't mind.

Linda Brandon · 04-19-2005, 11:28 AM

Julie, I think you did a wonderful job here. I'm just looking at this, musing whether you might have had an easier time if you had used a gray-toned paper and whether you should do this for future commissions like this.

Michele Rushworth · 04-19-2005, 11:50 AM

I don't think a dark background necessarily means that the shadow side of the face would have to go so much darker. The photo may have been shot with a fill, for example. I guess you can let personal preference decide for you, Julie.

Julie Deane · 04-19-2005, 01:27 PM

Thanks, Michelle and Linda. You're right, Linda - gray paper with highlighting would have been really nice for this. I wish I had had a sample of that for the client to choose.

You sure do reap what you sow for portraiture:
"I want it just like that" the client says, looking at your samples. So, if you show pictures of kids, you'll get more of the same, samples of elders - ditto. My goal is to get a variety of types of people and samples of only those drawing and painting styles that I prefer to do.

Julie Deane · 04-19-2005, 09:03 PM

Here it is with some more darkening done, and a few touches here and there.

Richard Monro · 04-22-2005, 03:50 PM

Julie,
I think I am being picky, but the glasses appear to be slightly off in angle compared to the reference photo which for me creates a slightly disturbing imbalance. Personally I would hate to try to make the correction at this late stage. I also agree with the comments concerning the value shifts, but other than that you have done a very credible piece of work that I am sure your client will love.

Julie Deane · 04-22-2005, 04:54 PM

Hi Richard -

I see what you mean. Since I lightly traced at the start to get the main things in placement, including his glasses, I'm not sure if it is the glasses or the eyebrows above them that make them look off-kilter. Will have to check.

Always feel free to nit-pick. I am trying to learn to see what is there, not just what I think I should see, so I NEED other eyes and comments. Thanks!