Portrait Artist Forum - View Single Post

Mike Dodson · 01-13-2004, 11:15 AM

If there is one particular area that I struggle with more than anything it's subtlety. Perhaps this is related to my engineering background of looking at details but it's one of those "demons" I must overcome.

I am curious if anyone has any recommendations on how to better see these subtle gradations of value in a portrait or particular areas to always look for? For example, the lower lip is typically an area that should have a soft blend into the lower part of the face.

I know the first thing that comes to mind is to work from life, which I am doing alot more of but I still find myself wanting to say to the viewer,"Look how well drawn and defined this area is", which is clearly not the objective.

Any thoughts?

01-13-2004, 11:15 AM	#1
Mike Dodson Juried Member Joined: Feb 2003 Location: Centreville, AL Posts: 306	Subtlety If there is one particular area that I struggle with more than anything it's subtlety. Perhaps this is related to my engineering background of looking at details but it's one of those "demons" I must overcome. I am curious if anyone has any recommendations on how to better see these subtle gradations of value in a portrait or particular areas to always look for? For example, the lower lip is typically an area that should have a soft blend into the lower part of the face. I know the first thing that comes to mind is to work from life, which I am doing alot more of but I still find myself wanting to say to the viewer,"Look how well drawn and defined this area is", which is clearly not the objective. Any thoughts?