Religious man in colored pencil

Carolyn Ortiz · 09-28-2002, 03:42 PM

This is 20" x 16" and was a study from a picture in a book. I know, I know it's bad to do that but I just couldn't resist! I thought the folds, turban, everything looked like such fun to draw. And it was!

09-30-2002, 07:16 PM

Carolyn,

Very nice ! Would it be possible to get a close up of the face?

Devin

Rebecca Willoughby · 10-01-2002, 12:17 AM

Carolyn,

I don't know about everyone else, but I don't think it is bad at all to copy pictures or art from books or anywhere else. As a matter of fact many artists copy old masters' work as part of the learning process. There are several posts on this Forum about this. As long as you do not do it for profit.

This is lovely. You did a great job as usual.

Great work,
Rebecca

Jennifer Geary · 10-01-2002, 04:10 PM

Carolyn,

I am in awe at your talent with colored pencils! This is fantastic! And I agree, I don't think there is anything wrong with copying magazine pictures...it is great practice! That is how I found out I could draw, actually. In my Junior year in High School, my teacher gave us this assignment to draw a picture from a magazine. That started my love for drawing. I still have all those sketches I did. Anyway, you are really talented!

Carolyn Ortiz · 10-02-2002, 12:43 AM

Thanks, everyone for your nice comments!

And thanks for your input on using magazine, book photos, etc.. I figured it was OK as long as you didn't try to sell them but I guess I figured when you got to a certain point it was best if you worked from your own photos. Could have just been some professor's preferences I took too seriously. Anyway, I am really happy to hear that you all think it's OK since I have that great photo portrait book by Steve McCurry, that I have always debated about doing drawings/paintings from. Now I'm really excited to practice from them!

Devin,

I'm working on getting those close-ups, and hopefully a better quality picture. But my video camera is broken now. (and I don't know what to do!)

But once it's fixed, I'll post some. Thanks for the interest!

Enzie Shahmiri · 10-04-2002, 11:25 PM

Carolyn, this is a wonderful image.

Do you know where this gentleman is from and who took the picture? On images that I have been able to use from a photojournalist friend of mine, I usually point out that he took the original photo.

I am also amazed at your control over colored pencil, good for you!

Carolyn Ortiz · 10-08-2002, 03:12 PM

Thanks Enzie,

The image is from a book called 'Many People Many Faiths' by Robert S. Ellwood. Unfortunately I can't find the name of the photographer. Hopefully some day I'll be able to travel to all these places to take photos of all these beautiful faces I love to work from. I am also not sure where he is from but the chapter he is placed in is about Sufism.

Elizabeth Schott · 10-11-2002, 05:31 PM

This is lovely! I wish you could post the face detail, I would like to get a better look at his eyes.