Christine in Profile

[Patricia Joyce]

Below is the very beginnings of a portrait of Christine in profile. I need to pose a question and am hoping for some help. As you can see in the photo reference, there is little form definition in the face, so I will probably keep the drawing softer. To better define the profile and make it pop, I began to shade the background. I like how it looks against the face, however I don't know how far to take it.

I'll admit to being clueless with background shading as I like to keep it clean, usually. Any pointers? Maybe I should scrap this beginning and begin again without any background shading? I guess I am feeling very unsure of myself. . .

In need of direction!
Thank you
Pat

[Patricia Joyce]

BTW this drawing pic is cropped, you are not seeing the whole piece of paper. The drawing will include the shoulders and back as represented in the photo ref.

[Allan Rahbek]

Hi Patricia

I salute your choice of photo reference. I think the background should be light. Lighter than your start. This will be delicate with her light complexion and the dark hair to contrast.

Allan

[Linda Brandon]

Hi Pat,

Nice start! This will be wonderful.

Before you go any further I'd make some thumbnail sketches focusing on how you're going to handle the background. I like the effect of losing the edges of the hair into the background in some places - meaning, in those areas you'll have a dark background - and keeping the background light in places where you want to showcase the dark hair.

Even though your profile is the focus of the drawing you could still subtly soften those edges which aren't bone, such as chin and neck.

How much line you "lose" is to some degree a matter of taste. I'm looking forward to seeing how you do this.

[Jean Kelly]

Pat,

I also am happy you've chosen this pose. It's very graceful, and I'm looking forward to watching the progress. I agree with LInda completely, especially the thumnail sketch of how you will handle the background. Look up the posts on three value sketches, (if I remember correctly) it will help you "see" the completed drawing.

Jean

[Patricia Joyce]

Allan - I thought about pulling up some of the graphite with a kneaded erasure, to lighten it.

Thumbnails - what a good idea and it would not have occured to me, either. I will do some thumbnails this weekend. I love lost edges in works I have studied. It's like magic! In profile it seems actually drawing the contour of the nose always makes it look bigger than it is. Letting the shading define the contour of the nose seemed to work in this case. I guess I should not worry about ruining this piece - I'll feel my way through some thumnails...

...and definately keep you posted, here!!

Thanks I REALLY appreciate the input I get here!

[Patricia Joyce]

Thanks, Jean. I will look up those posts!