Brandon, USCG

Patricia Joyce · 03-09-2004, 10:39 AM

Brandon came to Cleveland with Kevin in December to share the holidays with my family. He was a pleasure to meet and we took pictures all week. I liked this shot because the lighting was so dramatic. I am going out to WA in two weeks and thought I'd like to give Brandon a portrait.

So, here it is after two days. I started this after finishing a sketch last week to "learn" the features. It is on light gray Canson Tiennes, graphite and white pastel. (Yes, there is definately some runaway white pastel, especially in the mustache - how did that get there??!!)

Please, critique away. I would call this still in the very early stages, still needing build-up in darkest shadows across the face and . . . HAIR! Not a bad looking man bald, though!! A big challenge will be how much to draw of his shoulders/clothing. Suggestions most welcome!! I have no composition experience and feel very lacking.
Much appreciated, as always...

Patricia Joyce · 03-09-2004, 10:42 AM

Ref pic and close up (though a bit blurry)

Michele Rushworth · 03-09-2004, 11:34 AM

Nicely drawn, though I don't see any difference in overall value between the parts of his face in the light and the parts in the shadow. I was surprised to see how the photograph was lit, given what's in the drawing. Squint at your photo and see how dramatically different the lighted and shaded areas are.

Be bold, go for it and shade in those shadow areas! The drawing will be much stronger for it.

By the way, if you have some time in Seattle on your way to Port Angeles, WA, let me know.

Patricia Joyce · 03-09-2004, 12:18 PM

[ Ok, I'll be bold!! Yes, I would love to meet with you in Seattle. I will e-mail you re: details.

Thanks, Michele

Patricia Joyce · 03-10-2004, 10:48 AM

Deepening the values

Jimmie Arroyo · 03-10-2004, 11:12 AM

Looks much better with darker tones. The eyes look different, nothing wrong with that, it works. He looks very bored in the ref pic, like you're asking him too many questions. Your drawing, especially the cropped closeup, makes him look like he's thinking or regretting something.

Would you consider yourself heavyhanded?, just a feeling I get looking at the close-ups. It also could be the jpeg compression giving it that appearance. Did you also try cleaning the ref pic first? I'm taking my pics mainly with digital, but I also scan regular 35mm photos and adjust color or contrast. The pic has a heavy yellow hue which may be restricting your view of the correct or better values. Just a thought.

Hope you don't mind, but here's a different view in just a few minutes on Photoshop. I have limited experience, but I'm sure anyone good at PS could probably make it look even better, but it's just to give you an idea.