Darla The second time

ReNae Stueve · 11-13-2005, 11:40 AM

I've made some changes here and darkened the background. This background tone is cool and goes well with the wall this piece will hang on. It's 14x18 oil on linen. The reference photo is a bit faded, and although as mentioned it was no doubt black and white, it was colorized as was the custom back in 1950.

Being one of those personal challenges that I can't let go off , this is my second attempt at this piece. And like the piece I did of "Bill" that you all co-created with me, this one means a great deal. So of course, I would come here where the level of professionalism is unmatched. Thank you for your time.

ReNae Stueve · 11-13-2005, 11:45 AM

I still don't have those sleepy "bedroom eyes" as she used to call them.

Steven Sweeney · 11-13-2005, 03:52 PM

Just a quick drive-by, as I

Steven Sweeney · 11-13-2005, 07:23 PM

This and my earlier post is all with the caveat that this particular portrait is

Steven Sweeney · 11-13-2005, 09:16 PM

One more thing that is signficant (well, I think it is) --

Let the base of the nose just be the base, in shadow. Don't let a lot of light get in there to, say, define the structure around the nostril, and don't let the nostril value be a lot darker than the shadow area. Kind of take the shadow shape under the nose in the posterization on the right (that is, of the reference photo) as a guide. Within that shape is very little effort to pull out lights, and it isn't necessary anyway. Viewers know what the structure of the nose is, and they know about shadows, so their eyes will supply the detail. You don't need to, and in fact by doing so, those elements say "Look at me!", which isn't what you want to have happening in that area.

ReNae Stueve · 11-14-2005, 01:46 PM

Steven,

Yes to everything. You're brilliant. I'm at the office and can't take too much time now, but I will sit tonight and the next several nights and make the changes you have laid out here. The comparison in gray scale is a great tool. It really is telling, isn't it. I set this up using a grid system, but my shapes tend to migrate. Your example also clearly reveals my fear of using the whole value scale. I can't thank you enough for the time you have put into this. I'll post the modifications as soon as they are ready.