Ruby

Jimmie Arroyo · 09-20-2003, 10:01 AM

Hi, this is a portrait of a girl whose mother I work with. It's 11 x 13 on fawn colored Stonehendge, graphite range; 2H-9B and white Nupastel highlights. The majority of the picture is in H-2B. This is not a commission and the composition was done heavy to the left purposely. I even signed it on the left which I rarely do. The light from the top right corner is accidental. Thank you for looking.

Jeff Fuchs · 09-20-2003, 10:39 AM

Jimmie,

This is an excellent portrait. I saw it on Wet Canvas. I think that your limited work time is an advantage. It makes you concentrate on drawing, rather than painting, so you are really mastering it.

But I have one bone to pick, if I may. The part in her hair bothers me. It looks like it's all on one plane, if that makes sense. Like it doesn't recede to the back. Maybe some of the pros here can comment on this.

Lovely work!

09-20-2003, 11:00 AM

Hi Jimmie,

This is beautiful. I love the expression, and the texture you got on her lips is outstanding.

I think that Jeff is reacting to the straight line of the part which we might have expected to be more of an arc, following the curve of the head. I think the white of the far eye is a bit bright, which is preventing that plane of the face from rotating away.

I love the eyes. I have an affection for big eyes and heavy lids. The pose you selected really highlights her features. Love it.

Jimmie Arroyo · 09-20-2003, 05:57 PM

Thanks Jeff and Lisa,

You both bring up very good points. I double checked the reference, and that's the way the hair looks. I didn't notice anything wrong with it until you mentioned it, I can always use my license to make it look more natural.

I figured out what happened with the eye. I put in the highlights figuring I was almost done with the drawing, but decided to make her right side a bit darker. It resulted in the eye looking brighter, and I didn't tone it down along with the face. Also a fan of the big eyes, this girl is one of those that look prettier when sad. Thanks again for the comments.

Kimberly Dow · 09-21-2003, 12:22 AM

This is beautiful. She looks slightly cross-eyed to me though. I love the expression. She reminds me of Alanis Morrisette.