Portrait Artist Forum    

Go Back   Portrait Artist Forum > Techniques, Tips, and Tools


 
 
Topic Tools Search this Topic Display Modes
Prev Previous Post   Next Post Next
Old 10-16-2002, 11:56 AM   #11
Linda Ciallelo Linda Ciallelo is offline
Juried Member
 
Linda Ciallelo's Avatar
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Location: Binghamton, NY
Posts: 247
Send a message via AIM to Linda Ciallelo



Hi Beth,

The first thing that bothers me about this piece is the baby's forehead. Babies have large heads, and usually "half" of it is above their eyes. It's that large head and low eyes, that makes anything appear "cute" to us. I checked the photo and sure enough, I believe you have underestimated the baby's forehead. The part of the face below the eyes needs to be smaller, in proportion, than the part that is above the eyes. It might be only a very "small" amount, but it will make a difference.

The next thing I notice are the rough strokes. A baby's face is somewhat unique in that the planes are so slight and sensitive. It's pretty difficult to depict those planes with strokes that only go one way, without smudging. It would be so much easier if you were doing a landscape.

I suggest that you find some pastels of babies that have been done by Mary Cassatt, and study them for stroke direction and placement. If this were my drawing I would not hesitate to smudge. If it gets too smooth, you can always put the rough lines back in.

In my humble opinion, babies' faces need to be smudged, at least a little.
For instance here is a link(I hope it will work) that shows three of Cassatts pastel drawings. Although there are many rough loose strokes used, the faces show a seriously large amount of very complicated smudging.Look at the two pastels on the left and one down on the right, on the second link.

http://www.clarkart.edu/museum_progr...rker=9&start=9
http://www.tfaoi.com/newsmu/nmus40d.htm
  Reply With Quote
 


Currently Active Users Viewing this Topic: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Topic Tools Search this Topic
Search this Topic:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

 

Make a Donation



Support the Forum by making a donation or ordering on Amazon through our search or book links..







All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:13 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.6
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.