Self-portrait for Jeff Fuchs

[Minh Thong]

I can't draw well sitting, so I have always had to use an easel since I started last year. I picked up a small and large masonite sketchboard to mount on the easel, and I can hold the small one and draw if I'm lounging in front of the TV or outside.

I've been drawing about a year using books as a guide, but the difference between my drawing now and in October is stunning. My teacher has merely worked on the most basic stuff (line, angles, measurement, and now value) but in just two months my drawing has improved 100%.

Minh

[Jeff Fuchs]

I've tried standing up to draw, especially at life sessions, but I'm handicapped, and standing gets tiresome. No problem... if you're drawing from a photo, but a real live model looks different with even that slight change of altitude. So even if I feel like standing to draw, my better sense tells me to stay low and comfortable.

[Jean Kelly]

Hi Jeff, I can't stand long either (wearing a back brace now most of the time). My husband got me a hand me down chair with a back thats quite tall. Then I put a very thick pillow on it and lean, kind of a half sit, half stand. If I need to sit for a while I'm still pretty close to the same angle. You may be able to find one at a used office furniture place. I'm finally fairly comfortable painting at an easel for a good chunk of time.

Jean

And Minh, hang in there, this is a process-chop wood carry water.

[Minh Thong]

Thanks for the encouragement, Jean and Jeff.

Here's a shot after the last little bit of work I did on it. I am still trying to get the eyebrows on properly and I will then probably gesso over it. I used this piece primarily to practice what I'm learning from my drawing teacher about planes and measurement, and I've learned about all I can from it at this point. I'm afraid the skin tones are washing out with the rather cheap camera I am using, which is unfortunate because they're not too bad. Chris Saper's book is next on my list of things to buy, though.

If I can get a decent pair of eyebrows done I'm probably going to put it to rest. I have a portrait of one of my meditation teachers in the works for trying dark/ethnic skin tones and to work more on planes and especially values.

Thanks again!

Thich Minh Thong

[Josef Sy]

Hi Minh,

Are you doing this self portrait looking from a mirror? I am doing a self portrait, too, and was wondering what other people are doing?

One thing I can say is, if the light is coming from the left (from the looks of it, it is coming from the left), then the left shoulder shade/value should be lighter.

The rendering is coming along! Keep it up.

[Minh Thong]

Thanks for the input, Josef. I've been trying to soften the edges of the robe because I blew them pretty badly from the beginning (a painting with only hard edges ... yuck!) and in doing so I didn't realize I was losing the light on the robe. I see neutral gray and a fan blender in my future. Thank you!

Yes, I'm standing in front of a mirror. The background was completed from three sketches done at the temple, then the figure/face was done in front of a mirror. I've been trying to completely get away from using photo references in order to make it a little tougher to pick out values, relationships, etc. As a relatively new student, my eyes aren't properly calibrated yet and I want to learn the proper way before I start exploring.

Thanks again for the help.

Minh

By the way, I really like the work you've posted in the Drawing Critiques forum. I only paint a few hours per week and have been concentrating on drawing the last couple months. The charcoal portrait of your girlfriend was inspiring.

[Josef Sy]

Thanks, Minh. I have been drawing portraits for awhile and now I am tackling the color and value in oil. I am about where you are now I think. I am still exploring and experimenting.

I have learned so much though through this Forum. It is really great.

[Peter Jochems]

Hi,

I like the humour of this thread.

It seems you are already aware of the problem areas of this piece. I would like to comment that I like certain elements of the composition. The geometry of the background, and the placement of the white ring on the body.

Greetings,
Peter

[Minh Thong]

I forgot to put up the last version of this thing, which has now been (retouch) varnished and put away. Great learning experience. Thanks for all the feedback.

Minh

[Elizabeth Schott]

Minh, I am sorry to see this thread come to an end, I have really enjoyed following this!

I think it's time for you to do one of Jeff now! Bring him out of hiding!