The Mysterious Alice

Terri Ficenec · 05-25-2005, 08:35 AM

Beautifully done! The expression, the hair, the detail on the sweater and the hand by her face. . . Lovely!

Isabel Chiang · 05-25-2005, 09:37 AM

Thank you so much Terri, Carolyn, John, Michele, Patricia, Lisa, Chris and Jimmie!!!!!

I've been a big fan of all of you! It's such an honor to receive your comments! I've learned a lot reading all the threads here. Sorry I didn't have the chance to comment much earlier . Currently, I'm a 3rd year university student, major in accounting and marketing. The workload is getting heavier now, I rarely have time to surf the internet.

Drawing is the only way to get away from the books. (God, I hate those textbooks!) I'm torn between studying and drawing. (I often can't concentrate on studying because I always think about art, but when I'm drawing, I can't help feeling guilty about not studying. After all, my parents have paid a lot of money for my education). It's very difficult to find a balance sometimes.One thing I'm certain is that I do want to become a full time professional artist someday. I know it's not easy but I'll strive for it!

Jimmie, thank you ! You're one of my favourite graphite artists!

Patricia, yes, it took me a long time. A real test for patience I must say. I almost regret drawing it as soon as I started the "knitting" part. It was quite a challenge, very intimidating at first because knitting (for real) wasn't exactly my favourite activity. Actually I think it's the most boring thing in the world. Whenever I had to knit in high school sewing class, I always made my Mum to do it

I'm glad that "knitting" on paper turned out to be kinda rewarding. I almost feel proud of myself in the end

Lisa, thank you! To me, the purpose of a graphite drawing is not to eliminate colour but to Interpret colour and texture in Black and White form. Well, at least it's one of my goals.I'm glad it made you feel that.

Chris, thank you as well! In fact, I'd taken quite a lot of progress shots.I'll post them after this.

Thank you Michele, John, Carolyn and Terri!! I really appreciate your words!

Lisa Ober · 05-25-2005, 10:07 AM

Isabel, may I ask what kind of graphite you use? It has been so long since I have done anything in graphite I am wondering how you get the darks so dark? Also, do you use an eraser to draw as well? What kind of paper do you prefer. I notice on your site it varies a bit. Thank you for your time. Again, beautiful.

Isabel Chiang · 05-25-2005, 10:16 AM

Here're some step by step progress photos.

I worked in a very anti academic way. I love to draw section by sections (finish one small section at a time) using mechanical pencils. Because in fact I'm not a very impatient person, always want to see something finished at the end of the day.

I always finish the eyes first, in order to establish a connection between me and the subject. Also, I rarely switch pencils, mainly used 0.5 mechanical pencils with 2b and 3b leads here.

Isabel Chiang · 05-25-2005, 10:21 AM

The softest pencil I used was 0.5 3B mechanical pencil while the hardest I used was 0.5 2H. However I did use a bit of 3h and 4h leads on her white sweater.

Usually I used 2b and 3b for almost everything but this drawing was a special case due to the detail and the color of her sweater.

Lisa Ober · 05-25-2005, 10:26 AM

Forgive me for asking so many questions, but do you blend?

By the way, thank you for posting the progress shots. Amazing. I am really learning something!

Isabel Chiang · 05-25-2005, 10:30 AM

I've tried many paper, I think Arches Hotpress 300gsm (140lb) watercolor paper suits my style best. There's no perfect paper, some people prefer bristol smooth or illustration board, other prefer other brands of watercolor paper. It's just a matter of taste.

To achieve darkness, I layered 2b or 3b a few times, depending on the value required. Sometimes I blend with a paper stump sometimes I don't depending on the texture. I mainly just blended her face and her hand here. Some people prefer other blending tools such as tissue paper, q tips, fingers, paint brush, etc. None of them works for me except paper stumps. Also, I don't use eraser much because Hotpress watercolor paper is made of 100% cotton, the surface can be easily damaged. So it is important to avoid rubbing too hard/much.

Isabel Chiang · 05-25-2005, 10:35 AM

A few more progress photos....

Oops, Lisa we're posting at the same time. Hope I answered your questions?

Lisa Ober · 05-25-2005, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isabel Chiang

Hope I answered your questions?

Yes, Isabel. Thank you so much for the information. I am awed by your work as well as your patience. I look forward to seeing more.

Xander Calceta · 05-25-2005, 11:38 AM

Isabel,

LUPET!!!!!!!! That's how we express or we say here in Manila, Philippines when we see something amazing like your masterpiece. I only got one question: what is your secret?hehe. You are so great.

God bless you and more power.