Copy after Sargent's "Kenneth Grahame"

Lewis MacKenzie · 03-24-2013, 06:46 PM

This is the fruit of my weekend's labours. I'm still tweaking this, but I've realised that the whole right side (our left) of the face could probably come in a few mm. I'm debating whether to go ahead and do it though. What would a teacher at an atelier say? I'm guessing "move it", right?

Lewis MacKenzie · 03-24-2013, 06:47 PM

Oops. Is there a way to rotate image attachments?

Muhammad Sida · 03-25-2013, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lewis MacKenzie

Oops. Is there a way to rotate image attachments?

I think you can go in and edit the post just change the picture with a new one that will work.

Anyway dude when I see your work it never fails to put a smile on my face

That is a great copy and a very nice choice, charcoal isnt it?
Its very good.
I'm not so sure about the studio but I think if you can get away with it and keep it then keep it and make a new one but if you can see it and it's bothering you then change it and be careful when you do

Lewis MacKenzie · 03-25-2013, 04:12 PM

Hey Muhammed, thanks a lot - the feeling is mutual.

I've been poking at it tonight and *very carefully* shifting those lines over to the right a bit. I have put some marks down where I want them to go, but am hesitant to lay then down too heavily just yet. I felt I had to change it, as I'd done a smaller study in a sketchbook earlier and failed to really get the gesture of the head right - which is what I love most about the original. Updated version below. I'll edit the original post when I can get to a computer, as I'm on my phone just now.

Terri Ficenec · 03-25-2013, 04:44 PM

To me, the left and right sides of the face seem just slightly canted/out of balance with the left side proportionally larger than the right. The relative angles are very slightly distorted. (check the angle of the top of the head and even the delineation between the light and shadow down the center of his face... it's very slight canted) This is a VERY subtle thing though as I've got to say that on first impression, the reproduction seemed spot on.

NICE WORK!

Note: cross-posted -- comments based on earlier images... I was off-line looking at your photos.

Lewis MacKenzie · 03-26-2013, 03:06 PM

Thanks Terri - you are spot on. I still don't have the sides quite at the right angles yet, but adjustments will have to wait until the weekend as I'm writing job applications this week

It's amazing what a difference as subtle as that can make to the feeling of a portrait. This is quite a learning experience. I am definitely going to do a bunch more copies after this one. I have a whole book of Sargent portrait drawings, and a good sized giclee print of Velasquez's "Pope Innocent X" to get my teeth into when I've finished a few of those. Can't wait!