Flatter the Subject?

[Jeff Fuchs]

Remember, Pat, that you're including these details (wrinkles, etc.) You're not showcasing them. Once you have the face blocked in, and wrinkles indicated, step back and assess what needs to be emphasized, and what can be downplayed. I've seen many attempts to include wrinkles, with no regard to what priority they should have. This is what separates the artists from the photo copiers.

Also, be careful about the hairline. On your drawing, there's no smooth transition from hair to face. You don't want it to look like a wig. I know that your drawing is just a study, so forgive us for picking at it so much, but you can pick and choose what is of value to you.

I know you're using pencil, and these two drawings are in charcoal, but I wanted to post them anyway. This one is by Charles LaSalle from the Walter T. Foster book "Drawing in Charcoal with Charles LaSalle." I don't know what year but is is number 51, and has the $1.00 price on the front. LOVE Walter T Foster books.

Anyhow, in this book there are several drawings of older gentleman, with wrinkles and jowls intact. Because it's charcoal, the emphasis is not as much on line as on shapes and values and edges. Notice that the crows feet are there, as well as the jowl, but there is not a line in the crease of every wrinkle. The creases are described by letting the value turn the form, and letting hte hardness of the edges indicate where the wrinkles are.

Yay! Rim lighting! Must have been the 50's or 60's.

Here's another, Raphael Sanzio (1483 - 1520), Study for the Transfiguration. This is from "Drawing Lessons from the Great Masters" by Robert Beverly Hale.

You can see that the old man and young boy are treated in pretty much the same way. The reason you know they're young or old is the shape of the shadows, not the frequency.

Here's one more Charles LaSalle, a closeup on the crow's foot territory. You can use a kneaded erasor in a criss-cross pattern to pull out the lights on these areas.

[Patricia Joyce]

Jeff, I think I will be posting progress on the final drawing. I will stand back and assess after blocking him in, then maybe I'll offer it to all of you to assess also! Yikes! No, actually I am anxious to begin anew.

Lisa, the reference drawings are a great help. I remember the Foster books from years ago, I wonder where mine went to! Charles LaSalle was great. I forgot how much I used to enjoy drawing old people when I was in high school. Thanks for the pointers.

Pat

[Linda Brandon]

Lisa, thanks for those wonderful posts. I've started a section on "rim lighting" over in the Photography section. http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...5088#post25088

Pat, I look forward to seeing your finished drawing. I draw many older people who are reluctant to become "wrinkle character studies" and I am always interested in seeing how other artists handle this.

[Steven Sweeney]

Pat,

For some additional inspiration, be sure to browse through the "Political Portraits" section (click, or access from the SOG home page). You

[Patricia Joyce]

I did check out John de la Vega's Senator John Warner yesterday and I looked at Mark Young's Reagan this morning - good references. Also, in my search for good examples I saw Joseph Raj (sp?) 1991 portrait of George W Bush. Interestingly, the angle of the photo shot and lighting is almost idential to the photo reference I am using. It was very helpful to study. I would attach it if I could but I don't have time to figure that out, sorry!! I am a Klutz with computers...

I worked on Dennis till the wee hours last night. So far so good, will soon post my progress. (I could say, unless it looks terrible, but I have to have faith, RIGHT??!!)
Have a Great Day
Pat Joyce (Meyers)

[Patricia Joyce]

Here's the portrait of GWBush I was referring to, by Joseph Raj, 1991. The lighting is so similar, however his whole body is turned more towards the viewer than the photo of Kucinich

[Patricia Joyce]

Here's Dennis so far. How can I improve the texture of the hair? Frustrated, still, with the neck and bottom of nose. I would appreciate your input. Thanking you in advance...