Portrait of Russell

[Armin Mersmann]

Pencil on acid free mat board.

15

[Mary Pedini]

Hi Armin,
I must say I was taken aback at how realistic this portrait appears! The lighting is very interesting and dramatic. Well done! Would you mind posting the original reference?
Mary

[Mike McCarty]

I thought I might put up one more of this series of work.

I would love to see the other three. Do you create your own reference? I too am partial to the drama of your pose. Is the thumbnail likeness of you a self portrait? If so I would love to see it posted larger.

[Marvin Mattelson]

Hi Amin,

Beautiful job. You've created a very sensitive drawing that is technically superb and at the same time quite emotional. No small feat.

I think that the source material ultimately proves to be it's achilles heal. The dense shadows reduce this wonderful drawing into the realm of photo realism, which means it looks like a photo. The human eye sees values differently from film in that the eye doesn't clog up the darks or bleach out the highlights.

There are ways of getting around these limitations by photographically manipulating B&W film utilizing the Zone System.

I think by makinging your values more realistic and less photographic you will take something very strong and make it that much more powerful.

Again congratulations on your great drawing.

[Armin Mersmann]

Thank you, Mary, Mike and Marvin!

I will add the

[Marvin Mattelson]

Armin,

I agree totally with everything you are saying and have expressed the same sentiments myself. My point was, however, that by having essentially black shadows, you create a value structure that appears photographic, regrdless of how you develop the rest of the image. I'm sorry I didn't state this more clearly in my previous post.

[Mary Pedini]

Armin,
Thanks for posting your main reference, it has helped me appreciate your creative approach even more.
Mary

[Patricia Joyce]

Armin,

Thank you for sharing your philosophy and approach to your art. I printed it out to reread because it is great food for thought. Your work is very moving, very emotional. Looking forward to seeing more!

One of my goals is to do a portrait of a friend of mine who has serious cerebral palsy. His face is grossly distorted yet he is still, physically beautiful. He has the largest most expressive eyes I've ever seen on a person, his whole being emanates from those huge brown eyes, with the thick lashes and very lush, deep eyebrows. A successful portrait of him will realistically portray all his features, however, I believe I can make the viewer see his beauty the way I do. Your post here has inspired me to attempt another drawing of Bill.

Thanks

[Linda Brandon]

Dear Armin,

The most interesting thing about your beautiful drawing is that your subject is more compelling, mysterious and intense than the photo. Your art has fulfilled your intentions. Well done!

[Terri Ficenec]

WOW! Mesmerizing and intense. This is beautiful!