A portrait WIP [Archive]

lucky

08-22-2005, 05:30 AM

Hi All!

There were a few people who asked for a portrait wip so wanted to post one as I go. Hope it’s not too ugly to look at in some of these stages! :o :p

I always print out the reference to the same or close to it, size I want to draw it. So I hope drawing like this is good practice to eventually get much better at capturing the likeness. I want to work directly from life in the future. So I'm really trying to work on my drawing skills right now.

There is a method of drawing from life, that’s called sight – size. This is what I’m trying to use and learn. I don’t use the lines like they do but do what most do and just eyeball to try to put things in the right spots. I know that I will be changing where things are as I go, always correcting the drawing every step, for instance I started with her mouth way to low… Hope it’s getting better now? Also her forearm is too long so that will be corrected also, along with everything else.

http://www.480bc.com/benr/sightsize.htm
about sight-size method

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a1/scribbletalk/Step1.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a1/scribbletalk/Step2.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a1/scribbletalk/Step3.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a1/scribbletalk/Step4.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a1/scribbletalk/Step5CU.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a1/scribbletalk/Step6.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a1/scribbletalk/Step7.jpg

This is probably about 1/4 of the way right now... So I better get back to work! :) Thanks for looking.

Brenda

08-22-2005, 07:40 AM

Terrific link, Lucky!! I do something similar with my eyes, measuring length and time. It's hard to describe but its how I've always measured. I'm going to be trying your method!

You painting is looking amazing. Such beautiful movement, shadows, and a great likeness! Thanks for doing this WIP.

Rose

08-22-2005, 08:55 AM

Lucky,

Wow, just wow... this is coming along just super! You only sight size it?? Amazing!

artmasters

08-22-2005, 10:51 AM

Hi Lucky,

This is really fantastic watching this evolve and progress. It's helpful to see that other artists initially can get things wrong (I do it all the time), and then see how it is corrected. It takes guts to show the ugly stages where things aren't lined up correctly. But wow!!! look at it now! It's beautiful now. I can't wait to see it finished.

Good Job!
Dave

lucky

08-23-2005, 03:59 AM

Hi Brenda, I like that article, it’s very good. But I don’t do the things it teaches very well. I just look and draw with out measuring or using plum lines and such but know that I really need to break that habit! So trying to learn. I’m just so eager to lay down the pastels or paint, or whatever, that I rush this first step! Gosh, I can’t wait for the day I can just draw exactly what I see perfectly, it will happen, right!??? ;)

Thanks Rose, well I don’t even really do that but trying to work my way to being more disciplined. I just hate the first drawing stage, and want to jump into the coloring. Its hard to be disciplined with art but I guess you have to be sometimes! Darn it!

Hi Dave, yes posting all these stages is a bit embarrassing! But I was asked. :o
You know sometimes I can get a likeness so fast and be very accurate, especially from life. But other times I’m so far off it’s ridiculous! I know this is why I really want to get more work under my belt and improve on accuracy before I really start taking on commissions. I think I can get pretty close, and really good on some but I have a lot more to work on and learn to build up enough confidence to do this as a business.

O.k. nothing much to show yet… getting back to work. :bye1:

Angela

08-24-2005, 09:10 AM

Awesome! Thanks. Now, can you explain to us how you decide what colors to use and how you lay the pastel down?

artfulscribe

08-24-2005, 09:22 AM

Fascinating! Thanks for taking the time to to this (and my goodness, I'm marveling at how quickly you're able to develop a likeness!). I'm somewhat familiar with sight-sizing, but your link really helped drive it home...good one to bookmark!

Roxana

lucky

08-25-2005, 09:07 AM

Hi Angela,

Well, I pick the colors by whats closest to what I see in the reference, and I know I have to mix a few colors to get the right values as well as colors cause I don’t have too many pastels yet. I see a ton of purples, greens, blues, pinks and yellows in this little girls skin. I probably tend to exaggerate just a tad with the colors, but I really do see them in everyone’s skin. I draw directly with the pastels using either the sides or an edge. I’m trying to keep the background light so just the girl really pops out.

Your welcome Roxana, glad the link will be helpful. Well I’m still working on getting her face close to the cuteness in the reference ;)… going slowly, know I still have a long way to go on the face….having too much fun making a mess of the background.. :p

Toni

08-25-2005, 11:04 AM

LOL... Lucky you make me want to get my pastels back out again!

The movement your capturing is apparent already, love the palette, and the subject is so cute!

I too use the back and forth - a dab here - a little there - then oh... move over here again lol style.

It works!

Thanks for the WIP... its wonderful

TJ

Brenda

08-25-2005, 11:24 AM

Lucky, I just LOVE this! I'm already a big fan of your work.

Will you finish her front arm or are you planning to leave it caught in the blur of her dance?

Meisie

08-25-2005, 11:30 AM

Wonderful!!!

Meisie

Rose

08-25-2005, 11:35 AM

Such a sweet face on this little girl, so innocent! :-)

lucky

08-26-2005, 02:26 AM

Cool Toni! Come join me in the pastel section then! We could use some more dust down here! ;) Yep, the moving from here to there style works just fine, especially when you have ADD type tendencies! LOL!

Hi Brenda, yes I will finish her arm as well as her dress, which has a lot of embellishments (wrong word?) on it.

Thanks Meisie!

That cute face was really inspiring to me Rose, and the fact that she was dancing in the sun by herself was another. :)

Here's the latest, will be working on the face throughout untill it gets closer to hers. And right now just starting the dress, there's going to be some detail in it, but hoping to stay a little loose...

lucky

08-26-2005, 06:03 AM

Still trying to capture that cute look on her face...

Rose

08-26-2005, 06:42 AM

Wow! :droppedja You certainly did it!!!!! This is awesome!

lucky

08-30-2005, 05:10 AM

Thanks Rose!

Unfortunately, I have undone it now. :rolleyes: Not sure if I can bring her back to life... but trying my best. :) Think my head is already on the next drawing! Wooops!

lucky

09-01-2005, 12:52 PM

getting her back, I think?... going so slowly... :o

Brenda

09-01-2005, 01:51 PM

Oooohhhh!!! She's just fabulous, Lucky! Her adorable face and her little pink arms, motion everywhere, beautiful contrast between the bg and her white lacy dress... LOVE IT!

Amazingreys

09-01-2005, 08:18 PM

Your work is so beautiful! I love love love this! :clap:

Dana~

lucky

09-02-2005, 10:09 AM

Thanks Brenda and Dana!!!

Finally working on her dress, will really start working on her arm when the dress is done. Thinking about doing some funky stuff with flowers around the girl since she's a flower girl... we'll see if I have the guts! :p

lucky

09-06-2005, 05:43 AM

Still working on her dress. Thought I'd post a couple in progress shots of the dress folds. I was nervous about this part, but actually it's been pretty fun. Still not sure about the flower idea. May just finish it up and stare at it for a few days to try to figure it all out...

Happy Scribbling to All! :D

~lucky

Rose

09-06-2005, 07:21 AM

Looking GREAT!!! Go Lucky, Go!!! You have the guts! Flowers, yes!!!

Meisie

09-06-2005, 02:40 PM

Simply gorgeous...I love your suggested details, my eyes and mind are having a wonderful time filling in all the details. Brilliant!

I didn't read it all, so I don't know where the flower(s) would go...in her hand? I was wondering what a ribbon would look like....but it was a fleeting thought. :D

Meisie

Denise

09-06-2005, 09:38 PM

I completely missed this thread:eek: :(

Lucky, my friend, you have done an amazing job (again!) so far....she is just lovely. I have to say though that your first scan gave me a huge AAHAA! moment when I saw the initial colors laid in for the face. I really want to be brave and do pastel prtraits....but (confession time) I'm a big chicken. So, until the wizard gives me courage I will have to live vicariously through you and your work.;)

lucky

09-07-2005, 06:59 AM

Thanks Rose for always cheering along! It can get a little lonely in this section. Thanks for the encouragement!

Thank you Meisie, so glad you like the looseness of the details! A ribbon? hmmmm, that could be interesting, I guess some of the shapes in the background are kind of ribbon like. I'll post a pic. I was fiddling around with in an earlier stage with the flowers....

Hi Denise! I love color! And you actually do see all those colors in peoples skin, I probably exagerate them a little though. :p Ahhhh, don't be chicken, it will be fun, I promise!

This is what she looks like now, she's just floating around, and her arm is barely started.

And here is kind of an idea about the flowers, but I would probably just do them more subtley so they stay in the background and have the right side flowers lighter than the left... I wouldn't exactly stick to this, it's just to get an idea.. What do you all think? :help:

artmasters

09-07-2005, 10:49 AM

Hi Lucky, I'm still watching and I'm amazed each time I see your progress! This is beautiful! As for help with the flowers, I was thinking that she looks like she could be a flower girl at an outdoor wedding. I was imagining that she could be tossing flower petals much like Alma Tadema has done in several of his paintings. Check out the book about him if you are interested. He painted mostly ancient greek themes, but your work here reminds me of his. Well, I hope my suggestion isn't too far out, it's just a thought. I can't wait to see it finished because you have your own talent and way of achieving greatness.

Dave

Angela

09-07-2005, 02:54 PM

Can I just say what an INCREDIBLE job you are doing on her gown? It looks so good!!

I don't know about all those flowers . . . i know you said you wouldn't stick to it, but i just don't know. Maybe a field of flowers behind her? Just a hint of flowers behind her, something that is so subtle but yet can still be interpreted as flowers? I don't know - just thinking out loud. Can't wait to see what you decide on.

Rose

09-07-2005, 03:02 PM

Just some of my own personal thoughts, but maybe a wreath of baby's breath in her hair, or some little pink roses? I know she's not the bride, but flower girls have flowers in their hair too... :-) :D No problem with the cheering section... I have my pom poms ready!

Brenda

09-07-2005, 04:11 PM

I'm with Anglea... not the flowers in the front. They hide her gorgeous lace dress and draw too much attention from her. Do you need flowers? She's beautiful and looks like she is twirling with joy just as she is. If you really want flowers, I like the suggestion of flowers in the background.

Lucky... hon... you're beyond awesome!

Toni

09-07-2005, 09:56 PM

Hey Lucky,

I'm not fond of these flowers either...

Are you going to be adding her legs?

TJ

Denise

09-07-2005, 10:03 PM

Looking wonderful, Lucky, but I think the idea of the flowers in the bg would be better than in front...to me she needs legs.....she does look like she's dancing.:)

She's adorable ....

lucky

09-08-2005, 01:57 AM

Hi Dave, Yes I know some of Alma Tadema’s work, I have a couple of postcards up of his “Spring” painting. His work is amazing, isn’t it!? I saw Spring in the Getty Museum in L.A. what an incredible painting, my husband and I stood and stared at it for such a long time, it’s so inspiring! I was actually thinking of rose petals being thrown around at first but then I didn’t have the references for the petals so went with flowers…

and also, confession time, I’m an idiot… I have a tendency to jump into paintings some times with out planning enough ahead of time. I thought I had placed the girl on the paper in the right spot, BUT after completing her dress I realized I put her too low on the paper. So if/ when I put in her little feet they’re going to be touching the bottom of the paper and some how she reminds me of a little scrunched up E.T. like that! :p So I was hoping with the flowers I could not only make up for her bad placement but make the picture more interesting as well….

Thank you Angela! I like your idea of the field of flowers, that could definitely be a possibility and could also help with the feet problem.

Thanks again Rose. She does have a couple flowers in her hair but they are small I guess. Little white ones.

Ahhhh, thanks Brenda!!!! You know I was going to be so sad to cover up the bottom lace of her dress. I’m so glad you all saved me from making this big mistake! I guess I don’t know what it needs, but I do have to figure out a way to make her feet not look awkward being so close to the bottom… I am so open to any suggestions that anyone can think of! ;)

Thanks Toni! I won’t add the flowers like this... gotta come up with something else.... :confused:

Thank you Denise!!!

So Thank you all for helping me not make a big mistake with the flowers! Not sure what to do with it right now, but luckily I got a portrait commission, YEAH! So I’ll leave this one for a while and hope to get back to it in a week or so.

:bye1:

larsnip

10-13-2005, 06:12 PM

How did I miss this? Its Beautiful
You are the Bomb ;)
I don't really like the flowers either
This has a very nice lyrical quality to it
Top Notch Work

Dave

lucky

10-14-2005, 02:55 AM

Thanks a lot Dave! Maybe I'll get her finished up and posted next year! :o :p

Dorell

10-14-2005, 03:10 AM

I wasn't around when you started this, so I missed it up until now.
It's fantastic :clap:
A pastel WIP is something I've always wanted to see, and this one is just out of this world!! I've only just had time to skip through the pictures so far (a habit I've had since childhood :o ), but I'll definitely go back and read in more detail when I'm not just about to go out to work :rolleyes: :D .

Dorell.

nithya

10-14-2005, 04:40 AM

I generally hang out in the color pencil forum, so missed this one... its gorgeous! I love the intricate details on her dress, the softness in the lace work is awesome! She looks like an angel:) :clap: :clap: :clap:

Debee

10-27-2005, 11:10 PM

WHAT DO YOU MEAN WAIT AND FINISH UP NEXT YEAR :eek:

I love the painting process you've used! Wonderful colors and strokes. Don't leave us hanging till next year.

ex-limey

10-28-2005, 01:14 AM

Lucky, this is just fantastic :clap: :clap: :clap: Please don't make us wait till next year for the finished piece. I think the colored background you have is just beautiful.
Jean

Dave.R

11-02-2005, 05:00 PM

This is fabulous Lucky....inspiring work...clean and beautiful.:clap::clap::clap:
Thanks so much for all the WIP postings.

lene

11-03-2005, 02:28 AM

hi
stunning painting :) You are a master painting these portraits :clap: :clap:

lucky

11-04-2005, 03:24 AM

Thanks Dorell, Nithya, Debee, Jean, DaveR, and lene for the great encouragement!!!! Sorry to leave you all hanging, but since we’re moving I don’t have all my supplies. But I promise next year It will get finished! :)

ex-limey

01-13-2006, 12:21 PM

Hi Lucky! :) Just so you don't think I've forgotten about this piece!!;) I know you said you were moving and wouldn't be able to work on it for a while, but it's been a while....... and I know everybody else, besides me, is still waiting to see the finished portait. :D :D Please, Pretty Please....

Jean.:bye1: :bye1:

christine

01-13-2006, 01:53 PM

Wow! I'm sure glad Jean posted on this piece today -- I've not been with you all for that long and didn't see this -- what a treat for the eyes! It was wonderful to follow the link and see the underpainting worked through to ALMOST completion. Do you have an update by chance?

This piece is just incredible!!!

artsee-fartsee

01-15-2006, 11:23 AM

This is just very lovely and sweet piece. I like it just as it is :clap: :clap: :clap: What kind of paper do you use. I just think it's remarkable. You've done everything right.
Sheila

lucky

01-16-2006, 05:23 AM

Ah Oh! Busted! Thanks Jean for bringing this back up (I think :eek: ;) :D), and Christine and Sheila for the interest and nice comments! Sheila are you still doing pastels? How's it going?

Well, actually when we were moving the drawing got bumped and fell out the window and was then run over by a big truck, and dragged 14 blocks, it was terrible!!..... o.k. no, not really. I'm still working on how to resolve her legs going off the page. And think I may have, and will do what Dave brought up with throwing the flowers. Just have to find a flower shop so I can take reference images of the petals being thrown with the right lighting. So far I have just put some ideas down with a little bit of color to see how it would work. The blue area will be the isle with petals fallen on it, and a lot less blue, and of course I'll draw real petals in there not just have the marks that are there now, and finish up her legs. .. so this is all I have to show for now. But I have been dying to do a portrait of my husbands grandma, and think I might work on that instead, and finish this later... :o so sorry! I'm just so happy to have my pastels back and really eager to get a drawing going and dont want to wait to find the flower shop, and all that... but I promise it will get finished... eventually!

(Sheila, this is on a sheet of lavander Canson MI - Tientes)

Brenda

01-16-2006, 09:34 AM

You really are back! And this is one of my favorite works you've done. I'm so glad you're back at it again. Does it feel good?

Beautiful, Lucky. Really, really nice.

Good to have you with us again. You've been missed.

artmasters

01-16-2006, 11:24 AM

Hi Lucky, I can't wait to see this one finished. I look forward to seeing your husband's grandmother's portrait also. Your website portfolio looks great. I remember all those portraits. It's good to see them again. I'll bet Spain is great. Good luck on the spanish. Ojala que tu aprendas muy rapido! (I hope you learn quickly)
Dave

christine

01-16-2006, 03:00 PM

Just Wonderful Lucky!!!!

Meisie

01-16-2006, 06:45 PM

Oh! I think her legs will work well, and the falling petals are a good touch.

Meisie

Toni

01-16-2006, 10:40 PM

Carrie this is one of my favorites.. You'd better finish it!

you don't have her cropped at a joint, so your good. I love the way the legs ground her, yet are not so developed to draw alot of attention. Well done.

I love the petals, but not so much the way they fly right up and out, how about something that follows her movement just a tad?

just for ideas here...

TJ

lucky

01-17-2006, 11:22 AM

Thanks Brenda! Yes it feels great to be back to the pastels!

Hi Dave! Thanks for the comments about the little blog. It was the only option to have a website, but I thought maybe it was just too boring with out words...? Hey I almost understood your whole sentence. ;) I hope to learn fast too. Thanks for the encouragement!!! Can't wait to see some new work from you too!

Thanks Christine and Meisie!

Toni, thanks a lot for doing that. Yep, there definitely needs to be some petals to her left as well. I'll make sure to add some. Hopefully when I take reference shots some neat clumpings and natural patterns will happen.. we'll see.

Thanks guys! :bye1:

ex-limey

01-18-2006, 05:48 PM

Hi Lucky! :) Girl, you really had me going when I read your first sentence! :eek: I would have been criminal to have lost this BEAUTY! I like the idea of the petals swirling around her, almost looks like she is whirling with them! Will be looking forward to your Grandmothers picture!

Jean.:bye1: :bye1:

Angela

01-20-2006, 01:25 PM

I fell for it too, Lucky!! My mouth fell open when I read about it being run over by a big truck . . . . but then saw you were kidding! LOL. Can't wait to see how you finish this baby up! It's lookin' gorgeous, girl!

Drawman

04-13-2007, 12:35 PM

Another newbie here, Lucky, so I have an excuse to bring this one back up again. I can only echo all the wonderful things the others have been saying, a great wip.

VeronicaF

04-14-2007, 02:00 AM

WOW!!!!!!!!!!That is such a beautful portrait!!!!!!!!!
soooooooooooo really beautful
I love the colours too
Thank you for sharing how you have done this
really clever,and so beautful
Kind regards Veronica

Katydid

04-22-2007, 11:47 AM

beautiful - glad to see you back and hope the young lady gets finished before too long :D i relly like the petals and the movement in the dress.

Bebble

04-27-2007, 08:24 PM

I like Toni's sugg. on the bg... the girl is just adorable! Reminds me of a sweet little flower girl at a wedding I was at this weekend :) ... I love the long flowing dress!

Brandy

ritan3

05-10-2007, 12:20 PM

I have visited this thread many times, and must agree that your portrait is beautiful, and am anxiously waiting to see your completed update! :D

Muggs

05-10-2007, 08:07 PM

I thought this was terrific, too, when it first came up. But the image I like best is where her dress fades into the colors of the background, no legs showing at all. To me that one has wonderful movement, and she really stands out...and she deserves to, as she's a lovely child and you've caught her in a beautiful pose.

lucky

05-23-2007, 04:08 AM

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa108/carrieoaky/Flowergirl500blackstroke1.jpg

Sorry for such a long delay and for not posting the final sooner. I thought this thread would have slipped away by now. Thanks everyone for all the encouragement and kind comments.

I've mostly just been working in oils for now so haven't been around much.

I hope you all are doing well and having much success with your art! I should try to stop in more often.. I see I am missing out on some beautiful work! Best wishes to you all! :)