by jenn_iam » Thu Jan 07, 2016 6:30 pm
Hi Laura,
I checked out your facebook page...in brief, the portraits are nice, but simple. I agree with Carl in the feedback in respect for flatness and in some instances proportions... these areas are where I feel you need to give much thought and practice towards to get out of the rut of repeating from one illustration to the next. There are some, where you have captured an expression that is quite a match the photo, whereas others its evident that the subjects facial structure perplexed you during creation, but you forced yourself to finish the piece on a weak foundation. I have some thoughts or tips to think on...
- You said you draw from photos... that is fine, but don't just draw want you see. Feel the art that you are creating.. It is a representation not of the photo but of the life captured in that medium. Da Vinci once was quoted saying... "Where the spirit does not work with the hand there is no art". You have to draw the life of the subject. Don't worry about finishing quickly. Make sure you are happy with the framework/foundation of your form. In this case its a face/portrait.
- Practice by looking at people in life, or in photos.. and only sketch the structure.. (NO shading, no feature details). only the skeletal form to make muscle memory of placement and foundation in all poses.
- if you find you draw on the left first. (likely because you are right handed, actually) .. review your sketched work in a mirror (in reverse) before you start the details or the shading. this will assist in training the mind/eye to see the right side, as it does the left and help you translated that back on to the paper.
- sketch your subject many times, before committing to a final work (I realize you are working from a photo.. this activity is more effective when you are conveying an idea that is created in the mind, vs a reproduction from what is seen.)
- sketch & draw often.. even in smaller aspects... such as, just eyes... just ears... just mouths.. just expressions... just men.. just hair texture, etc... doesn't have to be masterpeices each time you sit pencil to paper... just has to be the activity of the practice of drawing.
- STUDY the form...Study and understand light aspects to your subject... Carl is correct, in that many of the works you posted, while on the right track of artistic ability, could be So Much More, if you punched up the tones. don't be afraid to go DARK or leave White.
in the End, .. challenge yourself to do art, not because someone asks you solely.. but because doing so brings Joy to your Art that you can create something that others admire. And have fun doing so.
Next one, share it as you create... each step.. we can provide feedback which will help you refine your already gifted style.
May your world be painted in the Brightest of colors!
Jennifer Erin
-Artist/Illustrator / Film/Media Designer & SFX MakeUp / Storyboard Artist
(All mediums; Conceptual Design, Costume Creation, to Application)