Karen's portrait
Wow! This is coming along beautifully.
I've only worked in graphite so far so I can't really offer any advice. But I do have a few questions.
What kind of paper do you recommend for colored pencil work?
One thing that I'm struggling with is knowing which colors to use. I guess that comes with experience, but do you know of a book that covers this? I understand the basic color wheel/color mixing concepts. But I'm still having a hard time matching the colors in my reference. Any advice would be appreciated.
As for the background in you piece, what color will the shirt be?
Hello Karen
I'm not much of an color pencil artist but I thought your progressing just fine. Personnaly I like the picture so far. I just think I would start with the face first and do the dress later. I always start with the eyes first. I guess it's like giving the picture a soul. In my case it's birds and other wildlife. Still I like it when I can see the eyes. In most cases it changes the outcome. as all is based on what the eyes are telling me. Best of luck.
My 2-1/2 cent
Helmut
Thank you Kathleen
Thank you for the kind words Kathleen!
I'm about 3/4 finished with the work now.
(I'll upload the latest stage very soon)
"What kind of paper do you recommend for
colored pencil work?"
There are so many great surfaces you can use colored pencils on, from standard drawing paper to plastic film, pottery and fabric. (Maggie Toole uses wooden boards in her work quite often)
I usually use Canson Mi-Tients paper because it offers the widest range of colors and is easily available where I live. My next peice will be on a large illustration board.
Experiment with different surfaces to find the one you like best.
"One thing that I'm struggling with is
knowing which colors to use. ...
do you know of a book that covers this?"
Colors are tough! Every face you draw will be slightly different depending on the background you draw on, lighting, the mood you want to express...not to mention the age and race of your subject.
Ann Kullberg has a book called "Colored Pencil Portraits Step by Step". She includes basic materials, composition, painting light, skin tones (including white, Asian, and black skin tones), every imaginable kind of hair, individual facial features, all kinds of
clothing, and the painting sequence of a portrait.
You can find it at: www.amazon.com/exec/obido...48-0165722
Ann always works on white paper so her colors have to be slightly adjusted for colored papers, but they are a great starting point.
"As for the background in you piece,
what color will the shirt be?"
I think I want to go with a white shirt, so it won't distract from her face. I'm not sure if I should paint it realistically or make it more abstract to blend into the background.
Thank you Helmut
I agree with you... I always love to start with the eyes.
I found that I will get bored with a painting when I do the face first, though. I've already done the interesting part, so I just end up filling in the rest without taking the time to create the details I should.
I wanted to put a lot of details into her hair in this portrait (I love her hair), so I decided I'd better start with that first.
I've also found that if I paint the areas where I will have my darkest and lightest areas first, then I will have an easier time putting enough contrast into the rest of my work.
BTW: Have I told you I really enjoy your work? ....I do!
My opinion....
Karen,
I had no comments as you were drawing this cause I'm just a begginer here....and never done any colored portraits either....but I am like Helmut....I always start with the eyes cause if my eyes aren't perfect....my drawing will be wasted....and I couldn't risk drawing the whole portrait and then screw up the eyes.....anyway.....
I love you drawing it is so beautiful....the way the light shines on her left side....if she doesn't like it I would be so suprised....I will soon be posting my first portrait in color.....so please check it out when you can....and give me some tips......thanks...keep drawing!!!
Karen's Picture
Hello Karen
I am in awe and very happy that the picture turned out so beautiful. I bet your friend was very happy too. What a sight, and your right she has lovely hair. (Especially me, who loves long flowing hair on a woman)
Thank you also for your kind words about my humbled art, it lifted me up today, Thank you.
I can hardly wait to see your next drawing. I have seen a lot of your work on your web site.
Helmut
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