Artists commentary

Ref po106

€600.00, watercolour, 20 x 16 ins, 50 x 40 cms.

Review.

Hi Roger,

First of all, thank you for your purchase of our e-book. You have some great work. I took a look at the pieces that you sent me. I didn't know if you wanted a critique of the beach as well. But I will start with the portrait. I’d be interested in learning a little more about your drawing experience, if you ever get the time. Do you have a studio?

First of all, really nice work. Usually the people I am critiquing aren’t a tenth as good as you. It’s a great drawing and has a great personality. Over all it is a great start very expressive eyes and facial features and the proportions are in the right place.

Older people present their own drawing challenges. We can often see the record of the sort of life an old person has lived by looking at the textured road map of their face. Each wrinkle has a message, from the gentle smiles given to loved ones or wrinkles of grief and disappointment. Over time the most repeated expressions of emotion leave their indelible mark, a physical artifact etched on the face revealing the soul.

The only area you seem to be unsure about is in shading or value. Water colors(if this is what you used) can be a challenging medium to express form through value. If more realistic rendering is what you are after then you might want to use pencil or charcoal, this way you can use a greater value range. Or in other words more shads of gray between black and white. Also remember to look at the value of core shadows, cast shadows, and reflected light. And also the subtle value changes in the lit areas. This will help the form appear three dimensional and life like.

You have a strong cast shadow under the nose but this isn't consistent with the value under the chin or on the down turning planes under the upper lip and below the lower lip. Also be careful to not outline the lips or nose these are only boundaries between planes on the face and are not expressed well with a uniform line. What ever changes you choose to make I hope you don't loose the expressive eyes. They have the look of both kindness and of a life well lived but acquainted with grief.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Your work really is great. I really don’t have a set number of critiques or questions you can send to me. If you have any questions or anything, I am happy to help. I just don’t know if what I am saying is that helpful to you because your work is really good. Also, you didn't have any specific questions, so if you have any that I didn't address let me know. Over all a fantastic drawing you seem to have a gift for capturing these illusive expressive moments of life, keep up the good work.

Thanks again,

Todd

info@learning2draw.com