Portrait Artist Forum - View Single Post

Mark Branscum · 10-07-2002, 02:08 PM

Forgive me, as when I tried to post my image it was too large, and when I came back all the points I was offering were gone. So I am going to now post the image and simplfy all I said.

First, methods I use in establishing placement if you would like.

Also (I hope this is OK) I used a digital example on your pic to show what I am talking about.

You will see to the right, the corrected or partially corrected pic, then in the middle the photo, then your's to the far right.

Let's go right to it...

I agree with all that was said, establishment and placement is absolute. Getting this before moving toward detail is needed. However, it is not an guarantee that you still won't have to make refinements along the way.

The eye can trick you, so this is why checking your landmarks will assist you greatly.

Right off, I noticed on yours as I was trying to find what was different between the photo and your piece, that the shadows on the cheeks were higher than that of the photo. As you can see, I corrected that.

Then I noticed her left eye, meaning the shadow around it and eyebrow placement, was not exactly shaped right. I made the correction somewhat, though not complete, but just enough to demonstrate my point.

Also staying there at that eye I noticed the width from the shadow of the eye to the edge of the face was too wide when comparing it to the photo.

I made the correction to demonstrate. Also, then if that was too wide, the left face edge is not in the proper place. That right there, even though you got the shape correct, inproper placement will throw the rest of your feature placements off.

I corrected that on both sides though on the right side it was not as severe.

I then changed the location of the neck ever so slightly, as it was off because of the width of the face had been off.

Note you weren't off by much, but enough to add years, as you say, to the face.

OK, I have demonstrated enough. What this is showing is to look and see where a shadow is, then confirm its placement with several landmarks, the nose maybe, edge of an eye and so on. This will help you get everything in the right place.

You are doing great work and I hope I have been some help.

Mark

10-07-2002, 02:08 PM	#3
Mark Branscum Associate Member Joined: Sep 2002 Location: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Posts: 62	Forgive me, as when I tried to post my image it was too large, and when I came back all the points I was offering were gone. So I am going to now post the image and simplfy all I said. First, methods I use in establishing placement if you would like. Also (I hope this is OK) I used a digital example on your pic to show what I am talking about. You will see to the right, the corrected or partially corrected pic, then in the middle the photo, then your's to the far right. Let's go right to it... I agree with all that was said, establishment and placement is absolute. Getting this before moving toward detail is needed. However, it is not an guarantee that you still won't have to make refinements along the way. The eye can trick you, so this is why checking your landmarks will assist you greatly. Right off, I noticed on yours as I was trying to find what was different between the photo and your piece, that the shadows on the cheeks were higher than that of the photo. As you can see, I corrected that. Then I noticed her left eye, meaning the shadow around it and eyebrow placement, was not exactly shaped right. I made the correction somewhat, though not complete, but just enough to demonstrate my point. Also staying there at that eye I noticed the width from the shadow of the eye to the edge of the face was too wide when comparing it to the photo. I made the correction to demonstrate. Also, then if that was too wide, the left face edge is not in the proper place. That right there, even though you got the shape correct, inproper placement will throw the rest of your feature placements off. I corrected that on both sides though on the right side it was not as severe. I then changed the location of the neck ever so slightly, as it was off because of the width of the face had been off. Note you weren't off by much, but enough to add years, as you say, to the face. OK, I have demonstrated enough. What this is showing is to look and see where a shadow is, then confirm its placement with several landmarks, the nose maybe, edge of an eye and so on. This will help you get everything in the right place. You are doing great work and I hope I have been some help. Mark Attached Images