Mr. DuQ

Patricia Joyce · 10-15-2003, 09:45 AM

I have done several sketches of this friend of mine. This has been the most successful but I am needing some critique before I move further into it. Unfortunately I have only one photo and it is your typical "bad" flash shot. Li lives in London so there is no way to get another photo to use. So I am trying to build some form. I think he has a beautiful face and every attempt I have made, I put away disappointed, only for it to haunt me, then I start again.

So below is the reference photo and the drawing. Your remarks and advice are appreciated. I also plan on "dressing" him in a shirt and tie as this is how he is dressed 90% of the time (rather than the open shirt in photo) Any ideas about background? It is done on cream Fabriano about 16 x 20"

Thanking you in advance!!

Patricia Joyce · 10-15-2003, 09:50 AM

The scan barely took the face, I need a larger scanner, SOON. It is also much lighter here that the actual drawing.

Patricia Joyce · 10-15-2003, 09:54 AM

It's amazing how much it helps to see these two together for comparison. The photo reference is only 3" x 5" and the drawing much much larger. I already see areas I can work on. Interested in hearing what any of you see. How can I get that pleasant look to appear? It seems to allude me. I see the angle/placement of his mouth is really off. That lip line, which is so crucial to a likeness is really off, as our right upper lip. May have to take this mouth out and start again. I can also see that the chin/lower left side of face is also needing major adjustments.

Steven Sweeney · 10-15-2003, 12:09 PM

Patty,

I

Patricia Joyce · 10-15-2003, 01:40 PM

Yes, Steven, I agree with you and am looking forward to getting home tonight to get back at it, especially work on the chin, jawline and, oh my, I never saw how bad the hairline was off until I saw the image posted here. It is embarrassing, but so very helpful. Maybe I see my own work more objectively when I "put it up for the professionals"! You will see "Li" again after I have made some adjustment.

As an aside, I have to share with you that I thought of your quote, "Show up and pay attention, and, Get Rhythm when you get the Blues" on Sunday. I attended my first marathon life drawing session at the Cleveland Institute of Art, Sunday from noon to five. I was extremely nervous as my classroom experience is so limited. Well, once I was set up and began my first gesture drawing I was hooked. The five hours just flew and I gained so much from the experience. But, let me say, that as I drove to the Institute, parked my car, and walked through the door (felt very intimidating), I kept repeating in my mind, "Patty, Just show up and pay attention, just show up and pay attention, just show up and pay attention!"

Thanks, Steven!

Jeff Fuchs · 10-15-2003, 03:01 PM

Pat,

A major fault with the photo is that the dark background makes it difficult to tell the exact shape of his hair. It looks like you may have struggled with this. I don't know if the original photo shows it better, but from what I see, it's very hard to determine where the hair ends and the background begins. Just another thing to be wary of when selecting resource photos.

Sidebar to Steven,

Thanks so much for all the time you've been spending critiquing works here. Hardly a picture gets posted that you don't take the time to lend your expertise. You're an asset to the forum, and your efforts do not go unnoticed.

Patricia Joyce · 10-15-2003, 03:10 PM

Jeff,
Sadly, the photograph give little information and I haven't seen Mr duQ in six years, so it is hard to remember, though I am sure he has much more hair than I have portrayed and I will make those adjustments. This has been a very difficult drawing to do because of the angle he is holding his head, and because of the quality of the photo. But his features are so distinguishing I am compelled to get him right!!

Steven,
I agree with Jeff. Whenever there is a critique for someone else's drawing, I print the whole thread, take it home and study the drawings and the critique and I always learn something. Your input, Steven, is invaluable to me as a student. As is the input of all professionals here at portraitartist.com. My indebtedness is growing week by week.

Steven Sweeney · 10-15-2003, 07:04 PM

Thanks, folks, and you're welcome.

Patricia Joyce · 11-10-2003, 02:52 PM

Here is my final piece, "Lionel". What I learned with this project is that it seems impossible to get a decent portrait from a bad photo. Mr. duQ should receive it this week. I completed the portrait as a gift. I guess I have to get pretty good with my camera since I will be attempting to use my own reference photos for future portraits!!