Kevin

[Patricia Joyce]

Well Steven and Mike,
You both brought me to a smile and that helps immensely!!!! You are exactly right, it died of borning, I LOVE that phrase and I am so guilty of it. I complain all the time that I can kill a portrait in the last hour of work (which is why my drawing from a week long workshop sits unfinished - too afraid of carrying it too far and ruining a week long, intense piece!) Mike, what kind of paper would you suggest???

I did not fold it into an airplane and sail it off the sixth floor balcony (a great idea!) I forced myself to just put it away. But I awoke this morning with it looking at me and I had that sinking "morning after" awareness that it did not get better all by itself overnight! So it is back to square one except that I do believe smoother paper will be a key.

Yes, it did look like I had a dark "stripe" of shadow down the center of the face. It actually did not look that obvious in person, but I knew I had to furn the form with better tonal range. The grainy paper just wouldn't do it for me.

Well, I will post my next efforts and I will wish for you to have a better day today in your studio Steven!!

[Matthew Severson]

Mrs. Joyce, your second attempt is a great improvement over the first; much better likeness. Your technique reminds me a bit of Andrew Loomis -is anyone is familiar with work?

Matthew

P.S. - Your son sounds like he lives a pretty exciting life! I can amagine how proud you are!

[Steven Sweeney]

Originally Posted by Matthew Severson

I always have a hard time getting myself to finish something. If I'm unsatisfied with my work I throw it away, if I'm satisfied with it I'm afraid of going too far and ruining it. I'm very timid with my pencil, and usually end up with a light drawing that people have to squint to see. Any suggestions on how to break this habit?

Matthew, I'm certain that a number of members would find this matter of "seeing a project through" very thought-provoking and would be eager to comment -- but that's all going to get lost in this thread, which ought anyway to be focused on Patty's critique.

I'd very much encourage you to begin a new topic in the Cafe to get this discussion rolling. (If you'd like some assistance doing this, let me know.) We are even now looking into adjusting the Cafe a little to make it easier to find and participate in discussions of "artist's life" matters just like this. Just part of our Famous Ongoing Service.

[Matthew Severson]

Oh im sorry, forgive me for being rude. I didn't mean to ramble on to a different subject in someone elses thread. I talk more than I should im afraid

Matthew

[Patricia Joyce]

Matthew,
Thank you for the encouraging words on my second attempt at Kevin! Please don't apologize for sharing your same experiences with working and finishing projects. I think Steven was making a helpful suggestion in that your comments are very valid to many of us and would make a good thread on it's own. Starting a new one, as Steven suggested makes it easier for members to find, enabling them to participate in the conversation. If your remarks stayed here in my critique, few would see it.

Again, I appreciate your input and hope for more in ensuing drawing I will be putting up for critique (see Brandon ...)