The first thing we worked on were eyes; getting them on the page correctly, we were told, would be what sets the rest of the face up for success. (or so we hoped)
We had three eyes to draw from a reference photo. I’ve numbered them as we did them in a particular order. Our focus was on the size of the eye and the placement of the iris and pupil in it, not lashes and shading.
Mine…
The reference (handout) picture…
Next we had to draw a face, starting with the eyes. We were given an additional handout (not included here) showing how to use “eye width” as a measurement tool and based on that we had to place the rest of the features on the page.
Here is the reference photo we had to draw...
I was much slower than the other students (such is life if you are me) but this is what I managed to get on my paper given the time allotted.
❋ ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋ ❋
For the last week I have been focusing on a very special project and thought I would give you a peek at what I’m up to...so far...
The lips..
There is still much shading to be done; as this is a layering process I cannot rush, I do it in stages, and as time permits. I am learning that one cannot rush the process...sometimes art really does take time.
Suffice it to say, I am very happy with my efforts to this point. I am excited to see the finished piece…are you?
And a little something for those of you with a curious nature…
I found an awesome video on drawing an eye, which I’m going to share with you - because, truly, you will be fascinated - this guy is great! As it is about 14 minutes long, view it when you have the time.
Drawing an eye (photorealistic), by Mark Crilley.
For more great videos just google “how to draw…” (add nose, lips, ears etc after the word draw) and you will be amazed at what talent is out there.
Have you ever drawn a self-portrait, either for fun or for an assignment - how did it turn out?
(I had to do one for an assignment as I make my way through “the book”)
Cheers, Jenny
I just realized I goofed with my numbering system - couldn't figure out why they didn't match up.
ReplyDeleteJust changed it!
Ahh...you can draw too, dear Karen, I find the book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, by Betty Edward, to be an excellent teaching tool. I am stunned at how much I have learned and the rate at which I am progressing. If I didn't see it myself I'd it was not possible.
So...if you really want to draw (because you can) you should give her book a read. I have linked to her website at the bottom...but just in case here it is again.
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
Thanks for stopping by Karen. :)
i have to admit i've never made it pass stick people though my son is a pretty awesome artist and loves art class
ReplyDeleteBecca, I'll bet your son gets his artistic talent from you. You have a very creative side to you, my dear, and I bet with a little time, a dash of effort you'd be drawing up a storm too!
DeleteThe one thing this drawing has done has been to build a wonderful bridge of common interest for me and my daughter, for that I am eternally grateful. :)
Wow, I'm impressed! I have never done a self-portrait. When I was young, I used to draw girls with big eyes and big lashes - like Twiggy.
ReplyDeleteAh...those were fun drawing, I remember them being on my "things to do" list when I was a young girl. I do remember Twiggy...yikes! :) :)
DeleteIn this book there is an assignment which asks the reader to do four drawing tasks before undertaking the actual lessons, one was to draw a self portrait, suffice it to say it never made it to this blog...for obvious reasons.
When I finish the book (I'm halfway through) I may do a before and after post about that assignment.
Thanks, Melissa Ann, for dropping by and taking a look. :)
I liked your job with the eyes a lot Jenny in all honesty, I see no problems with it especially because you were rushed for time. Your project is also coming along nicely as well, you did a beautifully accurate job and those are some pretty lips, great post as usual, I constantly find myself in awe of your art as you continue to improve leaps and bounds like you have.
ReplyDeleteThank you Matthew! I'm happy to have you rooting me on as I take this incredible journey into the world or ART. Having such wonderful encouragement does add to my desire to do the best I can.
DeleteWatching your progress and the enjoyment/satisfaction you are getting out this is an absolute joy. I'm with Karen and becca in relation to the capacity to draw a stick figure - although I think I may not be that advanced. Can't wait for the next installment!!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking I will need to give all of you "stick people" an assignment...maybe a little blog challenge. Truly if I can do this so can each of you. I know that's hard to believe, but if you could see my four "before" pictures that were part of the pre-drawing assignment, in "the book" you would be as stunned as I am with what each of us is capable of.
DeleteThank you for "watching my progress" - your words of encouragement add to my enjoyment and the satisfaction I get from learning to draw. :)
Eyes are tricky beasts! And I love how those lips are progressing. Very good. Yes, art does take time :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right...tricky beasts is a nice way of phrasing it. The video was so helpful too - just watching Mark draw an eye with such apparent ease is mind bending. But, ever the optimist I feel I'm up for the challenge.
DeleteThank you for the kind words about the lips - as you can see there is still lots of shading to be done on the left side to truly get the depth needed to emphasis the turn of the lip. The model I am drawing is stunning...such a radiant and soulful face - she is a pleasure to draw.
Coming along nicely, you are. Both the eyes and the lips are well done. I've drawn a portrait of hubs, but I used to have fun sitting in the White Spot with fellow art students, drawing the customers.
ReplyDeleteBut, I've never drawn a self-portrait. In art school, we were told to make a self portrait out of objects, no drawing. That was interesting.
Thanks D.G., coming from you I'm tickled! I'm having a little chuckle about "sitting in the White Spot" because my daughter and her art friends do the same! Must be an art student thing!!
DeleteThe first self-portrait I did was about a month ago as one of the four pre-drawing assignments from the book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. At the end of the book the four drawings will be repeated to see the comparison - should be interesting.
Doing a self-portrait out of object must have been quite something. Did you like how yours turned out? What objects did you use? Sounds like it would have been quite fun too!
I'm glad to hear students still try to capture spontaneous portraits. At the Louvre in Paris, I loved seeing the art students drawing the statues. It's probably an art student's rite of passage.
DeleteFor that self-portrait, I used a square box as the four sides of my life (family, love, ambitions-art, and misc things). I added photos, little things like art tools, writing (I wrote poetry at the time,and worked part-time in the Music library on campus.) The purpose, so the art teacher said, was to make us think of 'showing' our portrait instead of writing it out (telling). It was a lot of fun.
Wow, I would so love to be at the Louvre in Paris...drawing, and watching people! I'm definitely a people watcher, now I hope to become a people drawer too.
DeleteAs part of my daughter's program, over at CapU, she was drawing people as if they were caricatures - sometimes I would have to stifle a laugh, particularly when we were travelling and sitting in airports.
We were going through some of her moleskines from those days, a few nights ago, and cracking ourselves up over some of her drawings.
Since I am in the early stages of this ART adventure of mine I am still getting used to working with pencils (and my trusty eraser) so I will hold off doing anything super creative like you had to do.
Have you kept your self-portrait box? Miss CP (my girl) keeps e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g!!!!! I was over at her place going through her office closet and I was overwhelmed with all the "stuff" she has amassed over the last five years (three at school and two in the industry). I was there to "be brutal" and "toss and turf" like there was no tomorrow.
Unfortunately, some things will see the light of another day! Glad it's not my closet!!
Thanks for sharing your story...we might have to have a White Spot moment!!
You've got some drawing skills Jenny...love the lips drawing especially. I have not drawn myself before...but that might be a fun exercise. Keep on keeping on...love seeing your progress. Thanks for your comment today too...I love it when you visit.
ReplyDeleteHey Lisa, thank you for your kind words - I love what I'm drawing these days so it makes me smile when you stop by and encourage me along this art path I'm on.
DeleteThe lips have been so amazing to draw, challenging at first, but I am happy with how they are looking...still a work in progress. I'm hoping to have this beautiful face finished by the end of this week.
It's always a pleasure to visit your blog and check out your amazing ladies - your art inspires me!
Hi Jenny - you're doing amazingly well - I don't think I can draw .. but I have had the book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" here for a while now - as I thought I'd read it, even if I don't get the pencil out ..
ReplyDeleteThose are brilliant sketches - and I love the project you're working on ... it's obviously suiting you very well - this creative drawing ... love your photos - congratulations ... cheers for now -Hilary
oohhh, you've got the book - I'm so excited, I hope you dive in and enjoy it; it's amazing.
DeleteThank you for your kind words - I am finding "the face" a fascinating thing to draw - this project I'm working on is giving me immense pleasure. :)
I havent attempted a self portrait and after the one you did of me, I would be nervous to attempt it.
ReplyDeleteI have done a quick drawing of one of my sons and plan to do others in the future.
I certainly hope we get to see more of your special project as you continue to build it
Drawing myself was one of the four pre-drawing task in "the book" which will be used for comparison after all the lessons are finished.
DeleteI think drawing from real life is infinitely more difficult than from a photo so to that end I look forward to my first sitting...trick will be to find someone that doesn't mind sitting for a couple of hours. *grin*
You are doing good, Jenny. Drawing people-from photo or in real life- is hard.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ruth! I haven't even begun drawing "people", just their faces; I'm in need of an anatomy class first before I even think of tackling bodies! :)
DeleteMy gosh you've been busy while I've been away! Isn't you tube an amazing source for mini classes. Keep having fun Jenny. xo Carole
ReplyDeleteThanks Carole - well, I've got you to thank for the motivation. Since having the pleasure of seeing your art on exhibit during the Art Walk, and owning some outstanding creations of yours, I have been inspired to find my inner artist! Hugs!
DeleteI would say the "eyes" have it, but those lips get my vote too! (grin)
ReplyDeleteWhen my mom saw my paper with the three eyes on it she said at quick glance it made her think of a polar bear ?? too cute! Not sure if I could get that from it, even after a couple of gins!
DeleteThese lips have been hard to draw but after lots of erasing and studying how the lines fit together I am really pleased with them - I have lots of shading to do still which takes time...lots of time.
I think of you and your chain mail and the time you have put into it, so far...that's how it is with this kind of drawing...slow and steady. Hopefully with time I will pick up speed. :)