Rose9 x 12 charcoal & white chalk
I am in a portrait study group and have been working slowly at the first portrait, which is of Rose Welty. I've changed aspects of it several times due to not checking my measurements carefully enough. I think its on the right path now but I have more work to do with it. This is the progress so far.
Most of the time I draw freehand, but sometimes when I want to really be sure a piece is correct I use an abbreviated version of a grid so I can gently place the main features then go on from there unaided.
I love using charcoal and white chalk on toned paper. I can manipulate it and control it (doesn't that sound so very sadistic??) Dry media will always be my fall back to comfort.
17 comments:
This is wonderful. I recognized Rose and wondered, "What is she doing here?" Nice work, I like the charcoal and white chalk look, works well here.
Wow... nice portrait!
I recognised her too!
Love it! (sorry for the repititive comment...) The way you balanced your chalk and charcoal and Roses' expression peeking over the glasses are spot on!
A portrait group sounds like a great challenge! This is a lovely portrait--the pose, looking up over the glasses, is wonderful, and I love how you've vignetted it.
Thanks Jo, recognition is a good thing! :)
Thanks for commenting Apogee.
I must be doing something right if you recognized her as well Robyn.
Thanks Sheona. I enjoyed drawing this. Its a great pose isn't it?
Laura, the study group helps me focus, its good to have some accountability too.
Wonderful portrait, with such a natural expression and pose.
Bravo!
sYLVIANE
Jeanette,
It's looking very good, much like I do in real life.
I love the portraits you do on toned paper, it's a great combination!
Sylviane, thank you for commenting.
Tis the lovely lady herself! :) A little more tweaking and it will be there.
I need to do mine - I started in watercolour but am not sure its any good. Not sure whether to stop and start again. Yours is definitely on the right path - I love this mix media - always produces a wonderful effect.
Beautiful portrait
I'm sure your w/c is lovely, I've seen others you've done. I'm thinking of trying it in w/c too Anita. I don't think I have the angle of the head quite right yet so another might do the trick.
Thanks Anita.
i like the highlights.
may i ask what exactly toned paper is? i like using bristol board, does tones paper have more/less toothing?
Richard, toned paper is coloured paper. The one I'm using is Mi-Tientes which is often used for charcoal or pastels. There is a rough, textured side and a smooth side. I prefer the smooth side and that is what I'm using in this piece.
The mi-tientes paper has more texture than what I know as Bristol board, which is quite smooth. I'm sure there are different types of it. Illustration board has more texture - the cold press one at least.
Beautiful!
this one is a real triumph, Jeanette. i love it as is.:) portraits are so tricky and i always use a grid when i do them. i love the toned paper you use.
Great piece!!!
Post a Comment