While I have several other projects underway, I've been spending a few minutes here and there on this portrait. I'm building the shadow levels slowly. I haven't created a face in very deep shadow in coloured pencil so I'm experimenting on scraps for the right combination of colours that give depth of value but not deadening it.
Some of me is still wandering, looking for inspiration and I find it in the oddest places sometimes. Tonight it was in a small fish and chip shop. While waiting for an order, the old 50's style chrome and red leatherette stools caught my eye. I took a few photos with my cell phone camera, while other customers gave me strange look, trying to figure out what I was up to. I think I'm past the stage of being self conscious about recording what appeals to me anymore. I only stop when someone asks me to and, to day, no one has, so that's good.
I'm playing around with composition and colour for this piece, adding and taking away elements until it looks right. Its a good feeling to be able to create your composition as you want it, and never be confined by what is in front of you.
10 comments:
Pieces like this are why you are my favorite artist. I find this utterly transcendent. The subtlety is exquisite.
This is really coming out beautifully. Love how the face is emerging out of the paper. Keep sharing.
Ernest, thank you. Building slowly from nothing is part of the appeal of portraiture. Nothing can be rushed.
Thanks Kim for the encouraging words.
This is already beautiful!
I would love to attempt a colour pencil portrait but I haven't yet been brave enough. This is very inspirational. I particularly love the different tones and colours within the iris of the eyes :0)
She's coming forward from nothing and you're creating a beautiful piece or work with this one, Jeanette. So hard to do a self-portrait and get it right and make it beautiful.
i get so many odd looks from people when i take a picture and they have no idea what i am taking a picture of. sometimes when i see a date on a wall i take a pic of it, and people stop and say they have never noticed that in all the years they have lived here lol
Oh, Jeanette, as always, you are the best at portraits! This is amazing already. It's beautiful.
Thanks Sandra. Its really all down to practice over time, like everything. I'd encourage you to try it, I'm sure you'd do just fine.
Rhonda, I always enjoy self portraits, they help you learn a lot about yourself. And there's always a model at hand! :)
Isn't it fun Jennifer? Its great when you can show others what you see as well. That 'aha' moment is amazing.
Sue, thank you. I don't know about being the best at portraits, but I enjoy doing them.
Hi Jeanette, thanks for your blog visit! I'm enjoying yours as well. This self-portrait is really lovely. Will link to you too.
Cheers.
Newfoundland? Wow. (Sounds cold.)
The eyes and set of the mouth are revealing - yet the incompleteness adds subtlety and mystery. Beautiful!!
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