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Tuesday, November 25, 2008

A Portrait for My Grandson...wip #1

...A Portrait for my Grandson...WIP #1

Here is the first 'look see'. I would have liked to have started on Teddy...since he is the main subject of this drawing. But, since I'm right handed I felt I needed to start on the left to make sure I kept the rest of the drawing clean. Even though I cover the part I'm not working on with a sheet of paper, I just didn't want to take any chances here. There is no time for huge mistakes or time to start over.

I still have a lot to do on the insert of Teddy's mother but am satisfied "pretty much" with what I've accomplished. At this point, (I'm never really satisfied). The insert is approximately 4.5 x 4.5. Lots of detail in a very small area. I may make the entire image darker...I want her to be 'quietly' in the background...at least that was my original thought, but it's time to set it aside and just ponder where I'm at for a bit. I wont know what 'quiet' is until I get some work done on Teddy.

This is one of my other reference photos for Teddy's mother. I really struggled with her face. Using many reference photos...she has a strong chin and her nose is a little large yet feminine. I've tried to show this in the drawing. I intend to bring her blouse down a little more and have the dark background fade into it above Teddy's arm.

This is all carbon pencil. Much of the shadows are done by applying product with a brush from my 'carbon farm'. I also used a chamois and stump to apply color. The darkest areas are applied directly the paper with the pencil.

You can see the reference photos used in this drawing in my previous post. I will post more updates as the drawing progresses.


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques


PS...make a point...leave a comment

6 comments:

Angela Finney said...

What a wonderful idea and compostition. I think she is looking good, and understand that you would have to work on Teddy before settling on her final values. I think it is looking great. This is the best gift he could get for this special day. Angela

Marsha Robinett said...

Thank you Angela,
This is a challenge..not only because of the occasion and the subject. But because of my vision for the project. I'm also on quite a time frame here.

I appreciate your comments and your encouragement.

Teresa Mallen said...

Hi Marsha,
I agree with Angela, this will be such a meaningful gift for your grandson.
You have such a wonderful reference photo of Teddy to work from. I am sure working on his image will be a a joy filled time. Just try not to think about your timeframe! :-)
I look forward to seeing this progress.

Marsha Robinett said...

Teresa,
Thanks so much for your comments and encouragement. I've worked some more on Teddy's mother, refining the shape of her face. It was a little off around the chin area. I just couldn't move forward until I was satisfied. I still expect to darken her a little more to push her into the background.

today is a drawing day...hope to have an update to post later.

Anonymous said...

Marsha,

I knew when you told me of the concept of the picture back in February when I saw you last, that it was going to be amazing. It truly is amazing and I know that everyone else in the family are going to be so touched. You have a very special gift and have such talent. I look forward to seeing you again in a few weeks.

Love,
Aunt Felice

Marsha Robinett said...

Felice,
Thank you for taking the time to comment on Teddy's portrait. Wait till you see it first hand. It doesn't show up nearly as well here as it does in person.

Your encouragement is timely and much appreciated.

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