A Portrait for My Grandson..."up for critique"

...A Portrait for My Grandson...

carbon pencil on paper, 11x15

IT'S DONE...well at least the major part. I will still spend some time 'tweaking' it in the next couple of weeks. I will be taking it to the framers this week so the frame and matting can be ordered. I will actually need to be done with the 'tweaking' by this weekend as I'll be having it high resolution scanned on Saturday so I can make prints available to the family if they are interested.

The shadows on both faces are much darker than what the camera picked up which is why I always use a scan for prints. Even with a good camera and lens...when there is a lot of contrast, as in this drawing, the subtleties seem to get lost, and the face photographs lighter.

The drawing of Teddy's mother is still considerably darker than Teddy...which keeps her in the background and pushes Teddy's image forward. I had thought I would make her even darker yet...but as I look at it now, I think the balance is really good. (yet I'm not sure you can tell)

*I will post the portrait again once I have the scan done and color corrected...yet even then viewing it on the computer screen is a hit or miss thing. Drawing is all about the subtle shadows...and they never seem to show well here. I always think it's such a shame.

If you read my previous posts about this portrait you will recall that Teddy's mother passed away when he was just five. My mother also passed away when I was five years old and he and I have talked about this often. I wanted this portrait to signify his mother's presence in his life even though she isn't with him anymore.

I spoke with Teddy before starting this drawing...I wanted to make sure he understood the concept I was trying to convey and that it was something he would like to have. This is the first view he will have of the drawing...I hope he approves.

Teddy's opinion will be my ultimate critique.

You can see the original layout of this drawing and my previous post with additional reference photos used at the links included here.

____________________________________

This was truly a drawing done from the heart. The older I get the more I realize the void in my life as a result of my mother's death at such a young age. My father remarried when I was a senior in high school...but by then I was pretty much an adult, or at least thought I was. She was a wonderful woman and the perfect influence for my two younger brothers.

I look at Teddy and my daughter...they are such a blessing. I'm so thankful to have Teddy in my life and so proud of the mother my daughter has become.

I know the photo of this drawing isn't the best...but would love to have your critique and opinion.

Sincerely,
Marsha

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

A Portrait for My Grandson

...Layout Example for Drawing...

I'm getting a late start on this but hope to have it done the first week in December...infact it has to be done by then. I need to get it to the framers to choose a frame and then get it scanned for prints. This portrait needs to be mailed so it arrives before Christmas. NO PRESSURE HERE.

This is the reference photo of Teddy's mother. The photo above is the 'mock up' I did so my daughter could approve the layout. Teddy's mother passed away when he was five of cancer. My daughter wanted a portrait done for his Bar Mitzvah of Teddy with his mother in the background. We will be celebrating this wonderful occasion Christmas weekend.

Not being Jewish myself, I don't fully understand the ceremony...but I do know it's a very special event in Teddy's life. He was sad that his mother wasn't going to be there. My daughter told him that his mother is always with him, watching over him. When Teddy saw the mock up he was very pleased.

My goal is to make the image of his mother 'smoky' and darker yet than what you see above. Hopefully I can achieve the look and tell the story I want to tell...if not I will just blend her image into the background and the portrait will be just of Teddy.

Enough writing for now...I will be back with WIP photos later as the drawing progresses. Lots of work to do in a short period of time.


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

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

Mr. Lincoln...up for second critique

"Mr. Lincoln"
carbon and graphite pencil...11x23
Commissioned Portrait
WIP #3

I know the last time I posted this WIP of Lincoln I said I was going to walk away from working on the face and move to his torso. As you can see, that didn't happen. I did lay it aside for a couple of days...but when I came back it was like an addiction...I had to work on the face and get it more complete before I could move on. So...here he is.

I narrowed his face on the right somewhat and was able to lift some color out of the left eye lid. I've added more wrinkles on his forehead and increased the shading on the left side of his face (even though the photo shows it washed out)...I felt the added shadows would help to 'narrow' his face...and should have been there if not for the use of harsh lighting.

I've also worked on that odd shaped mouth that is 'Lincoln'...still not quite sure here. I have really struggled here. Lincoln's mouth is such a 'signature' in all his photos...the lower lip is fuller on one side than the other...urrrgh!!

NOTE: The photo is a little on the dark side, not a lot but some. I see several things that could be improved upon. I'm anxious to here what you have to say...extra eyes are always good.

I'm looking forward to your critique again . This is the last WIP post I made and the reference photo I used...my first posting is here.

This has been a big project. I so appreciate your comments and personal emails...both the critique and the encouragement. Next time there should be some shirt and jacket to see....at least I hope.

Sincerely,
Marsha

A Quick Update: Heard from the person who commissioned this portrait and he has a newly published article from the Smithsonian Magazine that has a better more detailed photo showing the shirt and jacket. (I'm really winging it in this area.) I'm to receive the reference tomorrow, so going to lay this aside until I get it...darn, this was my last day at the drawing board this week.

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


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

Weekend Chat Line...Open for Critique

"Mr. Lincoln"
carbon and graphite pencil...11x23
Commissioned Portrait
WIP #2

Lincoln is ready for 'his' first critique. This has been a challenging portrait for me, for several reasons. First, just try to find a good reference photo. I took this one at the Lincoln Museum in Springfield, Ill. (I knew I had this commission and couldn't find the reference I wanted to use...almost got thrown out taking the reference photo I'm using!)

I wanted to depict him as he looked at the age he was when he was a lawyer in Illinois...prior to his beard...a younger Lincoln than we are accustomed to seeing.

Drawing someone so familiar to the world has proven to be quite a challenge. That and just the size of this portrait. I'm used to working much smaller and have had to adjust some of my techniques. Everything except the darkest areas were applied with blenders and brushes.

There is still a considerable amount of 'fine' work to be done on his face, (I need to add more lines to his forehead and 'ruddy' it up a bit), but so many of you have ask to see the progress of this piece...thought I would post this photo before I head to the drawing table today. The hard part is done.

You can see the reference photo here...and my previous WIP post here. I still have the torso (shirt and jacket) to complete...hope to make some serious headway on that today. I've worked on Lincoln's face long enough, need to step back for a bit and focus on something else...don't want to over do it. I'm at a place where (when working with carbon) any marks or shadows are permanent...don't need mistakes here.

So I ask: I know the photograph doesn't pick up some of the finer detail...but have I captured the 'presence' of this great man? Do you see the worry and determination Lincoln's face as he considered the future of this great nation? Do you feel the intensity of his gaze?

The "Chat Line" is open...I look forward to your comments and please feel free to comment on what others have to say. Remember...when you share, others are blessed.

Well people, Lincoln is all yours. I'm very serious about my questions. I don't want this to be considered just another portrait of Lincoln...so many have been done. I want the viewer to see the 'person' not the drawing.

It's time for some lunch and then back to the drawing board.

Sincerely,
Marsha


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

Weekend Chat Line...Changing my focus

"As you can see..."Mr. Lincoln" has not progressed since my last post.
It is now "Mr. Lincoln's" turn.
I'll be working on this commission in the next couple of weeks with the goal of finishing it by mid October."
_____________________________

Well, the art fair season has come to a close and if you read my last post you know it happened with a big HOORAH!!

I'm now moving on to other things. I hadn't consciously noticed my habit of "compartmentalizing" my activities until Jimmy Springett, one of my regular readers, point it out to me. I think I do this out of necessity, not necessarily to improve work flow. However this habit does keep me focused on the task at hand and increases the quality of the results for that particular activity.

When my art fair season starts there is very little time for drawing or painting. I find it difficult to create when on a constrained "time frame". My creative juices simply are not there. The time spent between art fairs is usually devoted to sending thank you notes to those who purchased at the last art fair, banking and book work, and preparing new prints and framed pieces for the next show.

I do however think about, plan, and take photos for works I want to do in the future. I may even sit in my chair at night and do some quick value sketches...testing different compositions. This way, when my art fairs are done (as they are now), I'm ready to change my focus, with new works ready for the final layout.

I'm also a marketing fanatic...constantly reading about what others are doing and figuring out ways to incorporate the best of the best into my own marketing plan...even dreaming up a few ideas on my own!

When at art fairs...I have to confess I'm checking out what the artist is offering, the price point, and how they are displaying their art as much as admiring what they do. Much can be gleaned from other business also. You don't have to look only at what other artists have done.

I find it fascinating to see what actually "moves" a person, whether it's moving them to purchase or simply getting them to sign up for my mailing list.

Sometimes I wish I could just shut my "art" mind off...focusing on and enjoying other things. It may happen for a short while, but the experience is always interrupted with "wow! that would make a great drawing" or "I bet that would be a good way to show my work".

So I ask: Do you "compartmentalize" your work flow? What methods do you use to increase your focus? Do you have trouble shutting off your "art mind"?

The "Chat Line" is open...I look forward to your comments and please feel free to comment on what others have to say. Remember...when you share, others are blessed.

I'm taking today off...it's a simply beautiful fall day here, sunshiny and crisp. The park is calling me. And...yes, my "art mind", my camera, and pad with pencil are going too! After considering this, I decided they are simply apart of who I am and I'm at peace with this part of me. After all "I am an Artist".

Sincerely,
Marsha


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

Weekend Chat Line...Did you miss me last week?

"A sneak preview"
of the progress so far on Mr. Lincoln.

When I said I wouldn't be posting as frequently, I didn't expect to let a whole week go buy without saying something...but that's exactly what happened.

Time simply got away from me. Along with my regular job as a hairdresser (which I speak of often), I was working on "Mr. Lincoln" and replenishing my print bins in preparation for last weekend's exhibit at my home town art fair in Lincoln, Illinois...and then there is that "art related opportunity" that I mentioned in an earlier post. I might add it's developing quite nicely, but it has also required a portion of my time.

I will be announcing something soon...I promise.

The Art and Balloon Fest has always been a very good art fair in regard to sales but this year it was terrible...my sales were barely 1/3 of what I usually do. Some automatically say it's the economy, and I'm sure that is effecting everything this year. Yet so far my experience has been that my sales have held solid this year.

Just don't know...but was certainly disappointing. Attendance was way down and those who were there weren't buying. In fact according to other merchants in town the attendance last weekend was much lower than usual for the entire event...not just the art fair.

As for my progress on "Mr. Lincoln", you can see he's coming along quite nicely. I'm really pleased so far. He's actually starting to look like himself. The photo shown here was taken quickly so as usual doesn't show some of the finer detail...but still LOTS of work to be done yet. I'm so glad the due date has been moved to October...this took some of the pressure off. I now have time to "take my time", which in the end will produce a better drawing.

So I ask: Are you ever guilty of "just loosing track of time" and putting your blog on the back burner? Do you feel as I that you've let your readers down when this happens?

The "Chat Line" is open...I look forward to your comments and please feel free to comment on what others have to say. Remember...when you share, others are blessed.

I'm so sorry I neglected posting last week, hope to do better in the future. You notice I didn't say "promise". Things will remain a little hectic until the end of September, when my show schedule ends.

Today will be a "catch up at home day", doing all the things I hate to do...cleaning, laundry, paying bills, grocery shopping, etc. Mr. Lincoln is on my schedule for Sunday afternoon...YEA! Have a great holiday weekend. Hope you're doing something you enjoy!

Sincerely,
Marsha


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

Weekend Chat Line...Working Under Pressure?

I've finished the layout work on the large commission I've been writing about and today will start the fun part...developing the shadows and highlights that make the drawing come to life.

(my photo reference)

The subject of this commission is Abraham Lincoln...so there isn't a lot of creativity involved except for my chosen composition and of course the infusion of my "style" into the drawing.

Abraham Lincoln was born on Feb. 12, in 1809. Illinois will be celebrating Lincoln's 200th birthday all next year and of course my home town of Lincoln and our local college, "Lincoln College" (what else!), will be celebrating big time.

This piece was commissioned by a patron of Lincoln College to be donated to their Lincoln Museum. It's been quite an honor to be asked to do this commission but with the short time line for completion (August 19), it puts me under considerable pressure to produce.

Historically, I work well under pressure...in fact, I've even been known to thrive when the pressure is on. I just pray that this proves true in this instance!

Well I'm off to the drawing board, will try to find time to give you a progress report next week... perhaps with a photo or two if I have time to pause for a "snap".

So I ask: How about you...do you work well under pressure? Does the tension caused by the deadline closing in give you an "adrenaline rush" or does it push you into utter confusion?

The "Chat Line" is open...I look forward to your comments and please feel free to comment on what others have to say. Remember...what you say blesses others.

Enjoy the weekend...do something special for yourself.

Sincerely,
Marsha


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

"Crab Apple Tea"...work in progress

"Crab Apple Tea" is the last of the new pieces for this season. I usually do 8 to 10 each year during the winter months but this year I had more commissions than usual and spent allot time on the marketing end of the business. As it turned out I'm satisfied that I did the right thing.

I offer prints of most all my drawings. This adds to the overall money invested each season...with the economy the way it is, I've tried to keep my show costs down this year.

For those interested, "Crab Apple Tea" took close to 40 hours to complete, which is why you haven't heard from me much this week. I had to get it done because I had an appointment to have everything high resolution scanned on Wednesday. Made it by the skin of my teeth!

I've done some corrections in photo shop elements and but can't tell what they will look like until posted...so will come back and do subtle corrections at a later date and add more text. It's been a long week so far, going to try to get to bed before midnight for a change.

Hope you enjoy seeing the process,
Marsha


Crab Apple Tea...work in progress photos

Step One...You can see here how exact the line drawing is that I start with. Because I'm using carbon pencil this initial drawing needs to be as exact as possible. I've started laying down 6B carbon in the upper left...blending it until the paper is 100% covered using a stump. You can also see part of the glass outlined...when I'm going to make the background dark like this, I always outline the adjacent subjects using a B or 2B carbon pencil so as to preserve the edges.


Step Two...You can see in this photo how I've progressed around the glass of tea and on down to the table. Outlining the adjacent subjects as I mentioned, will maintain the accuracy of the glass shape, assuring that you don't loose this line while blending.


Step Three...I've begun on the glass (my favorite subject). If you check the image above you will see that this is all about identifying and drawing the shadow shapes. From here on out I will be shading the various smaller shadow shapes found within the the larger shapes outlined in the initial drawing. The darkest areas are applied directly to the paper using a 4 or 6B carbon pencil while the lighter areas are applied with a stump. The base color for the tea was applied using an artist brush.


Step Four...I continued applying carbon with an artist brush, creating the subtle shadows and highlights in the tea and sculpting the shape of the crab apple in the glass. I've started on the cinnamon sticks, making sure not to leave out the reflected highlights on the front of the glass.


Step Five...The glass and the crab apple on the table are pretty well defined at this point. There are still some subtle shadows to incorporate but for the most part I'm satisfied.


Step Six...starting again on the left, I've defined the table and begun on the cut lace doily. To render the wood table, I first made marks with a 6B pencil for the wood grain...then added a solid flow of carbon using first a stump (loaded with carbon) then a chamois. Carbon was applied to the doily, defining the shadow shapes, using a brush. I've also worked a little more on the glass of tea and deepened the shadows on the crab apple laying on the table.


Finished Drawing...This is a camera photo, not the final scan. I should have this drawing posted to my website in the next couple of weeks. The scans are done, I just have to upload and correct them in photo shop. The difference in the amount of detail a high resolution scan captures compared to a photograph is amazing. My camera lens does a good job but just can't compete with the final scan.

Crab Apple Tea will be offered as a print...check my website later for price and availability.


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment.

"Old Glory"...work in progress

I've been working on this new piece the last few days. I felt the name was perfect for both the flag and the old basketball and shoes. I hate to admit it but these are the type of basketball shoes that the guys wore when I was in high school! The older I get the more "dated" I feel...and I don't mean that "dinner date" feeling!

...Old Glory...

I took some WIP photos while I was working on the drawing, but didn't take time to computer edit and post until I was finished. I was really in a zone with this one and didn't want to break the rhythm. Hope you enjoy. I realize the lighting isn't very good...had to take these in my studio as I was working at night, still don't have that lighting figured out very well yet! I may come back and use this for a tutorial at a later date, if I do I will work some more on the WIP photos that you see here. The color is a little off and the contrast could be improved...the photos simply need more work, but I wanted to get this posted.

"Old Glory"...step one

You can't tell too much here because this is only the top portion of the drawing...but it is an American Flag draped behind an old worn basket ball with a pair of old basket ball shoes in front. I have the top portion fairly done (for now), and starting to do the shadowed folds of the white stripe behind the basket ball.

"Old Glory"...step 2

I've worked on down the paper, finishing the flag and basket ball (the flag was hard, the ball was fun), and am starting on the shoes to the left. From here on I will be working pretty much left to right in order to keep my hand out of what I've already drawn. These shoes are going to be really time consuming.

"Old Glory"...step three

Well, as you can see "shoe #1, to the left is almost done", I have filled in more of the flag in the background and done some on the toe of the other tennis shoe...working my way down the paper adding some tone value to the foreground.

"Old Glory"...finished drawing

This is the finished drawing...it will sit around a few days before I spray it with fixative. There's aways some final tweaking to be done. Also, keep in mind that these are photos corrected by a not so good "photo shop" person. You'd think that I would eventually get better at correcting the color and lighting...honestly, I don't find it enjoyable, I would rather be drawing!

I'm having all my new pieces high resolution scanned in a couple of weeks and should have them posted on my website by June 1st...then you will be able to see a much better photo with all the subtle detail that a camera photo just cant capture. This one will for sure be offered in Open Edition Prints.

Gotta head back to the drawing board...want to get two more drawings done before I do the scans. Will keep you updated.



Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

New Work in Progress Topic

"A Merry Christmas Portrait"...work in progress
See this Tutorial

I'm excited to be showcasing my latest drawings for you as I'm working on them. You'll be able to learn a little more about the process, and see the drawings progress. However, during the actual development of the drawing you won't see much more than the WIP photos.

I'll come back when the drawing is finished and explain the process in greater detail. I'll be talking about the paper I use, pencils, blending tools...along with other aspects of creating a drawing. As I finish adding the text, each group of photos will be moved to the Tutorial Topic here on my blog.

Please check back later for WIP photos
of my newest works

Who knows, I may even show you my "mistakes." I hope you will return here often to see what new piece I am working on. This new topic is something many of you have requested...enjoy!


Thank you for your constant encouragement.

Marsha



PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

New Tutorials, comming soon

I am in the process of transferring the tutorial section from my Studio Journal to The Extraordinary Pencil...Blogspot, where you are now. When the move is complete my drawing tutorials will all be here in one place

This move could take a little time to complete. So...if you just can't wait, click on the link above and it will take you to my website where you will see WIP's listed under the topics section on the lower left. Take a look and let me know what you think!

Thank You...for your patience.



PS...make a "Point"...post a comment.