Hi guys, I was doing this portrait of a friends baby and would like some constructive criticism.
Thanks, Elizabeth




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So far, it's looking good, I think you've got the shape of the head, eyes etc right.
It looks like you've drawn the entry holes to the nostrils but I can't see them on the photo. Sorry, I didn't explain that well, did I?! It may be that I've interpreted what you've drawn wrong.

Hi Elizabeth

I agree that you have captured the shape of the head nicely, and you are doing a great job on the soft features of a baby (I like the little hand!). But it looks like the baby on your drawing has lifted his/her head a bit more than the one in the photo. I think that is also what made you draw the nostrils, because they would show from that angle, but they don't in the photo. All the features in the face seems to be lifted, and I don't get the impression of the baby "looking" down as I do from the photo. I hope I made myself clear (it is sometimes hard to explain ).

I look forward to seeing more of this!

Hrymfaxe

Thanks Hrymfaxe, thats what I was trying to say but not doing a very good job of it!

Thanks guys, I knew there was something that just didn't look right, but couldn't put my finger on it! I understand what you were saying about the nostrils and I'll fix that and see if it makes the difference I'm looking for. By the way, how's the shading? I know you're not supposed to do alot of dark lines on baby portraits, but does it need more shading? Thanks for the help, Elizabeth

I'm glad it was helpful! I think you will need to move the mouth downward a little as well, though this effect could also be accomplished by moving the chin and the blanket upward (I know, I don't like to redo a completely fine mouth - those are hard to draw.) I like your shading, and you are right that it should be kept subtle, to underline the babyish look, but I think you could darken it a bit more (Or it could just be the scanning that has lightened it. Some of the shading is a little hard to see.) Just be sure to keep it all soft and blurred, as you are already doing, to avoid hard lines, that would make the baby look older.

OK, I worked on it a bit more and I think I am more satisfied with it now. What do you think? Sorry, it scanned sideways because I was trying to get it a little darker and that's the only way the lid would close on the scanner! Elizabeth


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Here Ewall, I took the liberty of rotating the picture for you. I think you are off to a good start, but then again I am far from being good at portraits. The nostrils however do look alot beter. Keep up the good work can't wait to see it finished.


Ohhh It would have helped if I had attached it!!!

Thanks Venus, sometimes I'm good on the computer, other times I do good to turn it on correctly!!
Elizabeth

Elizabeth,
The baby is coming along nicely.
I have never shaded a baby, so I went looking for examples. Now this totally depends on what style you are after so please look at these in that context.
baby portrait
On this next one I am looking at the baby with the doll, note she says she photographed it darker than it is, baby drawing.
Paulette

Haha, I was looking at it sideways (which must have looked really stupid) for a long time before I saw that Venus had turned it! I think it is better now, and the things that seemed a little off to me before no longer do. I have the impression that the baby is looking down as it does on the photo. I liked it in the darker version - and those other babydrawings that Paulette found should be great references! Good work, Ewall.

Good morning! I've been working on my baby portrait and I think I am finished. I never know when to say when and I don't want to mess it up! Thanks to everyone for all your help! Elizabeth

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Ewall, I think you did a great job. I hope your friend enjoys it!!

You did a wonderful job, your friend is going to treasure it.
Paulette