Hi everyone, I want to post a drawing but don't know how to get into this forum.

Judyvan

Judy, click on ADD REPLY on the bottom right of your screen - between FASTREPLY and NEWTOPIC

THen use the browse feature below the block to choose your file from your computer, then click Add This Attachement and it should be in. Click ADD TO POST and whereever your cursor is in the post an 'addendid ***' will appear in the post.

Click ADD REPLY at the bottom of the post and it should show up.

Good luck!

Here is a quick drawing I did for my son. I'm putting it up to show how my shading is coming along. The head and body are out of proportion and I know this. Please comment on the shading.
Thank you Paulette[attachmentid=703]

Paulette,

It's pretty late for me so I'm just going to talk about the pumpkin right now...if you look at each section of the pumkin your going to see that those lines are actually made from the contrast of the highlights against the color of the pumpkin...not infact by drawing the line from the top of the pumpkin to the bottom. the inside of the pumpkin should be lighter than the outside. It should be somewhere between the value of the outer pumpkin and the arm...so that the arm is lighter than both..it will stand out more.

Hope that makes sense...I'll take another look in the morning after my first pot of coffee!
BTW, I love candid shots like this!!!
Laura

Here is a new image from a new comer. Give me your thoughts...should I throw in the towel or keep pursuing drawing and painting???

Actually, I am just getting back in the swing of things from a long break from picking up a pad and pencil, but my inspiration is for my 10 year old son Connor...so he can see that it isn't that hard to draw if you enjoy it.

He is always drawing so I will post some of his as well once I get the hang of how this all work!

Your input is appreciated.

[attachmentid=706]

Laura,
I hope you don't need two pots to look at it again.lol
Yes that makes sense. I shaded my pumpkin more like its a white ball with lines rather than like a fairly dark grey (orange) with highlights for contouring. Yes, no?
I also see what you are saying about the inside of the pumpkin.
Thank you for checking it out.

Onsource,
Looks great to me. Welcome to drawspace. Everyday I have been improving and am surprised each time how much harder I want to try.

Paulette4

Hi Paulette. Yes, you're right, the pumpkin needs to be adjusted to reflect its solidness. The lines on the pumpkin consists of hills and valleys in terms of shading. The sections are separated by deep depressions and the shading for those extends up the side of each depression growing lighter til it reaches the highlight at the top where it catches the light.

The reference image looks as if its a flash photo and they are notorious for flattening contrast in an image, making it more difficult to find the areas of light and shade. But this one has some shading to work with.

I'd recommend deepening the shadows, as right now its rather monotone so there's not enough contrast to distinguish the different elements and make them stand out from each other.

If you can, greyscale the reference image. That way you will see in comparison to your drawing, just how dark you can go in shading.

Hope that helps for now. The composition is good on this and you could turn it into a lovely drawing.

I've attached a pumpkin that I've been working on to show you an example of shading. Its not the best example as its in progress so the shading isn't too dramatic at this point.

[attachmentid=707]

Keep drawing and painting Onsource! It takes time to build up your skills again after a time away from it. Its great that you want to encourage your son to continue to draw and to be happy with his artwork.

Your drawing is strong and the use of darks is good too. However, its rather monochromatic, and contrast details in the land and fence and house and sky should be more apparent.

The house is all the same shade too, so my eye doesn't know where the light is coming from. There should be contrasts in the shading of the house to give it form, even the dark roof would have variations in it most likely.

The trees on the far right should be much lighter in tone to give the illusion of being farther back in the drawing. Some texture and variance in shading on the foreground trees would add to their realism also.

Water reflections are tricky to render too. If its a mirror still lake, you will get perfect reflections, but there is often a little breeze that causes 'breaks' in the reflections. I'd really need to see the reference image to comment more on this and their accuracy. Personally, I usually soften the reflections so they don't dominate the image. You want the house and landscape to catch the eye and the reflections to be more subdued.

The sky is ever changing and lightens towards the horizon. If there are clouds they need to be indicated as well. In this drawing,, the sky is again all a similar tone.

What type of pencil and paper did you use for this? It looks almost like pastel or conte or charcoal. The medium you use and the type of paper will have a dramatic difference on the outcome of your drawing. I'd like to see you go back into this drawing and take out some highlights, blend the sky to create some drama and add some shading to the house to bring it to life.

It has the potential for a lovely piece.

I worked up a new pumpkin last night. The highlights seemed to be in towards the grove. I beleive I have done the opposite of what your saying and showing Jeanette It might be trying to mascarade as a watermellon. lol
Let me now what you think.
Paulette[attachmentid=708]

This is much better Paulette. Yes, there is a lighter line on each section next to the darkest 'valley'. At 6am I don't give clear instructions! lol Sorry.

If you increase the tonal level of the sections where they meet the lighter 'lines' and graduate that shading from dark to light you should acheive a sense of reality with the pumpkin. It all really depends on the light source as to how the pumpkin is shaded. Here's an example of what I mean http://www.morguefile.com/archive/?display=142570&

Does that makes sense at all? I really wish I could demonstrate what I mean. I 'll try to do so later. And I'm sure Laura will be around soon and can help as well.

Thankyou...your thoughts are very well received, because I have been thinking that it does need a good amount of work to be a great piece, but that it really could be such, if I can get at drawing it more often and improve on the areas you mentioned. It is done in charcoal pencils on art paper from a photograph I took twenty years ago. For sure the reflection isn't accurate, but the general shape and mix of elements in the drawing is what attracts me to it and to make it better. And mostly something that the photograph isn't.

When you draw, do you prefer to make it look almost like a photograph, or more impressionistic? I noticed that you draw more people, and perhaps a more realistic look is required more often than a surreal approach. Twenty-five years ago we used to draw the characters out of Marvel comics like spiderman and the Hulk etc, and we concentrated on trying to get it to look exactly like it came out of the magazine. However after going through years like this, and then through my photography years of portaits and weddings etc. trying to emulate some of the great ones of these industries, I am leaning more over to an looser impressionist method whereby the definition of the items I create, the details are left to the imagination of the viewer, and the drawer or artist is building the scene with what I call "Blobs of color and light".

I have been reading more about Monet and artists of that skillset, and I seem to like it more and more. So much so, that looking at their work takes my mind into an illusional place a more artful place, so much more than seeing images that are too real or very near real. It's like if I look at a Bateman painting versus something from monet, I get more enjoyment of looking at the monet then the Bateman. On Bateman, even though his work is fantastic, it doesn't poke at my mind as much as a monet would. I find I'm always asking myself is it real or a painting, then afterwards not really caring as much, because it didn't stimulate me as much. It is also like reading book and letting your mind create the scenes based off of what you are reading versus watching the same movie. Imagination is removed.

I agree that your drawing skills should be honed as tight as possible and that the more accurate you can depict an object the closer your viewer of your art comes to grasp what you are conveying, but I really don't think I want to go copying everything without adding my own flair, that is why they make photocopiers. Please don't get me wrong, I think everyones work here is amazing, I would just like to see some more impressionist type work.

Does anyone else feel the same about art and drawing?

I agree with your comments Onsource. Each individual artist develops his or her own style and technique over time. One to realism, another to impressionism, another to abstract and so on. This is what makes the subject of art so controversial and so subjective as well.

I have experiemented in several styles before coming to what I prefer most, and that is portraiture and realism. If you go to my blog and find 'Somerset Levels', you will see an old painting which I did that is looser and more impressionistic.

Your drawing here could easily translate into a modern day version of a Monet - loose, colourful and expressive.

Here, a large number of individuals are just beginning their journey to artistic freedom, so the basics are taught of technique and how to create a realistic image of what is before you, as that is what the majority of indviduals want. And the same happens in comments on individual's work that is presented. For those who have moved past that point and are developing their own style and going into colour and paint, the sky is the limit. This creativity and expression tends to come about after a person has a little experience under their belt, such as you have.

Perhaps we need to add another thread for critiques that reflect that or people may need to explain a little more about their drawings or paintings to let everyone know what effect they are trying to acheive, so that any comments that are given are productive and in the right direction.

I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Whew! thanks for your kind input. I thought that you might come back and bite my head off. But you obviously have a good sense about you. I also look forward to having your opinions expressed as well. Have you done any photographic work in portraiture? As well taken that to the impressionist side of drawing those portraits into artistic renderings? I might add to that your blog has some interesting features and that you seem to be able devote a great deal of your time towards art activities. Is that your main focus, or does family and work put other constraints on your art desires?

Don

Paulette,

I was thinking about a second pot but not because of your portrait...hehehe...sorry to be so abrupt last night but it was late and I wanted to at least head you in the right direction and I can see that Jeanette has offered some excellent advice!!! She is so much more elloquent than I! I was also going to suggest you try converting your picture to gray scale if you can...if you can't... let me know and I'll convert it for you...you will be amazed at how much better you will be able to see the gradation of values and tones in your ref. I did try to adjust somethings in psp...but I'm not the computer whiz kid that ya'll think...hehehe...I'm still learning and sometimes I just get lucky...hehehe! Unfortunately the file is a bit small for me to deal with in my inexperience...sorry I couldn't do a shading mock-up for you, but I did try! I am going to take another look see and then I'll post a few more thoughts for you!

Laura

Laura,
There was nothing abrupt about your reply. Since I was staying up and transfering all my photos to a sight as back up I was glad to have the info to work on. I don't know what program you get gray scale from. I've mostly been working with the coloured copies even in the challenges. My husband added to what Jeanette was saying about flash pictures being flat. He says the shadows just don't look natural. He then pointed out a small pumpkin that was sitting near a window. I did a little more work on the one that Jeanette looked at it still isn't there but I am starting to see bumps and valleys. I think it's time to get back to Brenda's lessons. I'm still in the beginner levels, but I have grand ideas.
Thank you Ladies for your help I will post again soon, always with improvements.
Paulette

Source...I always have a hard time saying whats needs to be fixed in a drawing ...Jeanette and I am finding that Laura know alot about art they and many others here are very good at what they do .
I like your drawing ....and when your not drawing from another picture to make it look as close as possible ...then I agree your style is your style .. some have a looser lines than others .. I have often wonder about all the famous artsit because alot of then just seem to be very very loose ...I know I am using the wrong word for that ....your style makes the picture your own .. here they offer ways to sharpen your style ....and I am looking forward to seeing more of your work .. I hope I didnt lose you with what all I said lol .

well here is the new portrait that i have been working on. i still dont think it looks like her. i am not sure again what i am doing so all the help i can get i would very much love. critiques always welcomed. thanks
Lori

LOL Contrary to popular belief Don, I don't bite.

I have an open mind about art and all expressions of it and welcome each drawing or painting with open eyes. I believe, for the purpose of critiquing however, that individuals must try to define their style or the effect that they are seeking when asking for feedback so that the appropriate feedback is given. So if you are doing an impressionist drawing or painting and I'm commenting on technical drawing skills, it just won't work. But if I know you're on the road to impressionism, then its a different ball game all together.

I haven't done a lot of photographic portraiture and have not moved into impressionism in my drawings or paintings with portraits. Why? I guess I've found my niche. I've experimented for the last 20 years and keep coming back to where I am most comfortable - in the drawing arena with forays into watercolour and oils from time to time, but mostly in a realistic vein.

Yes, I do devote a lot of my time to art and yes life and work take me away from that more than I care. My aim is to move into art full time and I'm slowly heading there. It does take time and dedication to make that move as well and its never a smooth transition.

Lori I can see a big difference from the first drawing .. you went alot lighter ...well done .

Paulette,
I'm so sorry for not getting back to you sooner...life has just gotten in the way...my scanner has a grayscale setting on it...yours may. Also, photoshop has a grayscale option in the image menu if you have that...if not let me know and I'll do it for you...have to go to pool leagues in a bit so I won't be back til tomorrow!!! Catch ya'll later!
Laura

[attachmentid=712]

I hope I am doing this right. I want side by side pictures for you to critique.

Judyvan

Judyvan,

I have two things to say.

1. Aaaaw!

2. You could probably work with the shading to bring out the round cheeks even more. In the photo, you can see each cheek having very distinct red circles to mark the round cheeks, whereas in your drawing, you have the same shade on the cheeks all the way up to the eyes, so you cannot see the cheeks popping out as they do in the photo. Also I think that the nose buldges up for just a little further along the nose, and not just the very tip of it.

Very cute!

/Janne

Lori, you're heading in the right direction on this one now. The shading is lovely. You've done a very good job with it. The gradations are smooth and polished.

The hair on top is looking pretty good but you need to soften the lines on the hair on the sides. The darks are there, but look artificially dark as if they are just standing on their own instead of blending into each other. I don't have a really good drawing of curly hair to show you how its done either. Check Brenda's lessons, I'm sure there is some information there on rendering hair types. But it really is a matter of looking at how the hair catches light and shade and trying to transfer that to the paper. I know your reference wasn't great for this so it makes it more difficult to determine that.

Finally, I'm not sure about the angle of the mouth, I haven't gone back to look at the original reference to check. Perhaps next time you post you could add the reference and the drawing side by side?

Keep going, you're nearly there!

Judy, this is a sweet subject. I love those chubby little cheeks!

This is coloured pencil, correct? Looking at the reference image, I believe that you need to do some more modelling of the features on this portrait. The tonal values of the image show that there is more shading on the sides of the face and the forehead on the right under the hat. This will give the face a more realistic appearance, as right now its a bit flat. This does tend to me a problem when using a reference image that has been shot with a frontal flash.

The irises of each eye should be perfectly round and in this case the left eye seems a little off. As well there is a darker line on the top of the left eye that keeps bringing me back to it. You could try to soften it a little.

Its mostly a value issue here I believe and if you can darken the shading on the face and put in some colours that you may not think of, like blues and purples for your shading, it will work well. Look at the cheeks/chin/mouth area and see how they can be sculpted with shading to make them resemble the reference more.

Practice your palette of colours on a spare piece of paper before you begin your main drawing so that you know just what pencils will create the shades that you want and experiment with different layers and colours to achieve the look that pleases you.

This is a sweet portrait and I know you will turn it into a spectacular one.

I know this has already been covered and sorted, but since I assisted with the purpose of this thread, I want to remind people of what it states in the beginning of the thread:
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If you are serious about your drawing and if you feel that what you have created is on the very limits of your skills, and need honest opinions on where you seem to be lacking and how to further improve - this is the place for you.

If you are only drawing for fun and feel like you just have accomplished something "above" your skills, this is not the place for getting encouragement. You will most likely get feedback on those things that are lacking.
Instead, you will get the most out of this section when you are honestly not completely happy with what you have achieved, and strive to go one step further.

The people giving critique here are often very experienced themselves and could have professional careers in art, so please have in mind that these people will give you their honest opinions about the art. There is rarely any point for you in explaining that you are just a beginner in some area - the critique is given on the art, not you.

Don't look for "mildening" circumstances, because again, it's about the art, not you. Nothing needs to be taken personally.

If you just want to show off your latest drawings that you are quite happy with to all the friends at Drawspace and get their opinions, do so in the "General"-section.

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Like the "rules" state, it's important that you are rather confident when it comes to knowing your own level of artistic skills, that you are preferrably unhappy with some part of your work and know it can be improved. Because that is what you will be hearing when you post to this thread - the things you can improve.
In ONSOURCEs case, it was unfortunate because the message read "new comer" and "should I continue or quit drawing?", so the hints given by him suggested that he was quite new to it all, and therefore getting pure comments on technique, proportions, realism.. etc.
Secondly, I think it's very difficult for anyone to critique someone's personal artistic style in a very constructive way as it's so subjective - some people like it, some don't.
And finally, if you are still looking such guidance, if you for example are looking for a certain "mood" and style, then obviously you should state this when asking for critique.

ONSOURCE: Nevermind this post, it's more of a reminder to the people here as this is very important (a storm arose not long ago because sometimes people could not cope with the critique they received).

And finally: If someone has something to say about this, I suggest another thread for it so that this thread will not get polluted by off-topic talk, and drowning the critique-talk.

Thanks,
/Janne

Judy .... I couldnt say anything is wrong with this.. I think you did a awsome job !

h

Thank You Teaspoon: I see just what you mean. I think because the shirt was so pink that if I made the cheeks darker it would look the same. I will work on getting it to look better. I so appreciate the critique.

Judyvan



Thank You, Jeanette: I can see now what you mean. I knew there was something missing, but not sure what and how to correct it. I will keep working on it.

Judyvan

Laura,
No scanner and no photoshop. I'm thinking my sister in law who took the picture should be able to do it with her mac and email it to me. I know my camera can take black and white pictures I'll have to look in to that. For now I'm all pumpkined out
Oh I learned something while doing this pumpkin... I hear you guys talk about layers of pencil and how much a paper can take or hold. I found out computer paper... is not much! The pencil started to pull it back up. huh.
I'm going to have to learn to pull out the sketch pad instead of recycled paper or I'm going to get something done that I love and it won't be worth having.
Thank you Paulette

Thanks Jeanette and everyone-- i really agree with the hair, i didnt notice until i saw it on here. i also know what you mean about layering and layering and layering. even with graphite i layered and layered trying to get her skin tone darker. i thought well i dont have nothing to lose so i just went for it, then as i was doing it, it really started to pop out. so i have learned alot from this. i looked on brenda's lessons and i didnt see curly hair but i will look again. i did a search and found one tutorial and thats the one i went by since her hair doesnt show up good.
judyvan- i cant critique because i dont know color but it looks good to me.
jonsie--dont delete, your doing good. we all started somewhere. like everyone says practice, practice and more practice. and this is really a place to get great advice and everyone has taken me the right direction. i have never got any bad advice on here.
by the way i have been playing with the grid, even though i think its a pain in the you know what to make the grid, it really does help so much with placement of the eyes and nose and mouth. i have went bigger from a photo and went smaller from a photo. its really cool. thanks everyone.
Lori

A new drawing using the grid method. Pic from a magazine. Did I capture her expression?

Judyvan

[attachmentid=734]The grid picture. I couldn't get both on one post.

Judyvan

As always with entering new circles of people, we as individuals are sometimes uncertain as to how we will be recieved by others. In the case of my new posts, I am hoping not to stir up peoples emotions in any way on a personal basis for sure. But if my thoughts and art can stir their thinking then that is what is being somewhat successful. I realize I am around some pretty damn good artists or if they aren't willing to call themselves that just yet, then some pretty damn good "on their way" to being artists or drawers.

IslanderNL, Thanks for the feedback and guidance so far. And I must say I enjoy looking at your real image now as opposed to that awful drawing before in your avatar! LOL (just kidding) Thats a case where realism wins over impressionism! Anyway I will stick to getting critiqued on my work! By the way I seen your painting of the venice doorway.... now that is more of what I like, versus actual drawings. Your drawings are very good, but the doorway is YOU and your vision of that doorway and that tells me more about you as an artist than the accuracy of your drawings. OK this is too much soulfood right now. Talk to you again!

Here is a drawing from my 10 year old that is also posted in our gallery. He wishes to hear some comments about it, because I have had 4 posts against mine and he has 0.

I am trying to get him to go through Brenda's lessons to learn more. So if you guys/gals can relate to your experience from the benefits of the lessons...you like me will help coach another future artist into the benefit.

Not long ago, he and I went to visit another prominent artist Roger Whitmer in St. Jacobs, On. Roger was so kind to spend 1 hr of his time to show Connor some of the same techniques that Brenda has so eloquently put together in online lessons.

So my goal is exposure to him with good circles of reference from good people like yourselves to encourage him.

Thanking you in advance for your posts!!

Have a great day. May your pencil stay sharp!!

hello Conner ....I think your drawing is a very good drawing .. did you draw it from a Book ? either way you look to have the gift your father has for art ...I hope you are able to learn from these lessons and this will only improve your drawings .. please let us see more of your work ... I think kids and art is very important ..it is a way to express yourself ...Good Job on the drawing conner

Thanks for the guide on this. I am totally open to all points made about the work. I guess I mislead abit bout the opening line. But thats because of my newness to the forum not art. I really appreciate all comments given and the fine ones made by IslanderNL (ya know she's changed her picture eh! LOL) I will post for my work here for critiquing both good and bad. But how do you guys and gals find the time top draw so much and good and post so much....ya must be living and breathing art!

God Bless!

Hey All,
I need help, and I've been told by a very reliable source( thanks Ms. J !!) this is THE place to post, so here goes. I did this drawing of a rebel colonel,and although it's been about a year since I've drawn any, (just started last year), this drawing just isn't right. Jeanette offered some helpful information, and also suggested I post the drawing here, so more opinions could be gathered. I'm ready, ( I think) to hear all you got !! I've looked at some drawings on this site, and it makes me want to just delete this one, and wait until I can post a more worthy offering, although, learning is what I'm here for. Any help will be greatly appreciated, so thanks in advance. If I don't reply right away, don't be offended please. Thanks for all the help .I'm going to post my rendering, plus the print, I'm working from, maybe that will help.
Jonsie

[attachmentid=738]

[attachmentid=739]

First off..thanks for being the first people to comment on Connors drawing. He read it with enthusiasim! Nice touch! Hope others follow!

But no, you didn't lose me on the above. IslanderNL and I have been having a bit of a conversation on that topic. ( ya know she changed her photo eh!) LOL (I am going to say that eveytime I mention her) LOL or until she tells me to stop. But I am probably not responding or writing these mini essays in the right areas of this site. Perhaps they will ask me to leave soon, stop talking or look at the rule book again, this time closer?

Everyones work here is really amazing and you can really see good progression (that is what Connor needs...did I thank you already?)...so kudos to Brenda for the idea of her lessons, then to this site, cause it is working and bringing good people together in spirit and good conversation. As far as the organizational part of where and when to post what and where, I have never been soooo organized when I need to get my feelings about something into the open.

But my idea of art (not drawing realistic though) is putting a passion of an inner image you have inside of you (maybe after seeing something or remembering something) onto paper or canvas. But as well, instead of staring intently for hours at a photo or subject to get it just so right to each stroke of the pencil (that it looks almost like a photocopy), I prefer depictions of your own impression more so (say looser). Having studied art years ago, and then through commercial photography and graphic design, I now tend to bias my newer opinions toward the created work versus the realistic/copied sometimes mechanical work which I spend years working within (Today, I call those constraints). I ask is it man-made or a machine when looking at some various works?

Not saying that anyone can copy something or create realistic drawings...far from it, it takes much skill talent and patience, but from all my formal type work, the diversion into Art for arts sake for me, would be one that makes your brain work in a totally new direction, not just your eyes and hands in harmony with each other (like a machine). Seeing something that isn't so obvious, like the way the trees and gardens are depicted in a Renoir or Monet or a Tom Thompson, but knowing when you finally see it that you say to yourself "aha, of course" that is what it is saying to me, and it becomes so much more interesting to you.

Then when much more of the work starts appearing and details start to unhide themselves, and you think "how clever" or visionary the artist is. (kinda like looking at mashed potatoes or clouds and forming the shapes into things...it's kinda boring here sometimes in Stoney Creek!) BUT That moment...art captures you! and you Never forget the look it gave you back!! One of my most memorable works was studying the Group of Seven. That is where most of my feelings and ground rules (that I am now really appreciating the effect they had on me) towards art were established, because to me their work gave me that look back from the canvas that caught my eye. Maybe at the right time in my life...younger, more impressionable. But that is why I feel it is imperative for me to give Connor that something that will give him a look back he won't ever forget. Not that this method is gospel, but that is how I feel I truly enjoy drawings and artwork more so today, than a realistic piece now gives me. Working with a camera and graphic pen are long past (but they can still be used to pay the bills), but I feel my days towards creating from within my inner capacity are just in their beginnings, and slowly nuturing. Kinda where I want art to take me. Connor will find his own pathway in art with perhaps your help and mine.

Conner-- i really like your drawing, i cant believe your only 10 years old. you are very talented. i hope you keep drawing. i would love to see more of your work.
onsource-- i dont know much about art history but i like to here you talk about it. please join us at the cafe, i know it says talk about anything, even none art related but i think people would like to here what you have to say. i know i would. i dont know if there is a thread that is for "art talk" maybe we should make one. i know one thing that i can relate to is looking at a piece that really touches me. inside. i can tell even though i do or try to do realist drawings, i can in my work what i put my heart and soul in and what really i just try to get through. i really shows. i dont think i have found "my thing" yet. i am still exploring. i want to make people think with my work. i just dont know how to get their so i am just going along right now. if that makes any sense to you at all. the only artist that i have really read about on the net is Da Vinci, and thats because someone on another site pointed me to his work. it did really touch me though. i do really love his work. (and i havent even seen the movie) didnt even know what it was about until i read somethings on the net. but i really dont think its true(just my opinion) i just think at that time he wanted people to "think" with his paintings too. something interesting that i found out though is that his name is really Leonardo Vinci (i cant spell good so please forgive me) Da means The and then they called him The Vinci and i thought it interesting the movie is The Da Vinci code. so its The The Vinci. I just thought it funny. thanks for sharing
Lori

Hey Connor, COOL drawing! Where did this guy come from? Is he someone you made up? He's obviously very strong. You'd done a really good job in drawing this figure. You've got lots of detail it in and a simple, yet strong line drawing. I'd like to see what you can do with some shading next.

And Connor (or Dad) could the images be made a little bigger next time you post? These old eyes of mine need something larger to see all the details

Don, I don't think anyone here would dispute the need to create unique works of art that have life to them instead of slavishly copying reference images forever. However, copying, for beginners, is an excellent way to learn and has been done for centuries, with many artists in the 17 & 18th centuries being apprenticed by the masters and learning simply by copying their paintings or drawings.

Each individual has their own style and that begins to show as they progress and as they learn. Whatever style a person choses, or medium is wonderful. Some will move towards more creative works of art where expression comes from colour and brushstrokes, while others prefer tight realistic impressions that demand concentration and detail. So much depends on what a person gravitates to once they have learned the basics of drawing and painting and have experimented with enough mediums, subjects and techniques to know what pleases them the most.

So if your goal is broad impressionism, that is wonderful. Do post more and show us what you are doing. It is important that we know the effect the artist is trying to achieve when they ask for a critique, because, as I have said, unless we know, the critiques will be based purely on technical drawing skills alone.

Style is more difficult to comment on as it is so subjective, but it something that again, will be based on technical skills in comparison to the impressionist technique or painting or drawing.

From the one who's picture has changed I think others may have figured that out Don Perhaps I should change it daily just to confuse you.

EVERYONE, please provide Jonsie with some feedback on his civil war drawing. I have already done so in private and can provide more now that I see the reference also, but I'd like to see more people give their opinions. I asked Jonsie to post here for more comments - don't let me down! Thanks.

Jonsie,
I'll start with that I'm a beginner at art. The reason I'm going to try my hand at this is because I'm hoping it will help me to see better. First off your shading is good, I can see the shape in his cheeks and face.
I would look at his hairline he has a curve going up instead of straight across.
His ear seems to stick out a bit more at the top and curves more towards the eye at the bottom.
I see his beard as being more curved where as you have more of a wedge shape. When you round out his beard (back towards the ear) You will have room to give his left shoulder the compound curve that it has.
The pupil of the eyes in the picture appear on the same level, I think your left one is slightly higher then your right one.
You're working towards an amazing picture. I can see the world weary look in your picture and the military bearing. I hope you will post your progress. I can't wait to see how you bring him out.

Jeanette or anyone else,
Please, if I have told Jonsie anything wrong let him and me know as soon as possible.

Paulette

Jonsie ....I see the shape of the head is off .. the picture his face is more slender .. and darken your tones a bit .. the picture is darker ..his eyes are deeper set...and his neck is longer ....I still think you did a good job .. those are just things that will make it look more like the portrait .
ONSOUCE .....do you have a crush lol ...I dont know Jeanette sounds like you have yourself a admirier lol .

jonsie-- i consider myself a beginner too so i dont like to critique on someone elses work, but i do agree with kim and paulette. but i do think you are doing well and on the right track. i am on my 3rd try on the portrait that i am doing of my sister. each one gets better and better. so keep going. do some corrections and please post another, i would love to see it.
Lori

Sorry I posted this in the wrong area.
Hi gang, here are two new drawings I am doing this weekend. The first one is a drawing of the crown of thorns drawing. Question; Is it all right to draw some one else’s drawing with out there permission? I am not going to sell it or do anything else with it, but not sure about ethics. As you can see it is still under construction and needs a lot more work. The second drawing is a drawing of my dad, who is 89 today. The drawing also needs a lot of work.

Thanks for the help

John G

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN G's DAD lol ....how I look at that is .. I have drawn other peoples work ..but I make it mine .. by not drawing it perfectly the same .. I may like a pose and go I like that and I will go with that pose and do the hair or clothes differently .. I make it my own in that way ... is it wrong to just draw the same picture .. I dont think so .. you may get different answers but I would think it a compliment if someone was drawing my pictures ..but some artist are different .. so to be proper just ask .. if they say no ...well there ya go .. but I think you will find that most will be flattered and want to see your version of the drawing and your drawings are very nice it a good start to doing portraits .

I just posted it again with some of your suggestions. I don't know if it worked. If you find it let me know.

Judyvan

Thank you for the critique they both have a long long way to go.
I did send a request asking pemision, we will see. If he is against anyone using his drawing as a art lesson I will honor is request and stop and destroy. But we will see. I purchased some color penciles today at the only true art store on Island. probaly paid ten times there worth, but oh well. This is my very first drawing in color, maybe I should stick to.... ah not sure what I should stick to LOL.


Thanks again

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Jonsie.....

Jeanette has asked for feedback for you, so I will try. I am not certain what your aim was in depicting him, but I think you have managed to show a more human personality with emotion and memories than the original militaristic drawing. Very nice shading - although the pencil values could be much more varied from very dark to very light. The rough textures on both his uniform and his facial skin could be brought out with more lines and hatching. I have put the reference and your drawing together to compare the proportions. Most of this can be seen clearly as you look at both the (tilt of the head) or slant of the lines and the sizes of the spaces between the mapping lines. But I do believe that straightening out that eye line would add the missing height to the forehead and really make a big difference to the likeness. Then the ear should be placed higher which would in turn lead to a thinner neck. The whole head appears a mite too wide and it affects everything below it such as the chest area width because we use those shapes to recognize other features. And I think the left shoulder should be wider and the right shoulder more square.

It sounds like a lot, but major corrections such as the eye line and width of the head would lead to all the others. If your intent was not to have a realistic depiction of this gentleman, then disregard the above. I do really like the entire feeling of your drawing and think it deserves more tender loving care.

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Cheers......Maire

JudyVan...I probably suppose to say fix this or that ... but hun I thought it was great before .. and its great now .. I think its a job very well done .
JohnG ....awsome flower work .. I wish I could do flowers...color is your thing ..stick with it and the experts can help you in any way you need ..again awsome job

Well here is my next drawing. It is my goddaughter and my greatdane Bob. I think I've come a little further with my shading. Still further to go though. Let me know what you think. I've included my refrence picture, my preliminary sketch and my drawing.[attachmentid=767][attachmentid=768][attachmentid=769]
Paulette

Your doing a great Job .. what i notice right off .. is all kids seem to be a bit bow legged and her legs are slightly bowed .. maybe bow them a bit .. the dogs left leg looks to skinny .. but dang girl for the pose and angle of the whole picture that is a great start .

Where to start in thanking everyone ? I've learned so much with all the comments, not only about drawing, but about people too !! I wish to thank each of you personally, as I do think, each person deserves it. I'm just afraid of missing someone, and my time here is so limited, it's hard to keep up !! Having said that, I'll begin.
Ms. Jeanette, thank you for everything, you are such a valuable resource here, thank you for sharing with me, and all the others as well.
Lori, Just because you consider yourself a "beginner", doesn't mean, I don't need your opinions too. Sometimes, a beginners first impression is just what the doctor ordered. Thanks for the kind words of encouragement, it really helps !!
Paulette, Thanks for the comments, and helpful advice. You might consider yourself a "beginner" as well, but your opinion is valuable to me, thank you. Your words of kindness say so much . You shouldn't fear about saying the wrong things, or giving bad advice. I view each of these comments as help, and each opinion is right, no matter whether anyone else agrees with it or not, as long as it's your honest thoughts. What if you told me to rip it up? Would that mean, I'd just do that without a second thought ? Your insights are so much a part of what makes you a valuable tool to each of us. I'll always welcome your comments.
Kim, Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. As I look at my drawing, each of the things that have been said, seem to just jump out now, thank you so much, it really helps, believe me.
Maire, Just like the others, you are so insightful, and kind with your comments, and suggestions. I never realized just how much one thing, can impact another . Like the eyes being skewed, and that making the forehead different. All of the things you mentioned are so helpful to me , and in helping me to "see" just how come, I didn't think my drawing looked "right" somehow.
The side my side comparison with the grid is just GREAT !! It helps me so much in "seeing" just what each comment means to the overall drawing. Thanks again to each of you, you just don't realize how much it helps me. I only hope my finished product, will reflect the input each of you has shared with me. It might take a while, but, to quote a famous person, " I'll be back !!" .............

Just an update on the request to use the drawing crown of thorns done by Mr. Mark Connon, for limited educational use only. He emailed me back and granted me the right to use his printed for the purposes requested.

John G