Emily
 

Hello all!
Well, some time ago I posted a picture of a redhead and I was told maybe to change the background color, but I tried that and I ruined it. It's okay because it was a practice piece anyway. At least I got a digital shot of it before I wrecked it! Creating good artwork worthy of the outside world is sometimes frustrating. It is all a learning experience, though.

At any rate, I am trying again with this piece. This is Emily, done on Sennelier paper with rembrandt sennelier pastels. I am more interested in getting the face right than the background at this point, but in order to do that, is it necessary that the background be perfect, too? I think there is something wrong with her nose, but I am not sure... I have been staring at it for hours! HELP! I appreciate all of you for your comments and tips, so thanks in advance!
Jen

Hello Jennifer,

First of all just want to say that I really like the skin tones you've acheived on this piece. They are harmonious and have smooth transitions.

On the nose you may want to put some warm reflected light color, something in an orange, on the bottom of the tip and maybe around the nostril area.

WIthout looking at reference photos it's not possible to tell if the shape is correct. So, I hope this helps.

~Geary

Drawing Suggestions
 

Hello,

I like the roundness and modeling you have done on the head and neck. The lips are nice and fleshy. She has a complete feeling of mass and depth. Good job, that isn't easy to do.

Without looking at your reference photo I can make a few suggestions on her nose. First of all, the shadow directly above the top of her nostril might be too large and too cool. A shadow is usually cast below and behind the nostril as you have done and not above (unless you are lighting her face from below). I think you are trying to indicate the curve around the ridge of the nostril and it's soft shadow but it it reads more as a shadow from the nostril. I'd take a look again at your reference photo to see if that shadow can be altered in value, hue or maybe trim it just a bit.

The nostril opening looks like it has a lightly different perspective than the rest of her face. I would lower the flesh there just slightly to close that opening just a touch. But don't do that if you are going to ruin the nice modeling you have done. It is pretty close to perfect.

I hope that isn't being too picky. The over-all look is very nice.

Lara