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Patricia Joyce · 09-17-2003, 11:08 AM

I am very appreciative of your responses and glad I was able to turn to this Forum for advice. The "secular" (as in non-artist) consensus has been that I eliminate the "unflattering" wrinkles in his neck. I know many people who know Congressman Kucinich personally and who are working on his campaign. They will not see the portrait until it is complete. But their well-intended remarks were causing conflict with the approach I wanted to take. Each of you has confirmed what my instincts have been telling me and what my sketches have also revealed thus far. Anything short of accurately portraying the subject will fall short of having the impact I hope to impart on the viewer. I originally chose this photo because of the strong composition, the unique viewpoint and the strong spotlighting. (I know the posted study is "weak" as I had not worked up the tonal range, but I wanted post a quick study in order to reference the subject "without his true neck"!)

I do believe Dennis' lines and wrinkles give him a more mature appearance, which is refreshing to see, I think, because, as you state, Steven, he has always been "targeted as looking child-like or gnomish". I'm a lifelong resident of Cleveland and remember when he was a 19-yr-old councilman and mayor (unfortunately brief and tragic!) at the ripe old age of twenty-something!

I was drawn to the photo because I believe it does give him stature which he needs! I will take your advice Michele and draw him life size at least through the shoulders, and stay with the pencil using a full range (HB, 2B 4B, 8B). I will take your advice Steven and "keep the point sharpened and work slowly and deliberately" (my new mantra?!).

I have worked out his nose in some sketches, which I found very hard to render with the deep shadow formed under the distinct shape of the bulb of his nose. But nothing has worked when I try to "put in" a neck and jaw without structure of folds and lines. I just laughed out loud, Scott, to read your remark about his looking "rather turtle-like"! THAT is what was bothering me! Now, all I see is a turtle in all my studies of him!

I will definitely keep you posted on my progress. It's back to the drawing board but with more conviction to maintain the integrity of the subject's true features. Undoubtedly, I will be posting again before completion, for further critiques.

Thanks for the vote of confidences and for giving me some direction which sits right with me.

Later -
Pat

09-17-2003, 11:08 AM	#10
Patricia Joyce '09 Third Place PSOA Ohio Chapter Competition Joined: Aug 2003 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 1,483	Thank you Cynthia, Mike, Steven, Scott and Michele, I am very appreciative of your responses and glad I was able to turn to this Forum for advice. The "secular" (as in non-artist) consensus has been that I eliminate the "unflattering" wrinkles in his neck. I know many people who know Congressman Kucinich personally and who are working on his campaign. They will not see the portrait until it is complete. But their well-intended remarks were causing conflict with the approach I wanted to take. Each of you has confirmed what my instincts have been telling me and what my sketches have also revealed thus far. Anything short of accurately portraying the subject will fall short of having the impact I hope to impart on the viewer. I originally chose this photo because of the strong composition, the unique viewpoint and the strong spotlighting. (I know the posted study is "weak" as I had not worked up the tonal range, but I wanted post a quick study in order to reference the subject "without his true neck"!) I do believe Dennis' lines and wrinkles give him a more mature appearance, which is refreshing to see, I think, because, as you state, Steven, he has always been "targeted as looking child-like or gnomish". I'm a lifelong resident of Cleveland and remember when he was a 19-yr-old councilman and mayor (unfortunately brief and tragic!) at the ripe old age of twenty-something! I was drawn to the photo because I believe it does give him stature which he needs! I will take your advice Michele and draw him life size at least through the shoulders, and stay with the pencil using a full range (HB, 2B 4B, 8B). I will take your advice Steven and "keep the point sharpened and work slowly and deliberately" (my new mantra?!). I have worked out his nose in some sketches, which I found very hard to render with the deep shadow formed under the distinct shape of the bulb of his nose. But nothing has worked when I try to "put in" a neck and jaw without structure of folds and lines. I just laughed out loud, Scott, to read your remark about his looking "rather turtle-like"! THAT is what was bothering me! Now, all I see is a turtle in all my studies of him! I will definitely keep you posted on my progress. It's back to the drawing board but with more conviction to maintain the integrity of the subject's true features. Undoubtedly, I will be posting again before completion, for further critiques. Thanks for the vote of confidences and for giving me some direction which sits right with me. Later - Pat