Portrait of Cathy

[Simon Bland]

This is the second in a series I'm doing for a family as their children reach their fourth birthday. Each portrait is being done about three years apart. Only one more to go in 2009.

Graphite on Fabriano Artistico 140lb hot press , approximately 12"x12" image size.

I would love to hear feedback, critiques or comments.

Many thanks.

Simon

[Julie Deane]

Beautifully done, Simon.

If you want any critiques that have to do with likeness, you will want to post the reference photo.

[Ilaria Rosselli Del Turco]

Simon, I think you have tackled a complicate job, I mean trying to match a work you did a few years ago.
To me this would be extremely difficult, since working on groups of portrait is already problematic enough without trying to turn back the clock!

Regarding this particular work, I like the size and scale of it in the paper. There is always the usual dilemma, teeth yes or no, but it's a matter of personal taste. The portrait is fresh and sweet and the pose is dynamic and informal.
Technically, I am not sure about the size of the hands, to me they look slightly small compared to the size of the face (maybe reference distortion ?). Also I find that reinforcing the shadowing on her right side would make the head turn more.
Anyway it is a lovely drawing and I am sure your clients will be very satisfied
Ilaria

[Simon Bland]

Thank you for you kind comments, Julie and Ilaria.

Ilaria - yes it's difficult to match a work to work done a few years ago. I even had to measure the dimensions of the previous portrait to ensure that they are to the same scale.

Now that I look at the hands I think you are right - the fingers on her left hand in particular look too thin. I am entirely to blame.

Simon

[Mischa Milosevic]

Simon, this is a lovely portrait and you have done a wonderful job.

I hope you wont think bad of me but what would you think if I suggest to do the portrait without the hands? Other suggestions are. I think that the shadows on her face are a touch to dark. The transition between the shadow and lights, from what I can tell, is not soft. Sure in some places the halftone turns faster while in others it turns slower. It is this transition that should be tended to.

While in the shadow, there is the darkest line and from that line it should get lighter as you go towards the light and lighter as you head towards the reflected light. One more thing to look at and that is: where the light is and what part is closest to the light making that part the lightest. As we move away from the light, lets say the chin area, that area should be in step darker.

I hope this helps.

Sincere regards,
mischa

[Simon Bland]

Thank you for your feedback Mischa. I don't think badly of you at all !

I appreciate all critique, good or bad, and will carefully consider all of your suggestions.

Simon