Christine's coming along

Patricia Joyce · 06-13-2004, 04:57 PM

Well, I think my awful dry spell is over. I am happy with the progress so far. This is graphite and white pastel on Stonehenge toned paper. I think I am discovering this is the best paper for me to work on. I like being able to use the toned paper as the neutral, and especially like using the white pastel for highlights.

I'm concerned about the rest of the hair, and we'll see how far I take the satin fabric.

Any critiques would be helpful. Chris and Kris (my son) saw it last night and they are real pleased with it, so I am happy that her likeness is good. Just as long as I don't ruin what I have done so far, I have been doing this a lot lately (very disheartening to say the least).

The "line" down her cheek on our right will be the shadow of a strand of hair. And I stopped just as I was beginning to form the neck, so the shadow under her jaw is not where I want it to be.

Michele Rushworth · 06-13-2004, 11:01 PM

Not sure what it is but something about this (the pose, the expression?) said "Tony Ryder" to me. Very nice start!

Patricia Joyce · 06-14-2004, 09:31 AM

You are absolutely right Michelle! I tried to remember everything I learned in his workshop and I had his book out, as I had just finished rereading it. So I tried to think about creating the skin and thinking about how nothing is straight or flat, everything on the body is round. It really made me get back into that zone, that had eluded me since before my surgery two months ago.

I did not work on it yesterday. Maybe you, or someone else could shed some light. For some reason my drawing looks like her head is tilting more than the reference. I don't think I mind it, but I can't figure out what is creating the look. Could it just be that I have not "put in" the hair. The lines I have for the back of her head/hair are fuller than the reference, I will make that adjustment.

Thank you for the compliment, Michelle! Wish me luck on the rest of the piece. . .

Josef Sy · 06-14-2004, 09:57 AM

Great start Patricia! I really like how you rotated / change the pose from the reference picture. It really makes a difference. Good job.

Jean Kelly · 06-14-2004, 10:15 AM

I prefer your drawing to the reference photo, and it looks very much like her. So far, it's lovely Patricia. I wouldn't take the fabric very far with this one, it will detract from the softness of her face. I would say that you are over your block and have come back with flying colors.

Jean

Patricia Joyce · 06-14-2004, 10:44 AM

Thank you Josef and Jean,

I am really glad you like the tilt of her head in the drawing. It was not intentional, except that as I was concentrating on the drawing I kept thinking about Chris' sweetness and the way she tilts her head and has a quiet smile. Intuitive? Wouldn't that be cool!

I agree that the fabric should remain unfinished. I like that look anyways. But I do want to finish her hand and may have to do some indication of more drapery so that it doesn't look to be floating?