The Mysterious Alice

[Chris Saper]

Wow.

Isabel, I love this piece. You have such a sophitication in your vision, as well as execution. Would you think about a step-by-step mini demo of your process?

[Michele Rushworth]

Wow -- such living texture, especially in the hair and sweater. I also like the mystery of the model's expression.

[John Reidy]

Hello Isabel,

I love this piece. What a display of your craftsmanship and talent, capturing the spirit and physical domain.

Beautiful.

[Carolyn Bannister]

My ultimate goal is to combine my techniques with my emotions and concepts to communicate with the viewers.

I took the quote above from Isabels website,

Isabel,

I think you have achieved your goal, soemtimes photo-realism can look very plastic, but not in your hands.

This definitely communicates with me

Carolyn

[Terri Ficenec]

Beautifully done! The expression, the hair, the detail on the sweater and the hand by her face. . . Lovely!

[Isabel Chiang]

Thank you so much Terri, Carolyn, John, Michele, Patricia, Lisa, Chris and Jimmie!!!!!

I've been a big fan of all of you! It's such an honor to receive your comments! I've learned a lot reading all the threads here. Sorry I didn't have the chance to comment much earlier . Currently, I'm a 3rd year university student, major in accounting and marketing. The workload is getting heavier now, I rarely have time to surf the internet.

Drawing is the only way to get away from the books. (God, I hate those textbooks!) I'm torn between studying and drawing. (I often can't concentrate on studying because I always think about art, but when I'm drawing, I can't help feeling guilty about not studying. After all, my parents have paid a lot of money for my education). It's very difficult to find a balance sometimes.One thing I'm certain is that I do want to become a full time professional artist someday. I know it's not easy but I'll strive for it!

Jimmie, thank you ! You're one of my favourite graphite artists!

Patricia, yes, it took me a long time. A real test for patience I must say. I almost regret drawing it as soon as I started the "knitting" part. It was quite a challenge, very intimidating at first because knitting (for real) wasn't exactly my favourite activity. Actually I think it's the most boring thing in the world. Whenever I had to knit in high school sewing class, I always made my Mum to do it I'm glad that "knitting" on paper turned out to be kinda rewarding. I almost feel proud of myself in the end


Lisa, thank you! To me, the purpose of a graphite drawing is not to eliminate colour but to Interpret colour and texture in Black and White form. Well, at least it's one of my goals.I'm glad it made you feel that.


Chris, thank you as well! In fact, I'd taken quite a lot of progress shots.I'll post them after this.

Thank you Michele, John, Carolyn and Terri!! I really appreciate your words!

[Lisa Ober]

Isabel, may I ask what kind of graphite you use? It has been so long since I have done anything in graphite I am wondering how you get the darks so dark? Also, do you use an eraser to draw as well? What kind of paper do you prefer. I notice on your site it varies a bit. Thank you for your time. Again, beautiful.

[Isabel Chiang]

Here're some step by step progress photos.

I worked in a very anti academic way. I love to draw section by sections (finish one small section at a time) using mechanical pencils. Because in fact I'm not a very impatient person, always want to see something finished at the end of the day.

I always finish the eyes first, in order to establish a connection between me and the subject. Also, I rarely switch pencils, mainly used 0.5 mechanical pencils with 2b and 3b leads here.

[Xander Calceta]

Isabel,

LUPET!!!!!!!! That's how we express or we say here in Manila, Philippines when we see something amazing like your masterpiece. I only got one question: what is your secret?hehe. You are so great.

God bless you and more power.

[Michele Rushworth]

Your degree in accounting and marketing will probably help you far more than a degree in fine arts toward your goal of being a full time artist. I think you're on the right track!