Posthumous Commission

Patricia Joyce · 04-15-2005, 09:50 AM

I still have tomorrow morning if this needs "tweaked" in any way. The cropping you see looks crooked, but it is generally how I think I want to matt it. I think showing the shape of the back of her hair makes it look VERY dated. I would rather the portrait look more timeless. The way this is reading on my monitor I think there is glare on her hair just to the (our) right of her ear. That section is actually very dark. But you know how graphite gets a bit shiny when darkly applied. is there a fixative that can take care of that???

If anything jumps out at you, feel free offer your opinions or suggestions. I am still open to making this better.

Thank you for your support and additional critical eye!!

Jimmie Arroyo · 04-15-2005, 10:44 AM

Fantastic Pat. And this is the little girl having issues with her drawing just couple of years back. I'm so proud of all the progress you've made.

The ear looks great, you've forced the highlights in the hair (make sure they're not too light) and downplayed the ear, so it's not just sticking out. Just check the balance, it's hard to read from the monitor.

You never mentioned size or paper, if you can please share. Once again,

Patricia Joyce · 04-15-2005, 11:16 AM

Thanks, Jimmie! I am grinning from ear to ear like a proud student!! I do think I need to go in and work on the hair some more. Especially the highlighted section on the back portion on our right and the very top of her head. And perhaps darken the highlights just a bit. It needs to be more polished which I can do with "H" and "HB".

This is on Canson Mi-Tientes about 10 x 14. The head is under life size about 3/4. It does read better in person and I think it is my lack of photo skills UGH. Another thing I have to really work on - taking GOOD reference shots! Although I did use a tripod, I still can't get a real clear pic???

Chris Saper · 04-15-2005, 12:37 PM

Pat,

You have really done a top-rate job here!

But you can't crop over your signature! Eveything you place on the surface becomes a compositional element, including the signature. Can you remove it, and resign it over on the empty space on the lower left?

I think it's a good idea to wait until after matting/ framing to place your signature

Jean Kelly · 04-15-2005, 12:48 PM

Hi Pat, she looks wonderful. Her expression is captivating!

I got a remote cord for my camera, now if I really need a clear photo I can get it. Shaky arms can mess up the best camera.

Jean

Patricia Joyce · 04-15-2005, 01:05 PM

Hi Chris and Jean,
I wondered if anyone would notice my signature being off! Yeah, I can erase and sign it again. And, I will follow your advice and never sign it until it is matted. I think my camera has a delay thing-a-ma-jig on it, so I will take out the booklet and see how to do it. Even on a tripod the camera probably still moves, it is pretty small.

You are making my day with your compliments. My eyes have stopped being discriminating with this one, so the feedback is encouraging me before I have to present it to the client tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Thanks again!

Terri Ficenec · 04-15-2005, 01:29 PM

Beautiful Pat!!

Allan Rahbek · 05-04-2005, 02:05 PM

I also missed this, sorry.

Very fine drawing, especially the features of the head, that are more painted than drawn. You should work on the hair in the same manner.

I also like the pose and the way that you drew the neck, collar and shoulder................ elegant.!!!

Allan

Patricia Joyce · 05-04-2005, 02:52 PM

Thank you Allan!
I can't take credit for the pose, however, I did feel I had to minimize the clothing as it is a very dated photo from the seventies. I had a problem with the hair, as I always do. but each time it gets a little easier! When I draw in graphite I imagine that it would be easier with a brush. But when I paint I get so confused still with color. . . In time it will come together, no doubt!!! I am always conflicted with the time I have in my studio, "should I paint or draw" Seems right now my inclination is to keep drawing as I have so much more to learn.

Linda Brandon · 05-04-2005, 08:24 PM

I missed this one too, Pat... it's terrific, beautifully and sensitively managed. You've done a fantastic job with the subtle modelling of this piece, I really like it!

I don't do much graphite but if I did I would work on transparent vellum. I tried this a few weeks ago and it really made the graphite appear dark and mysterious.