Same old problem

Patricia Joyce · 02-20-2006, 11:14 AM

Sorry that I have not been participating much. There are allot of good threads happening here lately and some good painting. But, thanks be to God, I have been very busy with commissions! This is number 3 of the 3 in process (it seems easier for me to keep a couple going at the same time so that my approach is fresh and I have a week or two to study my next move)

Anyways, I am running into the problem of shine from the darker graphite (5B), her hair is black. This is early on, there is allot of modeling yet to happen on the hair, but before I go further, does anyone have any suggestions? Should I keep going and trust that the fixative will get rid of the shine when I am finished?

This was a terrible reference photo, she has crooked teeth that I wanted to de-emphasize and I think the finger needs some adjusting. Of course any suggestions would be appreciated. Next commission customer agreed to let me take reference photos - a six year old doll. I can't wait!

There is some glare on this pic and I apologize, but the morning light was weak and I wanted to get this posted today.

Thank you very much for your help

Patty

Mischa Milosevic · 02-20-2006, 11:42 AM

This is looking good from what could be discerned . A better photo would help.

Graphite and glare my old friends. It is my experience that the only way to minimize shine is not to over shade a given area. Try doting in the area you wish to be darker. The pixel principle. (smile)

If you cross hatch or shade in a area over and over a build up occurs and the graphite builds up more in one area than another. It is the buildup that causes most of the shine.

I hope this helps or at least an idea.

Patricia Joyce · 02-20-2006, 02:59 PM

Thank you, Mischa. I have never heard that before. I will try to "dote" and let you know how it works.

I appreciate your help.

Steven Sweeney · 02-20-2006, 08:29 PM

Pat,

Just a quick drive-by . . .

I can

Patricia Joyce · 02-21-2006, 11:36 AM

Thank you, Steven,
I did just that last night, removed most of the hair by lifting off with the kneaded erasure. I was definately burnishing. Fortunately, I have not ruined the surface of the paper, so I should have no problem going back in again.

I am so guilty of working the pencil too long between sharpening. Bad bad habit! One more bit of positive info I need to burnish into my brain!