Graphite Portrait

Graphite Portrait WIP - Stage 1

I figure I am kidding myself to think I can paint a portrait if I can’t draw one. So, more drawing it is. I am trying to focus on the anatomical foundation of facial features as well as the delicate values that define them. I don’t think I would ever paint to this level of detail, but studying a subject so intensely will help me make decisions in future paintings. Above is a scan of the initial phase showing the contour and early drawing. I always enjoy seeing the subject emerge from the Bristol. Kind of like the old Ah Ha video. I’m not dating myself now am I?

Graphite Portrait Final

Above is the final drawing. I need to go back and analyze this a bit. I sometimes take the scan and overlay it on the reference with Photoshop to double check my draftsmanship. The glaring mistakes show up pretty quickly that way. Overall I like the look but it seems that the eyes may be set a little to close and the alignment of the mouth may be off a bit relative to the eyes. It’s amazing how just the slightest anomaly in dimension makes things look a little strange. I feel that these are getting easier but I still have a way to go before I will be confident enough to attack a painted portrait.

Over the past few days, I have also been working through an Andrew Loomis book on head construction. Pictured below is one that I developed with his help. I love the 40′s look that is so prevalent in his work. This one looks a little Disney in my opinion with slightly larger eyes and lips.

Loomis inspired head using construction technique