Portrait

Hi, everyone:

This is a pencil drawing that I did of my dad in his army uniform. It was my first attempt at drawing a lifelike portrait so be kind.

I did it about 10 years ago; I haven't done many since -- just too busy. What do you think?

thanks!

Not bad for a first attempt, I think, but realistic portraiture is not really my thing. I hope you find more time for drawing, though! I understand, it is something I struggle with myself. (Lots of people carry a notebook with them so they can draw whenever the mood strikes--sounds like a good idea to me!)

You might like this website: http://theportraitparty.blogspot.com/

Thanks for the link, Brandy!

I am definitely trying to get back into fine arts more for fun and as a way to de-stress after a long day at work. My love of art was the reason I became interested in design to begin with.

I think I will buy a sketch book and keep it handy just in case.

Not bad but the left side looks better than the rightside. On the right the ear is out of proportion is too low. Also bit baldy on that side. Just put your hand over on side the left is better looking than th right.

Hi, everyone:

This is a pencil drawing that I did of my dad in his army uniform. It was my first attempt at drawing a lifelike portrait so be kind.

I did it about 10 years ago; I haven't done many since -- just too busy. What do you think?

thanks!

YOUR FIRST PORTRAIT?! Wow. really that is amazing.

My mother is a portrait artist. Very talented, she is! I have a small talent for it, but not practiced nor inclined towards it, but I sure have an appreciation for the art! It's not easy. You have a skill and talent, I think. Kudos to you!

People’s faces are so incredibly asymmetrica. The asymetry can repeatedly surprize you as you work. It is difficult not to correct the differences. You clearly stayed true to those idiosyncrasies that make your dad's face his. The sketch is very believable.

I have a client who is an accomplished portrait artist. I sooooo enjoyed my visit to his studio. My experience of watching my mom capture people on a canvass made me enjoy the tour more than most might. I bring it up because he said something interesting to me... I try and paint what I see not what I think I see, not my interpretation of it. (I think we were speaking about shadow and light.) I thought of this when I saw dad's left nostril and just under it. It looks like you might have fought a little on between what you saw and thought you saw or what you wanted to represent, perhaps not, it could just be me.

Anyway... when I see the portraits I have done -- of which there are only a handful ~ gifts framed and hanging in friends' and family homes -- I want to pull them down and fix 'em. Instead, I give myself advice for how I'd do it differently if I ever pick it up again.

Don't change a THING about this piece! It's wonderful. Something to be very proud of. How many portrait artists do you know? How many pulled off such a sketch first stab? It’s not something everyone can do. This sketch is a clear indication of your talent. Where it falters it can spur you on to practice and improve. And as you gain in your ability this piece will help you see that growth by comparison.

KUDOS TO YOU! Pick it back up and practice.

Don't change a THING about this piece! It's wonderful. Something to be very proud of. How many portrait artists do you know? How many pulled off such a sketch first stab? It’s not something everyone can do. This sketch is a clear indication of your talent. Where it falters it can spur you on to practice and improve. And as you gain in your ability this piece will help you see that growth by comparison.

Thanks, Nancy. I appreciate your kind words. Looking at the portrait now, I see things that I would have done differently. I'll keep working at it. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when I finish a piece of art -- even if its not perfect.

its a little crooked but you are a really good illustrator!

It is good, really good!

Your first attempt? Really? I love drawing with pencil, this is the thing I love doing the most whenever I have some free time left (which unfortunately is not very often) but I keep my first attempts of lifelike portraits and they are certainly not that successful - at least my sister who I used as a model didn't think so .
Really nicely done so just keep on pencil drawing (whenever you have the time ) since you do that very well!