untamedartists

Going back to a portrait while I still do some more animal scratchboards is a nice change of pace for me. This is soft pastels on colourfix and is 19" x 15" which is much larger than normal for me. The head is more or less actual size. As you can see from the following steps, I've made a few changes to the background as I've gone on. Originally I was using Flinders red violet and also their blue violet in the background, so I thought a nice yellow would complement that, but it stood out like a beacon and the cane hat is acting as a complementary anyway. I toned things down a lot and added some out of focus light to the background on the left. I'm working my way through the cane hat now which is a challenge for me, but I'll keep at it until I win!!!

I often work right to left (being a lefthander) so I don't have to spend too much time covering up to avoid smudging. At the end, I'll go back and make certain all the values are correct.

She's just so gorgeous with those two front teeth that I had to paint her. I'll bet she's everyone's favourite grandma in that family!!

I've added quite a few steps so you can see how I go about things (if you want to see all the mistakes )

That is special mate! I really think you need to look at doing some portrait commissions. You've definitely got the skills to do it...

Nice to see one of your portraits Patrick,makes a nice change.Great work on the eyes in this one.

Best from mike.

Many thanks Leigh and Mike.

At the moment, I'm struggling along with the cane hat. This sort of thing sucks for me - never at my most comfortable doing something like this. I need to persevere but I'm aware that it exposes me as there are textures that I can render, but there are textures that I really have no idea about. It actually looks better here 'small' than in 'larger' real life. I will win though! It's just that I don't know how yet, and in my opinion, that's probably the best time - wanting to do something but not being able to. I really have to dig deep and find a way - and I will!

........I think..

Looks ok.to me Patrick.I think to much detail on the hat will take attention away from the face.

Would like to see a bit of shading on the face from the rim of the hat.

Best from mike.

Thanks Mike

Here's the finish. Not much difference from the last but the shadow Mike mentioned is in, some warmer tones added, some of the skin imperfections done, that ugly shadow on the right side of the face fixed and the hat finished - sort of, well, as much as I know how to do LOL



Here's a closeup of the eyes

Looks great Patrick,those eyes are outstanding,really nice work.

Best from mike.

I agree with Mike. The eyes are just magic! The work on the straw hat has come up really well but I love the soft focus lights behind her ear. You've reached a new level mate!