Monday 5 April 2010

Who would have thought it?

I used to hate drawing faces; avoided at all costs... But thanks to Suzi Blu and her amazing courses I am completely hooked. Yesterday, I wanted to knock out a quick sketch for Sophia's Sunday Sketches. All I could think to draw was a face! And once I got started, it didn't really stay 'sketch' for long. I can't help myself... graphite is just so boring... I just love layering up the colours and having large eyes suddenly appear from the paper to stare at you. What is this little lady thinking I wonder? Well, one for thing for certain is that she is PROUD to be GINGER! Oh yes, she loves her big mop of orange hair, she wouldn't have it any other way. Look at the way everyone stares when she walks in the room. She's like an irridescent light show. What you can't see is the stunning dress she's wearing in the coolest turquoise with layer upon layer of fabric fluttering in the breeze her dance makes as she moves across the room...





I love how a good quality shot or scan can be magnified in photoshop. You can really see just how many colours went into making this face - creams, peaches, pinks, greens, blues, yellows and of course rather a lot of orange. That's what I love about my faces. I'm not trying to make them real, just colouring their personalities. The enlargement also helps spot the areas for improvement next time - the slightly off centre pupil needs a bit more care, as does the squishy iris. The thing I find about art though, is that is half the fun. I mean Oh no! Do I really have to do another piece of art? What hardship!!

Now, all this talk of lessons leads me nicely onto my next point. I'm sure you all have wonderful creative tips to share - whether watercolours, writing, wrapping presents or a wonderful wasabi recipe! Inspiration Avenue are hosting a fun blog party on the weekend of May 1st/2nd where all the partygoers are asked not to bring a bottle or even a present. No, you just bring yourself and a tutorial to share. All the info you need is here. Do come along; it will be tremendous fun and we pretty much guarantee that you'll definitely learn something!

13 comments:

  1. This is definitely the 'Wright' stuff:-) I love the layering too! I only work in graphite or colored pencils for my faces and would love to be able to layer the way you have - the result is so much richer. Glad you had so much fun! Ginger is beautiful!

    Smiles

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  2. this is wonderfully alive and rich. I love that you are joyous about your art! I have just begun drawing and this and Suzi Blu are inspirations~

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  3. I like her orange hair and her eyes, they're so expressive

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  4. I love her and I can just imagine how stunning her turquoise dress is with her stunning eyes and that beautiful hair. The party sounds like a fun time and I will have to look up Suzi Blu also. Thank you for the heads up.

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  5. looks like you are having great fun and it shows!!! enjoy!

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  6. lov this piece, so bright and beautiful.
    debby

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  7. I love her,and her red hair. Faces are additive! I find just sketching a face very relaxing,I still struggle with the color/painting part but like you said "oh darn I have to try again" Also the blog party sounds like fun,I have to try to think of something though.

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  8. Is her name "Ginger"? Lover her bright orange hair and she must be fiery lady. Your face work is becoming more more beautiful. Well Done. Keep up the good work.

    (P.S. Also am thinking about your party ... )

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  9. she is definitely a striking lady alright! i love her orange hair ... it's fantastically delicious!

    and i spot a nice little shoutout for our blog party ... i hope lots of people will come and have fun with us :)

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  10. Faces are one of the hardest things to draw accurately; any mistake is magnified. Yours remind me a little of Modigliani portraits. Have you seen them? Soutine's portraits are brilliant too without being a perfect representation.

    When I was at art school we used to draw the model from all angles and it was interesting to draw in profile, then half profile, then full frontal (the later is hardest). You might try profile faces as they can give a very different character to the same sitter.

    Cheers

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  11. I love your red head! Great colours and its so great to see it close up so that we can appreciate just how many colours are in there, nice work! :0)

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  12. LOVE! The red hair, I am biased to red heads...my daughter has red/orange hair...and yes, people do stare and admire red heads...aren't they beautiful??? Great sketch!

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Thank you for your comments - I always love to hear what you think :)

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