I am a passionate photorealist. I cannot fully appreciate pieces that lack detail unless they vividly depict a deeper, alternate meaning than what is presented at face value. I strive with all of my being to include as much detail as possible into all of my pieces. The full effect of photorealism is achieved through the application of high contrast, painstaking shadowing and the inclusion of as many details as possible.
In portrait work, it is even more important to pay attention to these principles in order to create an impressive replica of the subject in portrait.
However, one must also pay rapt attention to the details of the layout of the face and the person's features. Accuracy in this department will aid in ensuring that the portrait looks just like the person.
A fellow blogger, Portia Subran (a.k.a. DeadEyes), has experience in developing portraits.
You can find her at The Art of Wisdom and War
Anyway, its my turn to show 'off' my portraits too.
It's been a while since I've done a proper portrait.
Not counting the one I've just completed, the last portrait I created was completed on the first of September last year.
Wow....it's been a while.
Personally, I think that I have definitely improved upon my techniques and my rendering capabilities but I definitely have to continue working hard at improving my accuracy and proportion mapping.
The following picture shows the first portrait I EVER completed:
A 'failed' portrait of Dr. House
House M.D. (Portrait 1), Graphite on paper: 14" X 17". I definitely have improved since then. |
If you take a close look at the portrait, I signed this piece over a year ago.
Since then, things have changed.
My ability to achieve shadowing has improved and I am proud of what I am able to achieve nowadays in my artistic studies and exploration of expression.
I was heavily advised to stop doing portraits of these famous people, so I thought I would let them go out with a bang.
One year later, I decided to take Dr. House for a spin again...
I definitely am proud of my improvements, but I leave the verdict up to my readers to tell me where I have to continue the physical practice and research necessary to become a better portrait artist.
Simply more than a year has helped me improve my techniques to a level beyond my own expectations.
On the 22nd April, 2011 This is how the NEW House M.D stands:
House M.D. (Portrait 2), Graphite on paper: 17" X 22". Improvements galore. |
So concludes another vacation in the life of a dedicated student and a very tired human being. The trials of academics and art help make me stronger at least, so there is some good that comes out of hard work.....
This is my last portrait of an internationally famed person who is not locally based.
In the future, I may post some pictures of my previous portraits which include the likes of Queen Latifah, The Joker, Taylor Swift, and last (but not least) Ellen DeGeneres.
Due to my return to the hectic life on Tuesday, my posts may start to dwindle in frequency, but I will try to update as best as I can.