View Full Version : 2 I'm working on
Hey what do ya know!..My AB still works..Yippppeeee:clapping2:
Thought I'd put all my progress shots up in here...Give ya a sense how I do things..(right or wrong:))........I'll save the Ref pics for when they're done..Then ya'll can tell me how close or way off I got..
Just started painting these yesterday..So they are in the very start of it all..Try not to laugh to hard:partyalone:
The first is a couple I'm painting for a wedding present..Couldn't get my printer to go that big..18"x14"..So I had to draw these guys out to get my outline..Funny lookin aren't they:)
1st Pic...I cut the people out and sprayed in the background
2cnd...got the guys shirt kinda blocked in
3rd..Hair!..Just the main hair..I'll scratch out details later.
4th Pic is the other one I'm working on...This is 9"x12"..so my printer worked..What you see is the B/W printout of the original...cut it out and sprayed the background
5th..Is the lil guy where I am now...Still lots to go..Just getting things put in place as of now
XZOTIC INK
05-31-2007, 03:08 PM
super nice dell,,,MAN YOUR GOOD,,,when ya got you got it,,,:hail::hail::hail:
XZOTIC INK
05-31-2007, 03:11 PM
whats going on with the couple shot,,,,i see the baby is coming out PERFECTO,,,but whats the grid,,is that how you line it up to see if it fits,,,trying to figure out how you guys do this stuff,,,,:action-smiley-054:just trying to poke at your secrets,,,
Icewolf0927
05-31-2007, 03:11 PM
looks great
colourshift
05-31-2007, 03:19 PM
Makin another try at portrait's eh? Good for you. Looks like it's coming along nicely...just remember to go lightly.
Here's a printer trick for your next one....you could go to this site to have it rasturized (it's free) they send you back a load of pics (for download) that are 81/2x11. You print em out, and tape em together...voila, a full sized pic.
I don't bother with the service, I just blow up the pic, and then cut and paste my smaller pieces, print em, tape together and transfer the image. (this is when I feel too lazy to use the projector)
http://homokaasu.org/rasterbator/
Above is the rasterizing site...
Thanks all!!:clapping2:...
Lynne, Yup another cursed Canvas, haha..I still hate the whole Gesso deal.... I'll check into what ya mentioned there...Sounds much better than drawing:)..Thanks for the info.
Nat what don't ya get with the couple?.....Right now I'm just getting the feel for where everything goes...I draw it on paper..Then cut pieces out here and there as I need them for a stencil..This way I don't have to guess where a hand goes or eyeball for example...Now I can go at it with skin tones and whatnot..And I know everything is in the right spot before I waste my time coloring...that help??..ask away if I can explain anything better.:)
Full Blast
05-31-2007, 03:32 PM
Wow cool Dell. I really like the baby shot. From the thumb nail the color actually looks better than the photo. Keep goin dude you just gotta get the details. haa haaaaaaaaaaaaaa. have fun man.
:clapping2:
:tee:
Wow cool Dell. I really like the baby shot. From the thumb nail the color actually looks better than the photo. Keep goin dude you just gotta get the details. haa haaaaaaaaaaaaaa. have fun man.
:clapping2:
:tee:
Hehe..Thanks Man...Yup haven't played any details yet...That's the fun part though:partyalone:....getting all the proportions the right size is the killer..hahaha!
Thought I'd add....Please feel free to tell me things "wrong" that catch your eye....Friendly advice is always great to hear.....Being in the 1st stages a lot will change from now....But ya see something along the way..Please "don't keep quiet about it"..It's the only way I'll learn, and I sure as hell don't wanna stop doing that, Ya Dig..Hahaha...Thanks to all that play:party-smiley-042:
mongoose
05-31-2007, 04:36 PM
So far as I can see, it's all coming along great. Certainly different from the wild paint jobs I'm used to seeing from you.
jerseycrazee
05-31-2007, 05:31 PM
ahhhhh excellent....cant wait to see the final pic
:cheers:
airarts
05-31-2007, 08:15 PM
Dell is going to be known as the portrait guy! Good start.
Lynn, awsome resource. Dell, you may want to do that even though you are done drawing out the outline, because you can put the copy on top of your painting, and slice half of it to see both your painting and the copy to get a better "road map."
Cowboy
06-01-2007, 07:17 AM
Dell , Hurry up & put a body on that baby thats creepin Me out. lol. Lookin great Bud. You certainly dont seem to have any problems doin portraits. Thanks for showing.
redanner
06-01-2007, 08:13 AM
Hey ABD the couple shots kinda look my self portrait I posted last week!! Twilight-Zone stuff!! Actually it all looks good!!
Haha..Thanks again All:clapping2:...I'll see what I can get done today on em..Maybe kick back the twilight-zone feeling..Hahaha!...Hope ya don't see floating baby heads in yer dreams Cowboy...My bad:partyalone:
Not much done today...had company every other second..wouldn't let me get anything done:angry-smiley-030:.
Got this dudes noggin started....(Yes he does have an odd shaped bean, with the double chin and all that haha)......There's no teeth in there yet..Haven't touched much of the ear either..But it's a start I suppose..Happy Friday!!:partyalone:
EDIT:..Thought I'd throw in a close up..There is texture in the skin..But I can't get it to show in the pics..Also in the real one it doesn't look so much like he has black eyes..They are baggy and dark..but the pic looks like he got lumped up, haha
Cowboy
06-01-2007, 03:49 PM
Looking great Dell. Dont take this wrong, But Yer portrait talents are Way better than I expected. Really great stuff. I,m throwin all my crap away. lol.
Looking great Dell. Dont take this wrong, But Yer portrait talents are Way better than I expected. Really great stuff. I,m throwin all my crap away. lol.
Ya know..My last Girlfriend said the same thing about some of my other talents...Muwahahahaa...:partyalone:
Thanks for the props CB...I'm not digging these too much...They pull off the "kinda looks like them"..but not realistic enough for what I really want...Sure I'm not done yet..but I'm not sure how far to take everything....I'd really like to trash em and start over..Always get yelled at when I do that though, haha.....I'll just keep pluggin away..
And don't you dare throw yer stuff away.hahaa!.Some of the stuff you've shown us, I couldn't begin to paint....You da Man, Man!,..Wee Haaa!
Don't you dare throw it away! You just need a little more practice. Can't always be perfect. You're doing ok. Looks a smidge dark but keep going!!!
Thanks D:)...I wonder if i could lighten it up by going back with my lightest color?..Or is it to late in the dark spots?......I started off with the very lightest color in the face. Kept adding darker shades of that color as I went...I know straight white is a no no and will shift the color..But will the lightest skin tone do the same I wonder?.......I'll keep playing, right or wrong I'll come out with more knowledge in the end right!
josie
06-04-2007, 07:42 AM
They both look good so far Dell...Dont give up just yet...thats what we tend to do so easily:clapping2:
Thanks Josie and Gordon....It's looking more grim as time goes on....I've already told both customers that these may not happen..I got till the end of the month to try try again....I'm thinking redo would be my best option while I have time to do it...Both pieces are pretty well trashed as they sit now....Thinking sandpaper will be my next move.
....Check out todays progress...ARRRRRGGGGGHHH:angry-smiley-030:
airarts
06-04-2007, 07:19 PM
I hate that when that happens! I would take an eraser to it so that it will have soft edges where you can match up paint next to the erased part. The Universe is telling you to practice and be patient HAHAAHA (although I bet you aren't laughing any). BTW, don't make that guy to pretty, because people won't be able to recognize him! Give him some warts and pimples LOL.
Hang in there Dell, somehow or another you will come out ahead from all this. It is up to you to see the light at the end of this tunnel that you are in.....
Thanks Big K...I'll admit I'm a stubborn Cat..I'm not one to let things beat me...These are a new ball of wax though....I talked with a friend earlier that saw my defeated state and was completely shocked....Has to be one of the worst days I've seen in years..Not just the baby..The other one is a mess also.
..I actually did some job hunting today. Talent and difficult pieces aside..Still not bringing in the bacon I'd like to..I've often said I have no interest in being rich..But it'd be nice to buy some clothes without holes in em...Maybe it's the economics of the area, Maybe it's my work?..Either way I'm not making enough to live on, without borrowing and repaying all the time.
I have no beef with making an honest wage doing the 9 to 5..It's just so far from everything I've been trying for all these years..I'd throw the Portrait gig out all together and be happy doing up tanks all day..Fact is nobody wants anything painted....Kinda feel like a cross roads jumped up at me without looking...Something has to change for the better here...Being content in my poverty is only taking me backwards.
Not a pitty party in any way here..(please don't think that)..Just facing facts I guess..Good old reality slap! ya know?.........I'll figure something out, I always do....Thanks for putting up with my venting all:)
Sorry I'm all over the place today:)...Just had a brainstorm on the "Couple" portrait..May work the same for the baby (try it later)....Doesn't help much dealing with my rammblings above..But if I can pull these off. It's another piece in the puzzle.
....I converted the Ref pic with contrast to a real simple B/W...I think this points out the deepest color the best..I can concentrate on layout better..Where my fades start and stop...I think the color is overwhelming me maybe. (to look at and replicate). I get kinda lost and just spray things, haha! ...Hard to make sense of how it helps point things out to me..Hope ya can get my drift..I'm gonna give it another go anyway.
I'll shut up now...Show ya'll what happens tomorrow:)..
airarts
06-04-2007, 11:14 PM
Hey Dell, why not go back to school? What about on-line classes? I am returning after 9/11 whil being laid off on Pegulated Itherferon (and all the other tasty cocktailed drugs that go with it) and the law suggesting I go back. Believe me, I am older than you, well, not THAT much older, but still older.
I can shoot you a pm about your portrait problem in a bit, maybe no later than the morning!
Cowboy
06-05-2007, 06:40 AM
Damn that sucks Dell. Could be worse, I dont recon thats a bad place for the spits since Ya hadn,t started the eye Yet . I wish I could help Ya Bud. But I got NO clue how YOU do it. All I know is it still looks perty good. & Yes a lil creepy, but most things without Eyes kinda have that effect on people. Hell at least it grew a neck. lol. Just hang in there You,ll kick his cute Lil butt just Like Ya allways have.
As far as the rant, Go for it, couldn,t be a better place ta vent IMO. It sucks about Yer income right now. But Its spring. Everybodys ridin there wheels now, Thats the way it used ta work around here anyway. So I bet it,ll pick back up. Ya been puttin them flyers out anywhere ? Hell start paintin Ya up some mailboxes, Panels & such, & see if The local store owners will let ya set a few out on consignment.
As far as being content with Yer poverty level taking Ya backwards, Ya sure seem like a perty happy camper to Me. I gurantee Ya I,ve only got the bare necesittys these days . Not much money . Dont make a dime, Cant draw any kinda benifits & basiclly I dont exsist . & I aint never been happier The Wifes the same way, Her job Helps But as soon as its not fun to her Screw it She,s quitin. I Guess My point is Dell , Dont set Yer Money expectations to high that Ya make Yerself misserable trying to achieve it. Cuz with Yer talent & personality its just a matter of time. So get back ta work & good luck . Sorry for the return rant. lol.
Really appreciate the great advice you guys...
Big K.. I'm not a fan of schools much...I'd love to take some Airbrush classes to help better myself in this field.(that's as close as I'll get to a school).Most people around here go to college and end up working on cars or flippin burgers anyway..It's more of a racket to make money I think...There's 4 colleges within 20 miles of me..It's like everyones saving grace around here..Their ticket out of this small town. Then ya got me doing everything against the grain, haha!.....Guess I'm one of those guys that'd be happier with a shovel in my hand, ya know?
Cowboy..Thanks for the pep talk, Whether ya meant it that way or not, It helps....Yeah I can be fine with sporting the bare essentials.(all I really want). But borrowing $$ to feed myself.."pay ya back next week" type thing...Just wares a bit on yer pride, ya know.....People looking at ya weird like.."just get a real job, ya wouldn't have to borrow $$".....I've been dealing with this since the day I left Highschool, was a constant battle for awhile.(To give in and be like the rest of the world..Or keep doing my own thing)..Thought I had it pretty well licked...Yesterday just caught me off guard..Lot of things I haven't thought about in years, slapped me in the ole noggin.
Sorry to turn this into a life story about me:)...I'll shut up and get to painting..Thanks for the link Gordon, those are some crazy cool pictures..I'll try to tackle these in a different way..Can't do no worse than to learn something.
Thanks again for the help guys...Means a lot:clapping2:
airarts
06-05-2007, 09:16 AM
Go check your pm
Wrote ya back Big K:)
Well I didn't play any Portraits today...Gonna make some new drawings/stencils..Give er another go in a few days.
But I did make something shiny today..Haha!..Thought I'd post it here, Cuz it's kinda like therapy for a bad day (yesterday)...I know it's not much and extremely simple...But I was happy I got such a good take on the clear...Anyone who's ever sprayed clear knows what a pain runs/sags, orange peel can be....Hell, I only need to buff this to take a few pieces of dust out..Wish everything would go this smooth,hahaa!.
...Oh it's a windshield for a Motorcycle...Was clear..Guy wanted it blacked out and shiny.
Weird..I took forever with a new post here..Forum was near dead...But it worked..(was posted anyway).....Now i come on and the forum is perfect..Crazy fast compared to lately...But my post is gone.....I dunno??..I'll post it again and hope it doesn't pop in there twice.
(Luckily I copied it before so I could paste in case of a hiccup)
Started the Portrait over completely from scratch...Sanded it all smooth, new background and all that...This is where I got today..Put up a comparison of the one I sanded off..I'd say it's a much better improvement...Still got more to do:)..Highlights in the hair, just detail stuff..probably knock the eyebrows down a bit...(If I can?? Though he does sport some big black brows, hahaha!).
......This one almost made me call it quits..(who knows still might)..But i'm gonna keep on truckin see what it leads to...Opinions, comments, words of wisdom always appreciated..Thanks for lookin!
airarts
06-14-2007, 05:00 PM
MUCH BETTER!!! Bring back the specular highlights in his eyes again too. The redo looks not muddy at all. You are right about the highlights in the hairs. Dru taught me to go ahead and paint the brows fleshtone, so that the skin underneath will show through, but this guy might be a relative of Frida based on what you say.......but I have a feeling you are already making him prettier than he really is (you just want to be paid :wink2:)...and I better cop this just in case there is ANOTHER hiccup!!!
Thanks Karrine...I haven't done any scratching other than the little eyeball dots..Was trying to see if I liked it enough to keep going on...I'll do the rest soon...Still some other things I wanna spiff up also...(never know when to stop,haha)..I'll keep ya posted :)
sharonsstudio
06-14-2007, 05:40 PM
Looks good,, getting better at the canvas stuff too!!
K..I was stewing over this all last night...Come time to work on it today and i'm having second thoughts....While yes my new version does look better than the last...It still doesn't look like I want it to..And is only "similar" to the Ref instead of a "likeness" it should be.....All the details in the world aren't gonna get this to look like the Ref pic...So i'm wondering if I should waste more time moving on regardless....Really sick of wasting time with no good results.....I could probably pull off a "yeah it's a close, tan, younger version of the guy" haha. But who wants a Portrait of that??
I'm one of those people that will trash anything regardless of how much others like it...Used to have people pull stuff outta the trash all the time..I don't care what they did with it..I didn't want it.......Sooooo any opinions on what I might do?....Call it "close enough" and keep painting...Hope these guys don't mind a characature (sp?) of themselves.....Or realize it's just not gonna be realistic enough for my taste..and call this thing done/over.....
Don't be shy!!...Give me a "dude, it's barely close at all and yer just not gonna get it" or something....No hard feelings for the truth here...I'm well aware my skill level didn't catch up to my imagination...Tiz all good
Here is a comparison of the Ref pic and where my version is now...Thanks for anyones time!!
Cowboy
06-15-2007, 08:58 AM
Dell I cant help Ya much. Cuz I know crapola about how to do the skin tone. But for Me the eyebrows is what steers it to the cartoony look, I think the rest looks perty good. But cant tell ya how ta fix that either. But dont trash it.
Dell I cant help Ya much. Cuz I know crapola about how to do the skin tone. But for Me the eyebrows is what steers it to the cartoony look, I think the rest looks perty good. But cant tell ya how ta fix that either. But dont trash it.
I think i could fix the brows with little trouble.(I planned to if I keep going)..It's just the rest that is un fixable that gets me...The chin is off..Nose is wrong...the original is a "fatter" face...even the eyes aren't all that close...And yes the skin tones are far from the Reff too.....Maybe i'm nit picking it to death..But if that stuff sticks out to me..It should to others too.......Arrrrgh...I dunno??? Thanks for the feedback CB..means a lot Man:)
Cowboy
06-15-2007, 09:21 AM
Well Ole Buddy. All I gota say, is What do they want, They allready have the photo. Are They expecting photo realistic, But further more are They paying that Price. I see the items You mentioned. But Theres no doubt It looks just like Him. Unlike a lot of portrait stuff I,ve seen others do that do it for a living. Lesse this is Yer third attemt. Cut Yerself some slack Bud. I still think it looks great. Now fix them Brows. Lol.
Dell... it looks thinner because you've cylinderized his head. The shadowing on the forehead is really making it look cylindrical. It is too dark and too yellow. It looks as if the hair and eyebrows were blocked in. His hair line is higher underneath the fringes of the bangs. There is skin under that hair that needs to show through. the hair has to look like it's hovering over the skin. Shadows will be underneath the hair on the skin. There are reds in the skintones.
I can't see the images now while I'm replying... What is the support you are painting on and what paint? are you mixing colors??? I forget.
I'm painting on Fredrix Canvas board stuff..With Goldens trans for paints....I see what ya mean with the cylinder head, hahaha!...Might be fixable...The hair yes is just blocked in...I have to scratch out some layers and will hopefully achieve what it is you described.....Just looking at the rest I was wondering if I should even bother, ya know...Hair/brows/details all fixable and doable.....Changing face structure chin/nose and stuff..Probably waaay to late..I dunno?...Still learning what is fixable and what isn't......Thanks for the help D
Cowboy..Man you always hook me up with the Motivation.....It's funny..The guy paying for this Portrait to give as a gift..He loved the old version and was thoroughly pissed when I sanded it off...I told him I'd try again but no promises....Now he just asks "so do I dare ask how the Portrait is coming?"..haha he hasn't seen my new take on it yet....I could probably hand it over and all will be satisfied..Cept for me...I'm the worst for that..I hate to let something out of my hands that isn't up to Par....I may just see what else I can screw up on this thing....Thanks soooo much for the input guys and gals
Excellent pointers Denise...Only wish I could have seen them earlier...Chances are I see them from the start..but putting them into paint they usually fade away on me...Also what you see is probably what is throwing me off too..I just can't explain it as well:)
....Yeah, I've been scratching and playing a bit now...Looks worse than ever.hahahaa...I'll try some more blending and see if I can make anything you pointed out actually work...Hahahaha..I doubt it though....I really appreciate all your typing and thoughts Denise..really helps, even if this may be a lost cause.hehe
XZOTIC INK
06-15-2007, 11:35 AM
nice reflection shots,,,lol,,I LIKE IT DELL,,each piece we do we learn,,sounds familiar,,i think you told me that,,,this is what will make us GREAT AB ARTIST,,,THE BABY one is my fav,,,,PRETTY CUTE LITTLE CHUBBY CHEEK BABY,,LOL,,,:babybottle:
thanks Nat..Haven't even touched the baby lately...this other one is killing me hahaha..
Well i tried messing with him..Worst thing as with my other attempts it just gets darker and darker...Hey maybe he'll look like this when he gets back from the Honeymoon...hehe!.
I think he looks a little more plump in the face than before..But everythings starting to wash out and looking like my 1st attempt...I think if I redid him yet again I could be another step closer..But I'm done with redos on this cat..all or nothing now..hahaha....Still hard not to scrap it..One bad vibe and this things a gonner..hahaha...Thanks all!
Cowboy
06-15-2007, 01:59 PM
STEP AWAY FROM THE CANVAS, DELL , Screw it if theres a deadline, Yer beating Yerself up . Give it a bit, Like you,ve told Me before, When its goin south, go north. Paint some skulls or sumpthin. Leave it alone for a few days. Then Knock its socks off Like we all Know Ya can. JMO. Good luck.
STEP AWAY FROM THE CANVAS, DELL , Screw it if theres a deadline, Yer beating Yerself up . Give it a bit, Like you,ve told Me before, When its goin south, go north. Paint some skulls or sumpthin. Leave it alone for a few days. Then Knock its socks off Like we all Know Ya can. JMO. Good luck.
Hahha..That bad huh??....Yeah I got no beef with bailing on the Canvas...But I still say there's no where to go really when I come back to it...It's almost to the point of Redo time again, hahaha!...I'm sure It'd be better next time..But There's no way I'm going for round 3 on this dudes noggin.
Maybe I'll finish it just for laughs..(don't have much else going on)...take the weekend off..start fresh on the Chic, Hahaha....could draw some palm trees in the background..little Coco cabana action..some fruity drinks on the side..Make the background match the Tan...WeeeeHaaaaa!
Thanks once again Cowboy...I owe ya one er 10:worship:
airarts
06-15-2007, 03:16 PM
Dell, did you trace or project the image onto the canvas?
airarts
06-15-2007, 03:24 PM
Denise is really good at the details. What I was taught to do Dell was to take a copy of the same size, and split it at intersections for a road map of values and shapes. Start seeing shapes on the face, even his acne. Don't paint what you know, but rather what you see. Have premixed paint for each of the values. His acne can be done by erasing and reshooting the color back on very lightly to give it different values. Your eraser cane achieve the subtle lines, like the ear out of focus, as opposed to the eyes being in focus. Denise said it better than I ever heard it stated before about the hair "floating" above the skin! Damn Denise, I am going to have to steal that saying! I think that is why Dru told us to paint the brows first with flesh tones to start the layers.
airarts
06-15-2007, 03:34 PM
Sorry it took me so long to reply, but I was held up at AZ Art, and learned bunches about HVLP guns, and that DevilBliss at Harbor frieght may be the better choice, so I may return the other one.
I drew the picture on Paper 1st...Then cut out pieces as guides and stencils along the way...I had a free pass on the acne..While it does add character..The customer wanted it removed..........Ohh..I don't have an eraser..
Just razor blades, hehe....Like to get one someday though...I tried a Dremel tool once..Dam near tore up the Canvas:ohmygod:
I think I understand a bit more every time I do it...Problem is it's always to late to do what I realize...Like I said if I redid this a 3rd time..Should be a tad better than the last..(who knows).......Regardless I'm grateful to have all this great info at my hands now...If I didn't have problems or ask questions I'd have no where to go next time...Hopefully every new one will be better and better....Bet yer Butt I'll study the hell outta what you guys tell me here...I'll be much more prepared (I hope) next time..What to do with this one though..Still up in the air! hahahaa!...Thanks All!
airarts
06-15-2007, 03:47 PM
Go look up the erasers in the pruduct feedback place, and I used regular frisk on my last painting. Just get some bestine for any residue of the frisk leaves behind. I even cut my frisk right on the canvas! Look at my "How To" for the frisk. Also, Dru showed us ONLY to cut the frisk on th bottom of the nose for a harsher line, then the cut along the sides are just to lift the flap up so that there is no harsh line for on top of the nose, and just the bottom as you fade your paint upwards.
BTW, thanks for your help regarding HVLPs. I think the
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92541
is the best choice over the
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=43430
Funny Karinne..I could show ya my paper mask..I cut the nose exactly the way you described...Just kinda spray threw the cut for a subtle line...Looks good at first then washes out when I murder it trying to get everything else right.Hahaha..
For guns that one does look nice over the other one...But for what use?..It'd probably spray primer..But if yer using a high build or fill primer..Ya might wanna go some more sizes up in the needle/tip..........That one would be fine for bases though and small priming where you could thin it and not worry about build and leveling.
airarts
06-15-2007, 04:25 PM
I would love to paint with you someday Denise. You DEFINITELY think abstractly!
Dell, you too to start your mask that way before I mentioned it. I would have NEVER thought of that, and it took Dru to teach me.
Hey Dell, go check your pm regarding HVLPs please......
HAHAHA DELL, your threads are soooo educational!
I hear ya Karrine...While my ramblings make up a major % of my posts..There's always such great info posted by others in between..Think my last portrait thread went 3 pages..woo hoo! for learning, hahaha!
Ohh and PM sent Big K:lol:
Thanks so much for the time D!...Nope never done to many portrait anythings in my day..it was always fantasy stuff..Who's to say what a purple headed monkey fish is supposed to look like type stuff, hahaha!...I can get away with anything then.......
I did convert the pic to gray (posted on page 1, Photoshop)..It helped to see things..Got me off to a better start this round..Then I went back into overkill mode....I can see where the shadowing is off in the spots you mentioned...It's just so hard to make right at this stage in the game...I probably rush everything to much..Used to painting non stop and getting things done..(using Uros of course)...I hate this waterbased stuff..Not that it has anything to do with my bad shadows..but probably plays into my frustration and rushing.
Here is what the fella looks like as a contour. This is more of the way I see things. I don't know if it will help at all but if you study it you can see the shapes, curves and the way shadows lay.
Thanks for yer time D..Honestly that confuses the hell out of me..I can stare at that all day and just see lines..Sorry..I'll keep at it though and get this thing down one day.Try to adapt some of the great methods you all are sharing with me..(it's not in vein I swear).So long as you guys don't get sick of my bitchin, hahaha.
Here's todays progress...Figure I'll finish it and show it to the customer (my friend)...If he likes it than good deal..If it's not worth what we agreed on. I'll toss it and chalk it up to learning...Still plenty more to do..The girl has no lips or teeth yet..Gotta tighten up the fuzzy lines on spots around here and there...Oh and her hair needs highlights and color in spots...Thanks for putting up with me so far guys:huepfen024:
sharonsstudio
06-18-2007, 06:39 PM
Dell when doing the portrat I was always told to do it upsidedown if your having problems that way you have to look at the shapes like D says don't look at it as a face but as an object like you did the kiss pictures...
Dell when doing the portrat I was always told to do it upsidedown if your having problems that way you have to look at the shapes like D says don't look at it as a face but as an object like you did the kiss pictures...
Thanks Sharon..I've done that (upside down trick) in the past..Honestly forgot all about it this time...must be having brain freeze..Hahaha!...I think the KISS thing was much easier cuz it wasn't really realistic..Kinda like painting clowns rather than people I guess..(well clowns are people too I guess, haha)..Don't wanna offend any Clown folk!...Thanks for the reminder:)
sharonsstudio
06-18-2007, 06:57 PM
Dell before you ab get on that bike of yours go for a ride clear your mind and sit down and paint.. maybe that will help loose you up a bit..:huepfen024:
sharonsstudio
06-18-2007, 06:57 PM
Sorry type O loosen you up!!!
Hahaha..thanks Sharon..I took the weekend off...Got a lot of riding in...The last Pic (about 3 er so posts up) is what I did today...I actually kinda dig the shirt and hand..Don't know about her face yet cuz it's got a lot more to come...I just wanna get this over and get back in the Metal work..Laying on the clear and playing with kandies..Back in my comfort zone..It's kinda scary out here in unexplored Portrait land, haha!
Thought I'd show my original Ref pic..I took a pic like this.Cropped and enhanced it all I could....Not making excuses..Cuz It still probably woulda came out the same even if I had a great pic to go off.....There's still probably crazy details that I lost by blowing this thing up though.. hahaha!
airarts
06-18-2007, 11:25 PM
Keep going Dell. Don't give up! If I can sand and prime, YOU CAN PAINT THIS CANVAS!!!
Keep going Dell. Don't give up! If I can sand and prime, YOU CAN PAINT THIS CANVAS!!!
I'll trade ya any day Karrine, hahaha!..Yeah i'ma keep pluggin at this..I've gone from anger to laughing at the whole situation:p....My only beef today is the weather..It's supposed to break records 90's and crazy humidity..My shop is gonna be like an oven, haha...Roast dell anyone?.Mmmm tasty!!
airarts
06-19-2007, 11:05 AM
It is going to be 110 today.....but I did have a huge portable swamper out in the garage.....works ok, and the pool is just ~100 feet away, so I wear my bathing suit and shorts (keeps the tweakers away LOL) and take a dip every now and then. Humidity is only 11 percent, but damn it is still hot!:devil-smiley-033::devil-smiley-033:and I would rather trade you, because I have seen your auto:love: I made the dining area into a VERY small studio for the summer, and moved the small dining table and chairs into the family room area. It is just too damn hot out there! :devil-smiley-033::devil-smiley-033::devil-smiley-033:
....yep, I figure I can skip the gym for a few days LOL
Well I'm calling this Finito!..Right or wrong, haha....Sure I have plenty of issues with it, but short of a Redo it's beyond me....Guess I don't mind it all that much seeing how it was a good experience..(yup after all the complaining.It's was still cool)..Got to learn a lot from you all..Got to play with water base paint.(ick, haha)..I'll be better prepared for the next one though..Tiz always good:)
The Customer dude checked it out and got all happy..Cowboy had a great point when he said "what are they expecting?"....(I dunno really?)..I know I fell short of what I was expecting..But may have well past what he was..Who knows on that one? Either way I don't have to do this anymore! YaaHoooo!:)
The guy wanted High Gloss Varnish..(might I say I hate that stuff as well) haha!...Tip musta got globbed er something on the spray Can..Looked down and there were big ole splatters where it dripped on the canvas..(arrrrghhh). So I took some angle pics to show off the shine.....
Anywho I'll shut up now..Thanks to all that played in here..I really appreciate it!!!!
EDIT>>>>..I was thinking and in all seriousness (haha imagine that)...What's yer opinion on putting this on my Website?..I really don't know if I want to show this off??...Was thinking I could put it up with a small description how it's only my 2cnd completed Portrait in this medium....(piece of mind I guess)..I dunno? what do you all think?..Honesty is the best policy.:) haha!
sharonsstudio
06-19-2007, 07:25 PM
Nice work.. We all think we can do better,, I think we're all our own worst critics.. I do it all the time and drives hubby crazy.. you just have to step back and say thats my style..
airarts
06-19-2007, 10:25 PM
Nice work.. We all think we can do better,, I think we're all our own worst critics.. I do it all the time and drives hubby crazy.. you just have to step back and say thats my style..
Well said Sharon and Cowboy! I mean really, it isn't like they are paying someone like Dru $10-20 grand for a portrait! I love this piece, because I KNOW that you learned a bunch more than on the last one! My favorite part is her hand. I actually think you nailed that, and that is the most symbolic part of this painting, plus that is where your eye flow leads to! You also made him prettier than he really is LMAO
You really should put both of your last canvas portraits up. Believe me Dell, this isn't Photorealism, but it isn't some ka-ka I have seen on other websites, and quite frankly, there is a warmth about your work that may be exactly what some people want.....now if you were going to paint some hot model.......
Cowboy
06-20-2007, 07:02 AM
Well I dont know about Everybody else Dell, But If I had one of the there fancy websites I,d have it on there. I Really think it turned Out Great. No Way they could be anything but happy. Theres Just somethin about it That Really looks better ( Warmer ) than the reference pic. Anyway Great Job.
Thanks for the kind words!..Means a lot coming from you guys....My pics keep coming out kinda fuzzy.I don't know if it's the batteries or what..(pretty old)..I'd like to get some clearer pics..Then I'll put em up on my site..Still think I'll let people know this whole Portrait thing is still in the early stages and a learning process.....I'm gonna get my hands on some erasers too before I tackle any more of these, haha
Anywho..I've bitched and moaned long enough on this thing..I'm glad to be rid of it, haha!..Thanks again to my support team, haha (all you guys and gals)...I probably would of gave up if it weren't for your help and motivation.:boogie:
Full Blast
06-20-2007, 11:36 AM
hey Hey! Shoot Dell, man Im sorry Ive missed out on this! dang!
Ok my 2cents here. Dude! good job! Escpecially(? who has time for spell check) for only a second try! You got a good likeness, you slimmed down their faces. She'll love ya just for that haa haaa! Skin tones are nice and warm. Perpsective is right on. uhm what else can I say here. Oh OK GOOD JOB! one more time. Now start another one and work on them little details! Like I would know, NOT! just wigglin the fingers cuz I can. Oh and next time come up with a different backdrop. Try using a spong technique.. ooooooooooh that would be cool. anyway blah blah blah
Im outta hre.
Rob
:tee:
hey Hey! Shoot Dell, man Im sorry Ive missed out on this! dang!
Ok my 2cents here. Dude! good job! Escpecially(? who has time for spell check) for only a second try! You got a good likeness, you slimmed down their faces. She'll love ya just for that haa haaa! Skin tones are nice and warm. Perpsective is right on. uhm what else can I say here. Oh OK GOOD JOB! one more time. Now start another one and work on them little details! Like I would know, NOT! just wigglin the fingers cuz I can. Oh and next time come up with a different backdrop. Try using a spong technique.. ooooooooooh that would be cool. anyway blah blah blah
Im outta hre.
Rob
:tee:
See how ya are..Skippin out till the end...Coulda used that sponge background Idea weeks ago, hahahaha!....I didn't think to get to fancy with the background..One of those "here is a picture, Can you do that?".....Uhhh "maybe"??? hahaha!.
..Thanks for the good vibes Rob..Next time ya better be in here picking on me along the way..Tiz good fun!
put it up on my site..What do ya'll think?..Good enough?...Should I explain more, maybe put the Ref pic in too?? I dunno?
http://www.artbydell.com/Portraits.html
Full Blast
06-20-2007, 08:42 PM
uhm Dell to be honest I was about to say no dont put it on yer site. But then I saw how you put it up. and well?! shoot! leave it up. It complements the first portrait. Buuuuut Dell If your site draws any attention then you need to follow it up with even better examples of your work. Do another and another keep workin it till you have people callin from the city wantin you to paint their stuff!
Keep it goin bud!
:tee:
airarts
06-20-2007, 08:52 PM
The way you dealt with it shows how you are willing to learn, and take challenges. You didn't show them as if they were cropped and a portfolio piece, which as you get better and better I would recomend. Take a shot before you add the clear. Your "Home Page" also states "This will be a work in progress and will probably change often, so please check back when you get a chance." so this already sets the stage for your growth.......I wonder what mine will look like one day......... LOL!
Anyways, these are good, and great subject manner. You should see what I put out there for people to see! Yikes!......oh yeah, you did see a few! LMAO!
The way you dealt with it shows how you are willing to learn, and take challenges. You didn't show them as if they were cropped and a portfolio piece, which as you get better and better I would recomend. Take a shot before you add the clear. Your "Home Page" also states "This will be a work in progress and will probably change often, so please check back when you get a chance." so this already sets the stage for your growth.......I wonder what mine will look like one day......... LOL!
Anyways, these are good, and great subject manner. You should see what I put out there for people to see! Yikes!......oh yeah, you did see a few! LMAO!
hehe, Yeah I try to stay informal on my site..Never a fan of "we offer this and that"..There is no "we"..Just an average guy stuck in a shop with no windows, hahaha..It may be a downfall, not being professional enough..But I like to "keep it real" and relate to yer average people....When I talk to customers I spruce up the dialog of course..Sound a bit better than the bumbling fruitcake I come across as most of the time here. haha!...One big learning process in all aspects, ya know!...Thanks to you all for helping me in the adventure!
uhm Dell to be honest I was about to say no dont put it on yer site. But then I saw how you put it up. and well?! shoot! leave it up. It complements the first portrait. Buuuuut Dell If your site draws any attention then you need to follow it up with even better examples of your work. Do another and another keep workin it till you have people callin from the city wantin you to paint their stuff!
Keep it goin bud!
:tee:
Dam did the ole Multi quote..wrote a bunch of stuff and it didn't show up??....Anyway..Just wanted to say thanks for yer honest opinion Rob..really appreciate it Man...Yup that's the whole goal..Keep adding bigger and better to my site..I'll get er someday, hahaha
airarts
06-21-2007, 10:06 AM
I don't even have a shop LOL and my studio is my dining area and my garage LOL, but that is one thing I love about you Dell, is that you are real, and not some pompous ass! You are also a great teacher from afar, I don't know how to thank you.
......my first stuff that I showed was so bad, that I took a class as soon as I could from Dru, and still need motre help! Remember what they all said to me at ab.com!?!? Dude, your stuff sells, so you know people love it!
I don't even have a shop LOL and my studio is my dining area and my garage LOL, but that is one thing I love about you Dell, is that you are real, and not some pompous ass! You are also a great teacher from afar, I don't know how to thank you.
......my first stuff that I showed was so bad, that I took a class as soon as I could from Dru, and still need motre help! Remember what they all said to me at ab.com!?!?
Hahaha.Well my "Shop" is a Maguyverd (sp?) up carport..Before that is was a spare bathroom with one window..hahaha! never had a garage growing up..So my little building "shop" out back is the coolest thing I've ever built.....
Thanks for the kind words..I'm less of a teacher and more of a "I'll share anything I've learned" kinda guy....I've never paid for any instuction or schooling...just research of my own and great people like you willing to help..I just want to keep up the tradition for anyone else looking to learn...It's only right and fair to share with the willing I think, haha.
Not sure I remember what they said over yonder about yer stuff?...But I can guess, 300 or more views..6 replies and 3 of those violent..That sums up 90% of the threads over there pretty well I think..Hahahaahaa
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