Not a Horse... But This Forum Critiques so Well!

[aspin231]

As the title suggests, the picture I'm posting is not of the equine variety, but I really appreciate the quality of critique and discussion that can be had here, and am hoping to get some feedback on this sketch!

This is my attempt at drawing a person. I know the mouth is a little low/off on the right hand side, but would like a more experienced eye to take a peek!

Thanks in advance.

[tinyliny]

Firstly, faces are so very hard to do. I think you've done a good job here. You actually have the outlines of the shapes done quite nicely. I cannot attest to accuracy, since I do not see the photo of the person to compare to. But it looks correct anatomically.

You can achieve more 3D effect by shading out the eye sockest a bit more and the sides of the nose. Look carefully at the photo again.

Also, the lower lips often kind of fade into the facial skin at parts, so softening that line (erase the line that is outlining the lips and just use shading to define the change from lip to facail skin) will help.

In fact, don't use LINE to define everything. You can define things with shading, completely nixing any kind of outline.

Her Iris seems rather light in comparison to the pupil. Is she very light blue eyed? It makes her kind of "eerie" looking. I'd darken the iris.

Even the eyeball can have shading to make it more "orblike".

Hope this helps. YOu have some talent, it's obvious!

[starshine]

Originally Posted by aspin231    

As the title suggests, the picture I'm posting is not of the equine variety, but I really appreciate the quality of critique and discussion that can be had here, and am hoping to get some feedback on this sketch!

This is my attempt at drawing a person. I know the mouth is a little low/off on the right hand side, but would like a more experienced eye to take a peek!

Thanks in advance.

Can you post the photograph of the person you did the portrait of? That would help to compare likeness.

[aspin231]

Originally Posted by tinyliny    

Firstly, faces are so very hard to do. I think you've done a good job here. You actually have the outlines of the shapes done quite nicely. I cannot attest to accuracy, since I do not see the photo of the person to compare to. But it looks correct anatomically.

You can achieve more 3D effect by shading out the eye sockest a bit more and the sides of the nose. Look carefully at the photo again.

Also, the lower lips often kind of fade into the facial skin at parts, so softening that line (erase the line that is outlining the lips and just use shading to define the change from lip to facail skin) will help.

In fact, don't use LINE to define everything. You can define things with shading, completely nixing any kind of outline.

Her Iris seems rather light in comparison to the pupil. Is she very light blue eyed? It makes her kind of "eerie" looking. I'd darken the iris.

Even the eyeball can have shading to make it more "orblike".

Hope this helps. YOu have some talent, it's obvious!

Thanks, tiny!

I'm attaching the picture I attempted to work from... I do realize she looks nothing like the drawing, but for a third attempt at a human, I'm proud.

[tinyliny]

I hope I didnt' overwhelm you wiht critique, but you titled your thread such that it seemed you wanted it.
It IS good for a third attempt. Real good~!

[aspin231]

No, no, not at all! I truly appreciate it. When I do my next drawing I'll try to take the critique in to consideration. It's a very new artistic endeavor for me and I'm glad to have this insight from an accomplished artist.

[tinyliny]

It really helps to get a very clear photograph with marked lighting. That photo is blurry and has no clear source of light. This will help tremendously.
I respect you willingness to keep trying. Drawing, like any endeavor, takes a ton of practice to get better. I hope you enjoy it along the way.