As previously discussed in my blog posts about anatomical studies, I’m using the summer to improve my artwork.
Recently, I had to get my Real ID, which was a moderately painful process. I arrived 1.5 hours early to the DMV, only to encounter a super long line. Thankfully, I brought breakfast, a foldable chair, and my sketchbook. During my time waiting, I practiced my portraits.
Looking for inspiration, I first began by drawing my partner. I’ve found that the best way to approach portraits is by first focusing on the general measurements, then returning to address the details. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a side view of him, so that one was done from memory. But after that, I decided to draw my friends and my pet. I found these to be decently easy since I’ve known these people for so many years. I’ve studied their faces for ages.
One thing I struggle with is drawing myself. Unfortunately, a lot of first-year final projects were self-portraits. The issue with this is that I can’t recognize myself. I know it sounds stupid, but I’m not constantly looking at myself the way that I see my family, friends, or partner. I don’t observe measurements of my face. So even though I drew myself a few times here, I’m still not quite happy with my ability to depict myself.
To move away from that, I wanted to draw my partner again during one of our snowy adventures. I think he is absolutely adorable!!! This day we made a snowman; he ended up melting pretty quickly due to the rising temperatures, but he was so cute.
And finally, for Father’s Day, I wanted to draw my father as additional practice. Although it’s unfinished, it doesn’t look too bad. I used graphite, charcoal, and colored pencil to establish value. It’s been overall fun, but depicting white hair is something I found to be difficult. It’s such a massive value shift from his dark skin. I’ve also never drawn him before, and don’t look at him very often.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll keep practicing in hopes of improving.
~Isabelle