Well what a busy few days its been since we got home .... and the weather!!! Just appalling, wet, windy and cold. But I know that my friends 'across the pond' aren't faring any better
We still have builders in, working on the downstairs bathroom The new basin which comes as part of the built-in vanity/toilet unit had a hairline crack - sadly its not possible to just replace the basin so we have had to wait for a new unit to be ordered. We're told it will be available tomorrow so our plumber should be able to install it, finish the tiling and finish the job before the weekend.
Downside is I'll then have no excuse for not doing the dusting/housework!
The graphite portrait was approved and despatched today and in between dealing with builders' queries and packing up the portrait, I've made a start on the first of what I hope will be a series of smaller works based on the Indian characters I photographed recently.
I think this man has a lovely face, smiley but with plenty of wrinkles to add interest. He looked a little 'naked' without a turban or traditional Indian Garb, so I've 'added' a simple turban from another photograph .... I'm starting off with a fairly easy subject - nice plain turban with no sparkling threads or vibrant patterns. In fact, I'm now wondering if he is a little drab ...
Photographed under fluorescent lights tonight, this isn't the best picture but I'm pleased with how much progress I made today (despite the distractions)
Its coloured pencil on white paper. I think the paper is Strathmore but can't be sure as its an odd piece I found in my collection. Paper size 16" x 12", portrait 14" x 10". It looks a bit like watercolour here but that's because I've started off gently with very light applications of colour, and being photographed in poor light hasn't helped.
I love the vibrancy of India - the beautiful jewel colours etc., but I may just keep this understated and fairly 'pale' ... and work up to some more exotic pieces later
We still have builders in, working on the downstairs bathroom The new basin which comes as part of the built-in vanity/toilet unit had a hairline crack - sadly its not possible to just replace the basin so we have had to wait for a new unit to be ordered. We're told it will be available tomorrow so our plumber should be able to install it, finish the tiling and finish the job before the weekend.
Downside is I'll then have no excuse for not doing the dusting/housework!
The graphite portrait was approved and despatched today and in between dealing with builders' queries and packing up the portrait, I've made a start on the first of what I hope will be a series of smaller works based on the Indian characters I photographed recently.
I think this man has a lovely face, smiley but with plenty of wrinkles to add interest. He looked a little 'naked' without a turban or traditional Indian Garb, so I've 'added' a simple turban from another photograph .... I'm starting off with a fairly easy subject - nice plain turban with no sparkling threads or vibrant patterns. In fact, I'm now wondering if he is a little drab ...
Photographed under fluorescent lights tonight, this isn't the best picture but I'm pleased with how much progress I made today (despite the distractions)
Its coloured pencil on white paper. I think the paper is Strathmore but can't be sure as its an odd piece I found in my collection. Paper size 16" x 12", portrait 14" x 10". It looks a bit like watercolour here but that's because I've started off gently with very light applications of colour, and being photographed in poor light hasn't helped.
I love the vibrancy of India - the beautiful jewel colours etc., but I may just keep this understated and fairly 'pale' ... and work up to some more exotic pieces later
This is a beautiful drawing, Sue!
ReplyDeleteI love the turban..you are the master with those pencils!! and I missed your previous portrait..
beautiful ..your client will love it.!!!
I like the watercolour look the portrait has,
ReplyDeletecomment continued....(hit publish too early),
ReplyDeleteI like how soft it looks :)
i think I would get lost in all of the colour if I went to India :p
I hoped you'd find some characters to draw from your amazing adventure.He has a great face to do his character shines through
ReplyDeleteThanks Hilda ... I'm almost spoilt for choice for interesting human subjects now, although I don't have as many 'close up' face refs as I'd have liked. Lots of beautiful Indian saris etc
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer
ReplyDeleteYou should see the peacocks close up - they'll be a real challenge for the coloured pencils with such beautiful blues and greens.
Hi Polly
A lot of the Indians look very serious until you smile/wave at them and then their faces light up - like this man. When we went to Tamil Nadu in the South, the Indians are darker skinned so that's the next challenge I think.
This is looking gorgeous, Sue!! Those folds and wrinkles in the turban are handled to perfection! Not drab at all!
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to see a smiling portrait when most of the photos you showed were serious faces. However, I like the surprise of it. The turban is awesome. You're a wonder with any kind of portrait!
ReplyDeleteHope your bath is all installed by now!
I love the colors you've started with, and the overall composition too! Can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing the rest. I agree, smiling is a surprise, so many serious faces.
ReplyDeleteMust look out for more smiling Indian faces it seems .....
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting ladies