[img]http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/359/img0427nvw.jpg[/img]
[editline]11th January 2013[/editline]
what's so funny goddammit! ;_;
learn anatomy, drawing three dimensionally, lighting and shadowing
report back
[QUOTE=Dr. Fishtastic;39181255]learn anatomy, drawing three dimensionally, lighting and shadowing
report back[/QUOTE]
any sources? for lighting and shadowing
You just need a better hold of the basics. Drawing yourself realistically is a good start rather than trying to go super creative or stylistic, so you're heading in the right direction.
Andrew Loomis is always a good default mentor. Here are some of his books free online.
[URL="http://www.placidchaos.com/AM/index.php/2006/02/21/andrew_loomis"]http://www.placidchaos.com/AM/index.php/2006/02/21/andrew_loomis[/URL]
Seems to be a good likeness, it's actually not bad. I especially think you did well on the overall structure of the face, the jawline seems spot-on. I don't know whether your lighting setup was really bad or what, but there is literally no shadow and therefore flat. Next time you try another self-portrait get a strong single lightsource just above and to the right or left of your face, that will give you a couple good cast-shadows to work with.
Like someone else said, learn to draw the face three dimensionally and not just as a 2D plane with facial landmarks.
A common mistake for people new to faces, you have drawn the eyes WAY too big. It's a common mistake because the eyes are the biggest focal point of faces.
The nose looks like it's probably too long which is another very common mistake.
Finally, don't put such harsh edges entirely around the eyes and both lips. For facial portraits, some of those features should be suggested by shadows and highlights rather than outlines.
thanks for all the that! i defiantly finding it useful as right now I'm building my portfolio for one of my university choices, they recently requested it, do you think this would be a good drawing to send? (I also have others like life drawing, which are good :) )
[QUOTE=normandy;39181940]You just need a better hold of the basics. Drawing yourself realistically is a good start rather than trying to go super creative or stylistic, so you're heading in the right direction.
Andrew Loomis is always a good default mentor. Here are some of his books free online.
[URL="http://www.placidchaos.com/AM/index.php/2006/02/21/andrew_loomis"]http://www.placidchaos.com/AM/index.php/2006/02/21/andrew_loomis[/URL][/QUOTE]
EVERYONE starting to draw should be given these books, there the best starting point imo Im actually going to get a good grade in my A level after reading these.
Also, a few tips from what Ive learned-
Start with a VERY weak outline, light enough to look like a hair on a page
. one, its easy to rub out if you make a mistake
. two, by the end og the picture you should be rubbing out at least parts of the outline, this stops the piece from looking 2D and also stops it looking like the edges of the face are walled off
Next, shade generally from the inside of the face, outwards
. one, this can help for some people to keep an even covering for the first shade (yes, it also helps to progress through shades, just as if it was a layered Photoshop file)
.two, most likely you are drawing a face that is lit from the sides, so in that case the center of the face will contain the most shadow (in most cases, when lit from the side)
Some pointers-
Shadow defines shape, not lines, line work should be used to define sharp edges (when going for photo realism, cartoons obviously work differently)
Hatching, have a look into this as its generally a good skill to pick up and can produce better, cleaner results with less effort (note the word CAN, I'm not trying to slag anyone or anything related to the skill off :P)
Use the right pencils for the right job, H are used for outlines and first layer shades and high B's for the darkest of the dark shading
Lines don't appear were there is light.
Hope this wall of text helps and if you need I can post up an example. :) By the way this is a really good start. Keep it up :)
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