My very first portrait "Sunny Jen"

[Phyrie]

Hi all,

I took this pic while waiting for the ferry this summer. Jenna (my youngest Grand) usually has a goofy grin on her face, so when I saw this contemplative look on her face in my rear view mirror, I grabbed my camera and snapped the shot over my shoulder. It's a terrible picture, but I wondered if I could translate it into a coloured pencil portrait. This is what came out. I have never done skin, hair or people at all, so I was very nervous, but I think it came out not too bad.

First the original pic:

Sunny Jen (Small).jpg (37.49 KB) Viewed 1646 times

Now, my version:

Done (Small).jpg (47.72 KB) Viewed 1647 times

Phyrie

[ixemul]

Holy crap Phyrie! (hope I can say that)

That's amazing! Wish I had that kind of talent.

Ange

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Phyrie, I am really, really impressed! That is beautiful. Skin and hair can be so difficult to capture and you did a wonderful job, not to mention the expression is so perfectly captured! Wow angel, I am really pleased with your work. You should be very proud of yourself, and what a lovely gift for your Granddaughter...a loving portrait of her painted by her Grandmother.

Amazing Phyrie, very well done.

[Phyrie]

Wow, thanks, ladies! I feel so inadequate as a beginner, that I don't know how to take praise... I am appreciative, though. I often feel embarrassed by someone liking my art. I just feel that anyone can do this (hell, if I can do it, ANYone can!!) and I don't feel worthy...
I am enjoying it though, and if I can just get over my misgivings, and learn to be a bit more brave about the whole thing, I will be more comfortable and able to tackle different subjects.

Phyrie

[Deerie me]

Ditto everything you just said Phyrie. I'm not as bad as I used to be but I still find it embarrassing. It's like bearing your soul to the world showing someone your art.

That picture is brilliant. You've done a lovely job. I bet the whole family want theirs doing now.

[Oreo'smommy]

That is amazing! Lips and noses are always the hardest for me. Not sure why they are though.. Your drawing is almost an exact match to the photo! Really great job!

[Phyrie]

That is amazing! Lips and noses are always the hardest for me. Not sure why they are though.. Your drawing is almost an exact match to the photo! Really great job!

The funny thing is, there is no drawing of the lips and nose at all! It's simply drawing the shapes of the shadows! Such a high contrast pic didn't need modelling at all. It took me quite a while to realize that the shadow beside Jenna's right eye (our left) is actually the bridge of her nose. I think that actually helped the drawing, in that I wasn't trying to draw "the nose" or "the mouth", just the shapes of the shadows.

Tracy, I totally understand the intimacy of sharing your art. It's like showing your underwear, and hoping people think it's pretty, even if it's not to their taste! An odd image, but apropos, I think...

Phyrie

[Muzzlenuzzles]

Wow, Phyrie! What a beautiful portrait of your beautiful granddaughter! You said you haven't really done portraits of people before but you obviously have a lot of artistic talent and experience. What are your usual subjects?

Mary Ann

[Anonymous15235]

Phyrie, that's amazing!!!!! I love it!

[4 the Dogs]

WOW...by your description, I wan't expecting what I scrolled down on...you under estimate yourself. The portrait is simply stunning Phryie!!!

[kian]

Phyrie that is really good! I think humans are hard to draw and you did a wonderful job there.

[Phyrie]

Wow, Phyrie! What a beautiful portrait of your beautiful granddaughter! You said you haven't really done portraits of people before but you obviously have a lot of artistic talent and experience. What are your usual subjects?

Mary Ann

Heh, no, I'm not experienced at all! I've never done a portrait before, and I've only done a few little exercises. You know, a apple, some flowers, a teapot etc. Actually the rose I did as an exercise turned out quite nicely, and I gave it to my mom last month. I'm just learning coloured pencil and I know nothing about art (or very little) but I'm trying...

Here's a pic of the Pink Rose:

Small Rose.jpg (66.28 KB) Viewed 1567 times

Thanks for the compliments.

Phyrie

[Phyrie]

Thanks, MM, 4thedogs, Kian and Deerie. I hope I didn't miss anyone! Your support is gratifying.

Phyrie

[ixemul]

Heh, no, I'm not experienced at all! I've never done a portrait before, and I've only done a few little exercises. You know, a apple, some flowers, a teapot etc.

I guess you're just born with it then! Lucky Girl!

Keep it up it's obviously a talent of yours.

ix

[RubyJeansMom]

Wow Phyrie,

Just beautiful! You are a talented lady.

RJM