Illustration, Design, Editing, Art
I had a number of comments that the negative space was too much due to the way Dakota was laying. The customer had some concerns too. So here is the latest update, hoping I have hit the mark. I didn’t want to include too much and kept it monochrome so the colors would not take away from Dakota.
"Dakota", portrait update ©2012 alecia goodman to present
"Dakota", portrait update ©2012 alecia goodman to present
“Popularity” Illustration Friday’s topic this week. I know this post is truly stretching to fit the parameters, but I just finished this beautiful portrait and wanted to share it (We’ll have to see if the client agrees). Popularity I think this is possibly every preteen, teenage boy’s and girl’s challenge. Always feeling that they are the wallflower and trying to make it into the spotlight. I think with age comes the wisdom to realize popularity is not truly that important, its the beauty inside that matters. Being comfortable with yourself and liking yourself, I think is a challenge for everyone at any age. Dakota is a beautiful dog, I am hoping that I just provided a glimpse of her personality and the beauty it holds.
It always starts with a blank page and then an idea. Always a bit sketchy at first you never know where the drawing will lead you or what you will learn. It is always a challenge, and I welcome that. It keeps things exciting. I am sure when Frankenstein came to life the Doctor was amazed, possibly a little shocked. I am always amazed at what other artists create and more often than not what I can create with just a pencil or a pastel.
Here is my latest update of Dakota… she really is coming to life. Hoping the client is happy with its direction too. I am trying to keep it from going to white since she is somewhat white, but also touched with champagne coloring. I know its not quite right just yet. Hoping my next update sheds some light on the colors.
"Dakota", portrait update ©2012 alecia goodman to present
I am having a wonderful day… finished grocery shopping, and had sushi for lunch YUM! I was able to work on Dakota this afternoon which I am really excited about. So here’s update 2.
"Dakota", second portrait update ©2012 alecia goodman to present
"Dakota", first portrait update ©2012 alecia goodman to present
Illustration Friday’s topic this week is “Forward”. Ever since I saw the Disney film, “Meet the Robinson’s“, I have really liked that motto “Keep Moving Forward”. I was a little nervous about the new portrait I started this weekend, Dakota. The portrait is a bit complicated and challenging as it will end up hanging next to her sister “Grace”. First I had to get sizing correct and approved. The paper had to be the same, which I found after searching since Grace had been done a bit ago. Luckily everything seems to be working so far. Hoping I will be able to finish the portrait this week, but we’ll see just how far I can get… especially since Dakota has a lot of fur.
Finding Grace ©2010 alecia goodman
Here are the initial sketches and beginning of the drawing for Dakota.
"Dakota", sketches ©2012 alecia goodman to present
"Zeus", final portrait update ©2012 alecia goodman to present
I know its a bit of a stretch for Illustration Friday’s “Twirl”… Still if I think about the idea twirl, I think of how many times I have twirled pencils to continually create a sharp point. I overcame a lighting issue in my studio. Frustrating how reliant I am on bulbs etc. This beautiful dog, Zeus is now completed… YEAH!!! Of course I am still awaiting approval from the client. Let me know what you think everyone.
The portrait was approved… Now I am definitely “TWIRLING” in a happy dance.
As I get closer on this portrait to the finish, I keep thinking, I wonder how Michelangelo felt as he tackled the Sistine Chapel. My current portrait is an 11″ x 14″ pastel drawing (no where near the level of difficulty or scope of Michelangelo, a master). His canvas was a ceiling of an entire chapel (take a virtual tour). I just imagine his relief and wonder at what he was able to accomplish. It would be interesting to ask him questions at the beginning, middle and the end… how much would those answers of changed. Just a thought.
Here is my update of Zeus. He is coming together beautifully. I am still tackling his wrinkles, so much detail in blacks and grays. Its a challenge and yes, at times I get a bit nervous (am I doing it right?)… I think the end results will speak for themselves. Hoping to deliver by Wednesday of next week.
Zeus update 1-11-12 ©2012 alecia goodman to present
Beatrice ©2010 alecia goodman
This past Christmas I worked on a portrait of a lovely dog named Beatrice. She is an incredible dog, so friendly, my son has played with her a couple of times. I hope that this portrait conveys just some of her personality.
Finding Grace ©2010 alecia goodman
Illustration Friday’s word this week is “Ahead”…. I thought about this and almost went with the literal interpretation, A – Head which would apply to all portraits. Then I thought about it a little differently, what does it mean to me right now in this very moment. To me it means progress, moving forward. Many times I feel like I get stuck, working so hard to move forward. The art work above shows my progress towards completion, my moving “Ahead”.
Grace Drawing 2 ©2010 alecia goodman
My on-going project… Grace
Hollowpox
Outlander
The Grimm Chronicles, Vol. 4
The Maze Runner Complete Collection
Illustration Friday
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