Illustration, Design, Editing, Art
Here is my latest portrait just started. Here is Rudie, a fur ball with character. This one is a bit tricky too, since I am missing alot of information on half the face. So I am doing some guess work based off of other reference pictures and inferring from the other more detailed side of the face. I love challenges, but some times I am a glutton for punishment. Wish me luck.
First Portrait Update, “Rudie” ©2012 alecia goodman to present
This is a stretch I know for Illustration Friday. This week’s topic is “zoom”. Portrait wise I zoomed through this one. Its possibly one of the fastest portraits I have done, YEAH!!! In total about 15 hours or so (still need to get better at tracking my time too), I know I need to get faster and continually working toward being so, but still keeping the detail.
Its done, its done….
Final Portrait Update, “Razberrie” ©2012 alecia goodman to present
Portrait Update #3, “Razberrie” ©2012 alecia goodman to present
Portrait Update #2, “Razberrie” ©2012 alecia goodman to present
Portrait Update #1, “Razberrie” ©2012 alecia goodman to present
Update #4 Razberrie… I really like how her personality just pops, and her eyes truly hold you. I think I have reached the point where I am done, except for gracing it with my signature. Hoping my customer feels the same.
Portrait Update #4, “Razberrie” ©2012 alecia goodman to present
Its amazing what I can get done without my little monster under foot. Update #3, This portrait is moving right along, hope to be done really soon. Ever so grateful for the short break and said little monster got to have grandparent time.
Portrait Update #3, “Razberrie” ©2012 alecia goodman to present
Here update #4 for Mubusu, two year old chimpanzee at our local zoo, he is still coming along at a slower pace than I would like. I want apologize for how long this is taking. I have been struggling with issues from my hand injury from the car accident a year ago or so. And more graphic design and yarn commissions (Ewoks, Houndstooth, Slouchies).
On other fronts keep your eye out for some more furry friend portraits another fluffy kitty and two dogs. YEAH!!!
Portrait update #4, “Chimpanzee, Monkey Business” ©2012 alecia goodman to present
Its been quite a busy summer, with trips, and commissions (mainly graphic design and hats). I finally emerged from my metaphorical rabbit hole and to find my drawing board, which I sorely missed. Here is the latest update for Mubusu, two year old chimpanzee, it is coming along though I wish it was faster. He is still up to a toddler’s antics, I am lucky enough to visit him regularly. Since its been a while I hope that I am still working the same on the piece as earlier in the project.
Portrait update #3, “Chimpanzee, Monkey Business” ©2012 alecia goodman to present
The Genus for a Chimpanzee is Pan. Which is also the name for the mythic faerie figure who protects nature most often pictured playing a flute.
I am making some progress. His personality is really starting to come through.
Portrait update #2, “Chimpanzee, Monkey Business” ©2012 alecia goodman to present
I want to apologize for my hiatus of the past couple of weeks. I actually went on vacation, a first in a very long time.
Yeah!!! I am so elated to be finally done with this one. The hope was to finish this one quickly, oops (someone forgot to give that memo to my toddler).
It was smaller than the portraits I completed as of late, 8.5″ x 8″ approximately. Media was Oyster Canson Mi Tientes. I think the colored paper complimented the colors in P.G. well. I had some difficulty working on such a smaller size, keeping with my usual detailed approach. I think larger pieces though challenging at the same time may be easier for detail. As with most of my work a sharp point is extremely important and with a smaller size even more so. I did find that I had to slowly build up the media and do some mixing of colors mainly through pencil application. This was tedious but the result was well worth it.
I hope that this gift goes over well; surprises and thrills all at the same time. What do you think?
Final Portrait, “P.G.” ©2012 alecia goodman to present
I am happy to announce that my customer loved their portrait, “Renna”. I am a little sad that I won’t be seeing her adorably cute face on my drawing table any more.
Final Portrait, "Renna" ©2012 alecia goodman to present
Some tips and things from working on this project. I used Derwent 9b pencils (recommended by Blue Bird Art House), Sanford Design Ebony (Jet Black Extra Smooth) and White charcoal pencils on a mixed gray paper. I always start with a very light sketch, if you go too dark fixing or shading later could be impossible. From there I focus on the eyes, then the nose and mouth. Eyes catch a person and the facial expression holds them there. It also shows more of the personality of the person. From there I work all over the place, holding to the idea that I am working on the project as a whole. Keep your pencils extra sharp. I try my best to never smear or smudge things, I think it ruins the drawing and you lose a lot of contrast and detail. On that note, when using white try to pull it through shaded areas of graphite so that it looks continuous. At the end of every project I use a spray fix to keep the drawing from smearing or smudging (especially during transit). And of course I take a picture for my records.
Frustration: I had another pencil sharpener die, lasted 1.5 drawings which is an improvement over the last. I purchased another electric this time a Stanley® Bostitch® Executive Electric Pencil Sharpener. Hoping this lasts longer. I know with really soft pencils, hand sharpening is recommended. However, since my car accident this is near impossible. You should never absorb the impact of the air bag with your drawing/sharpening hand. Just for the record, not my fault either.
Here is the wrap up from sketch to finished drawing, “Renna”. Sorry for the lighting issues, I started using my new camera. What do you think?
IF-Return, If you saw Renna from start I hope you returned for the finish.
Well I think I am done. I always reach a point on a drawing where I have to step back and realize if I do too much more I will destroy the beauty I created. Hence the less is more creed, it does hold true more often than not. Still I am not going to hold my breath, I don’t think I could pull off the smurf look. Besides its my customer who makes the final call so I am hoping my customer likes it as much as I do. Once its approved I will sign it and I will post one final update on Renna. I will try to move through my process and provide some tips on drawing a portrait and/or working with this particular media.
Portrait Update #8, "Renna" ©2012 alecia goodman to present
Hollowpox
Outlander
The Grimm Chronicles, Vol. 4
The Maze Runner Complete Collection
Illustration Friday
alecia goodman blog 