I'm working on a portrait of Paul this week. I've been thinking recently about the subjects I'm drawing and while they have been fun to do, I need to draw things that have more meaning to me. When I drew the last sketch of Paul he asked me why I hadn't done a 'proper' drawing of him. It's been on my mind for a while anyway but now seemed like a good time to start.
Obviously this is done from a photo, something I'm not so comfortable doing these days. There is definitely a difference between a drawing done from life and from a photo. I watched an interview of David Bailey recently and he was asked what was so special about his photos, surely anyone could have taken those shots given the same conditions in his studio? Bailey replied his photos captured the chemistry that only existed between him and his subject. (I also admire that Bailey's trademark is black and white and he isn't tempted by colour!) So I had that in mind when I took the photo of Paul because this smile is his reaction to his Mum making him slightly embarrassed (he knows I think he's gorgeous!) taking a photo to draw from. His eyes are slightly more closed than normal, an attempt not to look too uncool and a big smile despite himself! (Teenagers are a strange breed!)
At this stage of the drawing, half the face is not done and the shading needs more work. It looks a bit strange - like him but not - because there is more adjusting to do. His nose isn't right at all but I think I can sort that without much trouble but the eyes are missing something and I'll have to try and improve those without overworking them.
I wonder how long Paul will actually look like this? It's amazing how much he and Alex have changed in the last couple of years. Paul changed dramatically over the course of the summer holidays two years ago and when I was out walking with Alex last week (he's exactly two years younger less three days), we had plenty of time to talk, and I noticed how much his voice had changed just in a few days! I hear Mums saying things like ' I love them when they're two' but I can't understand that, I love the boys at every stage, each one is so interesting!
19 comments:
It may not be done to you, Felicity -- but this is so outstandingly awesome and glorious and yes, he's amazingly handsome-- that it just makes me jump for joy for the beauty of it! WOWZA!! He should be jaw-droppingly in awe of his mum!!
WOW OH WOW!!! This is gorgeous! And not even done yet! I stand in awe of your ability to so perfectly capture a subject!!
gosh felicity this one is outstanding!
This is SO much more alive and engaging than most pencil portraits done from photos!!! You've really managed to transcend those built-in limitations and make something wonderfully charming! I'm clapping my hands in glee!
PS Why can't you leave it like this? I love the cropped composition and the fact that there's nothing overworked about the drawing at all!
I like drawing style.
And I like happy smile.
Wow what a great drawing!
Excellent drawing and I'd better not show it to DD1 or she'll be wanting to email you for contact details :o)
I'll be very interested to see how the finished work differs from this. Well done, so far
Hi Felicity, This is sensational, you have captured so much personality already, can't wait to see it when you decide you are finished. Btw, He's a handsome one!! i bet he gets his good looks from his Mum!
I am not sure I can say anything that adds to what the others have said. This is a magnificent drawing and only you would be saying it isnt finished and there is something wrong etc.
You know what your son looks like, but I would be inclined to leave it and do another incase you overwork this one.
He is a lovely looking boy.
Wow Felicity. You have a unique style and talent. I so admire what you do and this is obviously the sort of work you feel happiest doing. It's lovely. I'll look forward to watching it progress. :o) Stick to your guns - this is Felicity Grace in her element! And it's wonderful. :o)
This is such a great drawing! I love the expression on his face. I'm sad I hardly ever drew or painted my kids when they were growing up though I took lots of photos. It's so clever of you to draw him with a special expression instead of just a typical pose. I also really love the cropped composition. It will be fun to see the final version (though I think you could stop right here!).
I like the composition very much. It's obvious you are enjoying this, and only you can know what more it needs. It makes a great picture as it is.
The only thing I don't like is the yellow paper. It's a personal quirk - ignore me.
Thanks so much for those lovely comments - and Paul will be pleased! I'll keep your comments in mind and try not to overwork it.
Clare, sadly for me ;) he gets his looks from his dad!
Omega, phew! I'm glad to say the paper is white but it must look a bit yellow from the scan.
Exquisite work as always, Felicity. It's just perfect.
Felicity. Wow. Just beautiful. I can relate to the feelings you have about drawing from photos, however, if you are the photographer I think that makes things slightly different. You are the one who chose the intial composition, you are the one who the subject was connecting with and finally, you are the one who will take this connection, this moment, and make it into something more. Not copy it, enhance it. You should never feel guilty for this.
Felicity - when I clicked on your link to see what you were up to... first thought... gorgeous! This is a wonderful work of art. I am sorry I did not read how big or what kind of paper this is on. Yes you should do more proper portraits. Sketches are great to work out a problem or capture a moment, but your work needs to be "out there". Thanks for sharing this one. The photo does work because he was responding to You.
He does look quiety chuffed about something you know! The nice thing about drawing anything is you get to look really hard at it, and I can't think of any other circumstances when you could get away with such close observation of a loved one - without being thought strange that is! Of course, it's wonderful, and magical...and you're both very lucky!
Felicity -- this is just a treasure. And ditto to all the above comments! :-)
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