Monday, March 13, 2006

EDM challenge no. 56


Self portraits are so hard to make. Or portraits are hard to make, no matter who you´re drawing. I tend to get stuck in the little details and when I´m finished I find that the left eye is misplaced or the nose is too long or whatever. Like in the b/w one here (of course, most of you wouldn´t know, you just have to take my word for it). After making that one I thought - what if I make another one without any lines at all, that should make it hard to get stuck in details. So, with watercolors and a brush, I tried again. Just to discover that it wasn´t easier at all. Oh well. I guess it takes a bit more practice.

Anyway, I think I succeeded in capturing one thing: that almost angry, concentrated look (here with a slight touch of squint) you get from watching yourself in the mirror for too long...

13 comments:

Lin said...

THIS IS FABULOUS!!! LOVELY sketch and lovelier YOU!

Teri said...

Wonderful job!!! You did just great!

Linda said...

I also think you did a great job. This was probably the hardest challenge so far. And you're right about the "angry squint" -- I had to fight what looked like a tight-lipped pout! :-D

Julie Oakley said...

I've just discovered your blog and home page through edm. What lovely work, really beautiful.

Penny said...

I am totally impressed with the watercolor portrait done without sketching first! WOW!!

Penny said...

I love the fact that you did two different faces using the different media. They look great, and I love your comment on the slightly angry look you get after looking in a mirror for too long.
Also thanks for your bits on colour, I find it interesting to know how people use their pallettes.
Penny from South Australia

Sue Seibert said...

Wow, very good...I especially like the watercolor! Great job.

Robyn said...

Of course, if you don't mention the tiny errors that only you can see, the rest of us can just sit back and admire your skill as a portrait artist.

Cheers,
Robyn
Scratches & Scribbles

Marilyn said...

Julie, both are great. I like them both for different reasons... the detail in the b/w but also how you were able to catch the light source with the watercolor.

Anonymous said...

I love them both, Nina--perhaps the watercolor a wee bit more because I love watercolor, but both are quite wonderful...

seesue said...

I love every single thing you do! and the fact that you both DO it and POST it for us to drool over. Thanks. Sue (the unblogged)

Anonymous said...

I must say that I see a big difference in the two pictures, the one on the right looks a lot like you, I really think you did a great job on that one so your theory must me right!!!

Zee said...

Very impressive! I think you did a wonderful job. :)