Hello, may I kindly ask the artists here on AD for some feedback in regards to this portrait I did recently?
I have received some negative feedback, I'd like to see more opinions if you have the time.
Medium: Watercolor and ink on paper.
link: http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee232/Vazduh/we.jpg
hi. I'm no authority or anything. but right off ,the yellow splater across the forhead drew my eye right to the forhead and kept it there. about that splatter. it's the brightest spot in the painting. the eye color,I feel, should have been the brightest to draw you in. nothing is missing. even though this sounds negative ,over all I like the style and reminds me of a winter night in the city with the snow lightly drifting down and the look on the face like I'm a curiosity to him. the yellow splatter could be refracted car lights. but not the one on the forhead or the corner of the mouth. when I look there it makes me think he's looking quizically at me cause I just picked up the mustard bottle and let him have it.....unless that's what your going for. hope this helps.
The mustard part made me giggle! Thank you for your direct and honest feedback! I will keep it in mind next time I get splatter urges hehe!
I think it could use more shadows/shading. And maybe add some lighter areas to the background so it isn't so fully black. The hair is really cool.
I agree with the yellow comment. Overall, your painting is consistent and this is a good thing. I like the approach of solid areas with what appears to be a salt technique. The only other area that is a bit confusing is the chin/bottom left corner. Notice that the edge of the black shape is similar to area that creates a natural indent underneath the lip. Because it is handled the same and follows along a tangent. The two areas blend together. Cover this area with your hand and then remove your hand and you'll see the difference. If you could find a way to distinguish these to areas great. Otherwise, move on. Good job. Overall, I like this portrait and it's a good idea to not take people's criticism personally.
I really like the palette and the way the viewer is thrown off a little bit by the composition. I think your eyes have a lot of potential. I'd like to see the lines around the eyes have a bit more variety - they are even and thick, feeling a little cartoonish. Look at the eyes of Clemente for ideas. I also like the ear on the left - just the white area indicating where the ear would be, without relying on a heavy outline.
Thank you all for your useful feedback!
Erunise—
If you don't mind, I'd like to comment on the picture of the woman with the red hair that you are using as a logo on your postings.
I think the lady with the red hair is excellent. It is essentially a highly stylized design and yet the drawing is very good. The way you used the spatterings around the head adds a wonderful, carefree touch. Actually the general technique reminds me of some of the work of Bob Peak. While Peak was an illustrator, he was one of the best ever and one of my favorites.
Thank you for your extremely motivating professional feedback! I will keep everything in mind and strive to better myself!
I think the facial features are excellent! I must agree with Paul on all of his points (I love the splatter!) Bob Peak... yes! I think this painting could be made much better, however, with the use of some lines in the eyebrows, beard, and hair to show the direction that it is flowing. I, too,
am working to develop better conceptual drawings before embarking on the final painting. I look forward to seeing more of your work- I think you are very talented!
Cheers!
~Shen
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