It isn't often that I come out and say that I really really like something I've done. But, for this one, I'm jumping up and down, patting myself on the back, chanting well done, well done! I don't think I've ever done a more true portrait. Most of the time I can see things that have gone wrong-- the eyes, or the mouth usually. But dang it, it's in my sketchbook! I wish that I had done it on a single sheet so that I could mail it to this friend! This man, I'll call him Mr. D, and I had some great conversations! A terrific person, Mr. D! One of those people who are always able to make you laugh!
I have so much to do right now and I'm feeling the pressure. I'm beginning to think about homemade Christmas cards and gifts, I have a portrait to do for my husband's grandmother (she doesn't read this), and I'm participating in the art exchange. The person I'm to send to is a fantastic artist! What to do, what to do! I'm near panic stage since I'm supposed to mail out by Tuesday and I haven't even a clue on what I'll do yet!
Mr. D is done in Prismacolor pencils, in my Moleskine sketchbook. I plan to add some lettering to the left of the page, but since I'd blur it out anyway, thought I'd go ahead and post it.
Oh yes, you noticed the banner! Well, this is temporary. I just couldn't look at my last banner another day. It's been on my to-do list for a long time, so finally I just took a portion of an experimental doodle that I did the day I received my copy of Corel Painter X, added some text, and voila! Temporary banner! I never deleted this little experiment because I loved the colors so much!
He looks like he has a story to tell. You should make a color copy and mail it to him. I love the shirt. I noticed the banner right away and thought it was wonderful! Good luck with your to-do list - mine is always neverending.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, sensitive portrait. You've EARNED those pats on the back!
ReplyDeleteRaena, you very well SHOULD be proud of this one. It's great! I can't tell of course about a likeness, but I don't think that's important here. A wonderful way to remember someone you don't want to forget.
ReplyDeleteI can't get my comments thu...winna... so will try again--I think he is marvelous and love people that make me laugh..
ReplyDeleteVery VERY cool!!
ReplyDeleteIf you're thrilled with a portrait of someone you know, THAT IS A BIG DEAL!!! Way to go Raena.
ReplyDeleteWonderful expression - great portrait - I can understand why you are proud! And re the art exchange, I have had so many family things taking my time, and I am in the same boat. Hmmmm, who put me in this spot? Let me think..oh - it's you! Thanks - it's a great idea and I am as greedy as you are! ;) And I love the banner colors too!
ReplyDeleteOh, fabulous! The character shines through in this portrait.
ReplyDeleteWow !!! Really excellent portrait! You just captured the right expression. You can be proud of yourself. Vraiment, bravo!
ReplyDeleteRaena, Had to post a comment so you know how well you have done. Congratulations
ReplyDeletelots of love from susan in australia
This one is really good!! It doesn't just look like a drawing on a flat piece of sheet, looks alive and COOL!
ReplyDeleteWell done. Very well done!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful image!
ReplyDeleteBoyohboy, what a sensitive, personal portrait! Raena, you did it once, so you have it in you to do again girl.... you're definitely NOT a Single Hit artist! Just don't get trapped into "copy" mind-set if you choose to do another.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on a really solid portrait!
Wow - congratulations! No wonder you are pleased - Mr D. looks so 'alive'! His nature shines through.
ReplyDeleteWow! Awesome drawing! But then, I love the piece in your banner too! I think it is an interesting subject to ponder...what really is a breakthrough in our art? sometimes it is in gaining that next level of technical astuteness. Sometimes it is in the ability to let go of our incessant need to "improve" and simply draw or paint freely and unhindered by "getting better".
ReplyDeleteI talk to myself a lot. When this picture came up on my screen I said, "Oh JEEZ that's good!" And I agreed with myself! It is wonderful Raena. You know, you could scan it and print it for him. Have it framed too. I bet he'd love it! Well done!!!
ReplyDeleteBRAVO! :) Definitely a breakthrough, and what you felt back then wasn't a superficial thing.. it's as real as it is!
ReplyDeleteI don't think that your other drawings of people were bad, but this one is on a different scale! I dig expressions and how the eyes communicate with the audience and you certainly brought that one out well enough. ^^ More to come??
Congratulations! Very well done!
ReplyDeleteI sat with my mouth hanging open when I pulled up your post!! Raena, this is beautiful!!!!!! The detail and expression, the squares in the shirt! OOOOOOHHHHHH! Do you hear me applauding??? Clap, clap, clapping for you!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the colors, very nice rendition. Hope you send a copy to Mr. D
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job on this one. I know you are proud. Good work.
ReplyDeletebtw, you asked me about watercolour on moleskine, simply put some soap in your watercolour will do the trick, but the result would not be as good as painting on watercolour moleskine. you'll know what I mean once you try :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic portrait. Very sensitively drawn and I love your use of the cps.
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog and love your drawings and your enthusiasm.
MD
x
Excellent portrait!
ReplyDeleteThis is really, really wonderful! Yes, bravo and congratulations. I like it.
ReplyDeleteHOLY COW, RAENA!!!! You definitely should be dancing up and down! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYeah this is good Raena. I like it too. And I like your banner!
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely - it's sensitive and alive but also has a distinct style.
ReplyDeletethanks for your comments - You have a great blog too!
Don't you just love when a drawing just works? Portraits are so hard that it feels like magic when they really capture that specific something about a person.
ReplyDelete