This is Wally Torta of CrackskullBob. He recently did a caricature of me for Julia Kay's Portrait Party which I was thrilled with, so I wanted to do one of him. The pencil sketch was scanned in just in case it became necessary to finish it digitally. I was really happy with this (and actually, I do like it) but I felt it was getting away from me there at the end. I accidentally made the shadow under his chin too dark, and the shadowy side of his shirt got confused. The light circles in the background were actually orbs of light on the original photo. They aren't very noticeable until you change it to black and white. I liked them, so didn't edit them out. This is done with pencil and watercolor in Canson Mixed Media sketchbook. 
And this is NC (Norman) Mallory. He thinks I've made him look like an elf and assures me that he's really a troll. It's done on used computer paper (sorry Norman, I was watching a movie and didn't think I'd do a sketch worth keeping), with pencil and a watercolor wash for the background.We're having a blast at the portrait party; you should join us! All levels welcomed!
So cool!!! You just keep cranking them out!!! They look great!
ReplyDeleteCranking them out, yes - but such quality! These are excellent!! They look quite different with the two techniques - and both are great. Love the way you laid on the values with the watercolor, and the restrained way you did the pencil hatching on the second one.
ReplyDeleteThese are amazing, love the writing about them too (ha a troll, thats funny). Love watching your work, well done.
ReplyDeleteGreat portraits! I need to be brave and start sketching faces like you do!
ReplyDeleteWonderful drawings and I would definitely recognize Wally from other photos I've seen. I'm afraid to sign up because I have too many other things to do this next month and I know how I can get obsessed.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job on these - Wally is just excellent.
ReplyDeleteHi! I found you through blog hop. :) I love these drawings! You are so very talented.
ReplyDeleteGreat drawings. Some of my best drawings are on lined paper--we need to use the good stuff.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the trouble, you don't think THIS picture will be worth anything so you don't do it on nice paper and then it turns into a keeper! Both of these are great. I love the orbs in the background as they help balance the picture. I saw the caricature. He really did it well didn't he? What you all ought to do is download copies from each other to have a book of all the versions of your face that everyone has done. Wouldn't that be cool?
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly on a positive track. Nice work.
ReplyDeleteoh these portraits are great..the lines are so loose and free flowing! love it!
ReplyDelete...it's so nice to meet a fellow artist!
I'm now following your blog...and I invite you on over to come see me too when you've got a minute!
ciao bella!!!
creative carmelina
So glad I found you on the blog hop. beautiful portraits.
ReplyDeleteGreat work Raena! and love the new header
ReplyDeletePublisher definitely works as well Raena ^^ Great job with the banner there, and mind I say, the Wally Torta drawing is mindblowing! That just shows how awesome you are as an artist
ReplyDeleteYour portraits are so good! Your self portraits, too. Love that you use different styles, papers and medium - and I'm awed by the wide range of your styles and techniques! (especially the portraits done directly in watercolor - I wish I will be able to do that one day!)
ReplyDeleteExcellent sketches--especially the Wally one. I don't think the shadows look too dark at all!
ReplyDeleteI love your new banner! Hadn't noticed that!
ReplyDeleteyour portraits are wonderful!!! glad i found your blog. i found it on the Art Bloghop
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely seeing all your portraits. I'm curious...now that you've done so many, do you find it easier or more difficult to draw men with facial hair than without. I've always thought that a nice beard or mustache made for so much more interesting of a draw...but that's just me.
ReplyDeleteWow. Fantastic drawings!
ReplyDeleteTruly fabulous job, Raena. I can tell you're having so much fun with the portrait party. The time is not right now to join, but perhaps one day...
ReplyDeleteSaw the blog hop thingy on your side bar. Very cool.
By the way, Raena, love the new look for your blog!
ReplyDeleteTeehee Raena, I think it's a double edged sword for me too... my wife will go and tell people that I don't draw her like that too and yada yada yada. But I am sorry if I caused an "trouble" ^^ And I am so very glad to have your mom as one of my readers...not that I have a lot of them anyway.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderfully wonderful Raena! And may I venture to say that the pencil(?) drawings are extra delightful just as is! I just might have to join this portrait party sometime in future:)
ReplyDeleteI had to scroll back to see your 'too dark' shadow...
ReplyDeleteYour portraits are just splendid! And you make it seem so effortless...
ReplyDeleteFantastic protraits, Raena: congratulations!
ReplyDeletelove the way you establish planes and volume with confident uncluttered line, Raena. Norman's roll collar is a triumph, as are those keen eyes of his.
ReplyDeleteYour work is amazing! I have never tried portraits, but maybe one day~ Beautiful site~
ReplyDeleteThe wrist and hand area is very striking. Well done!
ReplyDelete