Monday 27 February 2012

Does this look like a happy child to you?


Face no 27 for 29 Faces for February (he might be 28 and 29 as well, in different mediums :D)

Genuine critique required folks!!! My nephew asked me to do a portrait of his 1 year old son(via hubby, who said of course I would?????!)
Why do people always send you photos for portraits of laughing babies? They are so hard to get the true likeness from. When we laugh our faces become distorted and twisted, and you can't see the eyes properly(but he is gorgeous :D, even if he did make me a Great-aunt)
So I really need you to tell me if you think I have caught his likeness...
I did a quick sketch then went for chalk pastels on textures paper...(no instructions for size or technique from parents:S)
I also chose to use a coloured paper to help with depth, using white rose pink and black pastels.
There isn't an awful lot of detail on a babies face, especially if his hair is still downy...
and I have "best guessed" for his eyes.
Decided to use a brown stabillo All pencil to neaten edges, as this blended with the chalk.
and a touch of black pencil in eyes and mouth(because the pastel was too fat lol)
I added his neck and a suggestion of his t-shirt, so that he wasn't just a floating head(that would have been a bit creepy I think)
and this is where I am at now. Don't feel like I want to do any more to this image. I like the softness of it.
Opinions required....please :D XXX
Photobucket

14 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks Natasha :D I love it too, just wanted a second opinion lol :D

      Delete
  2. I think you can be very proud of this work, Gina .. it's wonderfully executed. The babies character shines through. I love it! hugs, Donna

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well drawn, the eyes are laughing :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wonderful! You really have captured not only his likeness but his cheerfulness as well.
    Hugs xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. Really great job, Gina! Love the softness and etherealness. The only suggestion I would make is maybe stay away from using black. It tends to grey out things. To darken areas you can use darker blues, burgundies, browns, etc. (depending on what colors you are currently using). But again, great likeness!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you April, should have thought of that really :D

      Delete
  6. Beautiful portrait with a tender look, pure beauty and joy.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow! A fabby likeness ;)
    xoxo Sioux

    ReplyDelete
  8. It's fabulous Gina-you've captured a likeness, as well as a personality!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I think your nephew will love this portrait. :-) xx

    ReplyDelete
  10. It's fantastic, Gina! Well done,

    x

    ReplyDelete
  11. You did a great job on this! Love it!

    ReplyDelete