-
Finished at last
I’ve just completed this portrait.
What took the most time wasn’t the details themselves, but building the subtle value transitions throughout the face. I tried to keep the shifts between light and shadow as soft as possible while using the dark background to create stronger contrast and focus.
The hair texture and the fabric of the jacket were interesting challenges. My goal was to suggest the textures without letting them compete with the expression. Pieces like this always remind me that realism is often less about drawing every detail and more about carefully observing and reproducing values.
Anim, Jesunifemi and 20 others15 Comments-
Prachtig subtiel en levensecht!
Schaduw, haar, kleding alles in perspectief, heel mooi gedaan Sedith🙏🏼👌
1-
@annejoke Ik heb geprobeerd om zoveel mogelijk zachtheid en leven in het portret te brengen, dus het doet me echt plezier dat je dat terugziet. Vooral het haar, de schaduwen en de kleding hebben veel geduld gevraagd. Bedankt voor je aanmoediging en steun tijdens dit project. Dat waardeer ik enorm.
-
-
Very well drawn Sedith. You have a very handsome son.😊
2 -
The texture in that suit👌
1 -
Edit, this turned out beautifully.
The soft transitions across the face are exactly what make this portrait feel so convincing. Nothing feels forced, and the dark background does a great job of drawing attention to the expression. The hair and jacket textures are handled with a lot of restraint, which helps keep the focus where it belongs. A wonderful example of how strong values can create realism without relying on every tiny detail. ❤️
1-
@alihaiderrehman Thank you for your kind feedback on this portrait. Your comments meant a lot to me and gave me confidence to keep pushing forward.
There is one thing, however, that I have been thinking about ever since I finished it, and I would really value your opinion.
When I compare the drawing to the reference photo, something feels slightly off to me, especially on the far side of the face. My eye keeps being drawn to the background-side eye, the facial contour, the shoulder and jacket line, and perhaps even the nose. It is difficult to describe, but I sometimes get the impression that the head is turning back slightly toward the viewer, whereas the reference remains a clear side profile.
I am not sure whether this is a real issue or simply the result of staring at the drawing for too long. I would love to hear your honest critique.
What do you think is creating this effect? Is it related to proportions, perspective, head shape, values, edges, or perhaps the relationship between the head, neck, and shoulders?
If you were to improve only one or two things, what would they be?
Thank you for taking the time to look at it.
1-
@SEDITH Edit, first of all, you’re not imagining it. There is a very slight difference in the head orientation compared to the reference, but it’s subtle and certainly doesn’t take away from the quality of the portrait. 😊 If I had to identify the main cause, I’d say it’s less about proportions and more about the relationship between the far side of the face, the jawline, and the neck. In your drawing, the far contour of the face feels just a touch fuller, which makes the head appear to turn slightly more toward the viewer than it does in the reference. The nose and eye are actually very close.
The second thing I notice is that the shadow transition along the far cheek and jaw is a little softer than in the reference. In the photo, that side falls into shadow more abruptly, which helps reinforce the side profile. Softer transitions can sometimes create the illusion that a form is rotating toward us. That said, we’re talking about very small differences here. The likeness, values, expression, and overall structure are excellent. In fact, the fact that you’re noticing such subtle things is a sign that your observational skills are becoming more refined. If I were to adjust only one thing, it would be slightly tightening the far facial contour and reinforcing that shadow edge. Beyond that, I think this portrait is a tremendous success. 👏 -
@alihaiderrehman Thank you so much for taking the time to give such a detailed explanation. It really helps. Your explanation makes a lot of sense. I had initially suspected the eye, nose, or shoulder area, but your observation about the relationship between the far facial contour, the jawline, and the neck is very insightful. Looking at it again, I can see how a slightly fuller contour and a softer shadow transition could make the head appear to rotate just a little toward the viewer. I will definitely keep your advice in mind for future portraits, particularly paying closer attention to the far facial contour and the sharpness of shadow edges in profile views. Thank you again for your guidance, encouragement, and thoughtful critique. 🤩
1 -
@SEDITH Thank you, Edit! 😊I’m really glad it helped.
-
-
-
very nice drawing Edit 👍
1 -
great job
1 -
You have a very cute son. Your drawing is very beautifull.
1 -
Excellent work, not that I know much tbh
1 -
Great job
1 -
Very impressive drawing!
1
-
