I think I'm finding my feet a little more with this pen & ink lark. I've been looking at Robert Crumb, a fave illustrator of mine for many years, and he has given me the confidence to trust in the quality of the ink line, which I have always thought a little sterile, compared to a nice soft pencil.
So I forced myself not to rush or 'scrub about', but to be methodical, while still trying not to worry too fanatically about being precise. It was as hard on my shoulder as my brain, as my wall-mounted mirror was not in a good place, so I had to support one on my knee the whole time.
I really was wearing a T shirt that colour, and my glasses truly are half pink, half lilac, so I decided to add the splash of colour in Corel Painter, which I think really lifts the drawing. Then I tried a cropped version, adding more colour and toning down the T shirt:
Of course, I have that crazed, axe-murderer stare common to most self portraits: the result of the intense concentration. A look rather enhanced in this case I feel, by the hairdo!
I really was wearing a T shirt that colour, and my glasses truly are half pink, half lilac, so I decided to add the splash of colour in Corel Painter, which I think really lifts the drawing. Then I tried a cropped version, adding more colour and toning down the T shirt:
Of course, I have that crazed, axe-murderer stare common to most self portraits: the result of the intense concentration. A look rather enhanced in this case I feel, by the hairdo!By the way, I've been experimenting with trying to make images larger for you, but it's not quite working right yet, as it makes them less sharp. To view a sharper version of the main self portrait, click on it.
12 comments:
you're much prettier in real life, but I'm loving this daring marksmanship- it's really inspiring to the less gutsy of us!
Faye's up for a Sheffield trip, so let us know when's good for you.
cxxx
This is a terrific self-portrait!
Yes, now that you mention it, self-portraits often do exhibit that "crazed, axe-murderer stare" due to intense concentration! So true!
I really like seeing how you played with your image in Corel Painter, too. The pale green background is a nice contrast to the pink shirt.
I'ts a great portrait Lynne but you are far more beautiful than that. That's a mum speaking rather than a critic though. Ink work is different and makes a change, but it's very cold looking and I prefer your usual work.
Well, I'm just enjoying seeing these experimentations, and having the descriptions with it. I also like that you post several of the same pics but attempted in different ways - gives a good over view, thanks!
Sadly I still haven't done wonders with my tablet, as everytime I try to load the photoshop program, it completely screws up my machine. And I am not enough of a computer person to know how to fix it :(
Ah friends, what sweet things you say - I'm blushing!
Joanna - you must be very frustrated. Computers are so wonderful and such a complete pain at the same time. Worth persevering though: maybe kidnap a tech-head...
GG - know what you mean about the 'cold' thing. I'm enjoying the fun of a new challenge though, and I may discover ways to soften the feel. It's not a replacment anyway, just any string.
Thanks for your comments. I like your stuff. Lots of character and interest. While you're in experiment mode I'll throw in my two cents about ink. I like to use a bamboo brush because it gives a lovely variable line (but does take some practice.) I've also been known to use calligraphy pens because I like the "personality" it gives the lines.
Excellent Lynne - you know, I think you could make a living out of this illustrating lark. Though I do tend to agree with Cassia - much prettier in real life.
Thanks Damian - you charmer!
It's interesting you mention calligraphy pens Heather, as that did occur to me too, but I worry the variation would be too much and too unpredicatable to manage. Bet the bamboo brush would make for some exciting life drawing!
Lynne, my little french goat arrived this morning! He is adorable, and I love the little drawings you've added. I will treasure this, as you are a huge inspiration to me, and your work is so happy and fun - it's a world I'd happily live in! Thanks to you, I am doing two days at our local primary school next week, and hope to egt more of this type of thing.
Thanks again Lynne, and I love the expressive self-portraits, stunning!
You're welcome Buskitten - glad you like it! Good luck with the school visit - let me know how it goes.
Crumb draws with Rapidograph pens, y'know.
Yes - my memories of those from years ago are that they are forever clogging and a real pain to clean out! Maybe they've come on.
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