Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Framing artwork and updates on my drawing

I'm still behind in this but still I have no concrete deadline, so I have been putting it off. Especially with the holiday season, and my husband's new job schedule. I have spent some time researching paints, I've settled on a brand. I am debating stretching my own canvas. All I would need would be a hammer, a staple gun and space. I think I could get the space to do it in my grandparent's basement. Though before I go spending the money on paint, I have at least two pieces I have to frame. I really can't find anything on how to make your own frame, at least when I looked before. The larger piece is 27.75 inches high, when I have it framed I need it to be under 36 inches or I can't submit it for the show. I want to find out how much it well be to get it framed this weekend so I can submit the forms on Monday or Tuesday. Though if anyone has created their own frames and would like to explain to be how to do so that would be great. Although I'm not sure if I would have the tools to do that anyway.

As for my drawing I have a small amount of progress, especially with the sketching of the second face. I should have the first figure completed soon. I'll be working on it tonight for sure, I've set aside some time to do it.
In general I'm pretty happy with how it's going, now I'm unsure about the chin, but I'm still not done with it. I'm having a bit of a difficult time with hair, but that's a usual thing for me. I used to be challenged immensely by ears, I'm taking on two in this composition, though I'm a little more secure about them now. Mouths and hair seem to be my biggest challenge now. I had a hard time with her mouth but I think it worked out pretty well.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Drawing

Not much progress but it's something. I spent a lot of time on the lips and I'm still not sure they are quite right. They look a bit off to begin with because of the flash (yet another reason not use a reference taken with a flash). I wanted to draw this though, just part of the challenge. I think the top lip is about right bu the bottom lip definitely needs work. The chin looks to be about the right size and shape now. The sketch of the other face is far from final but it does give a general idea of what's going there. In sketching it I found some of my placement and proportions to be off with it, so I just need to readjust them, but I'll do that when I move on to that face after this one.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Drawing

I got a bit of work done yesterday, mostly sketching done though. It doesn't photography well, so I'll post photos next time.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Photography, website and drawing

I took some photos today, and I spent a good chunk of time editing them and I've just finished updating my site with them. I'm pretty happy with them. Though now they got me to thinking maybe I should re-organize my site. Some of my photos go to part of a series. I'm thinking maybe I should just group them together. Though some of my "series" are only two photos. So I'm really not sure. Though I think that part of the title really needs to be there, so it's not like I can change the title. No matter what I'll keep the titles as is. But I think I will be considering the series organization. It might really help out with the "Portraits/Figures" gallery in the Photography section. I have the one backyard series that I did a few years ago that I just can't bring myself to take down. That would definitely be one group of photos that would benefit. Still I'm unsure.

As for my drawing, I'm going to be working on that later tonight. I probably won't have any photos for updates until tomorrow though. I've been sick again, so it's been hard to me to get everything done lately. My burst of energy/inspiration this morning was used toward the photography. Which I don't think was wasted, it has been awhile since I worked on my photography.

http://jessicamckelvin.com

"Decorating the Tree: Old Fashioned Christmas"
This one I put a lot of work into. At first I was unhappy with the grainy quality, but then I layered on a few photo filters, and played with the levels a bit. I think the grainy quality works with the sepia tone.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Drawing


I am taking my time on this drawing, even though ideally I'd have it done by Christmas. I have struggled over multiple parts of it. That's mainly why most of my time tonight was focused on the forehead and some of the shadowing I already laid in. Even looking at the photo of the drawing is again making re-evaluate some of the work I have done.

http://jessicamckelvin.com

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Drawing

I just started sketching in some more of the face today. This drawing is proving to be a challenge on many levels. Not only is the photo I'm working from not idea from the flash, but the angle of the face and eye color is a bit of challenge as well. I'm used to working with dark brown eyes (my own). So I have to remember that the eyes are lighter than mine. Also the photo has inspired me to attempt a background in this drawing. I'm also doing a second face in this drawing as well. I'm really excited about this drawing. Like I said before I'd like to have done by Christmas, but I really want to take my time. So far I think it's coming together well. The hair as always will be a challenge but I'm looking forward to it too.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Drawing (no photos yet)

I attempted to scan what I have done of my drawing. The scanner washed out the work worse than a camera. So I think I'll be waiting until I have more done. The camera can't seem to focus well on what I have. It's not much but I am taking my time. I have the eye done and some skin filled in around it. I'm probably going to do some more work on it later tonight if my head stops hurting. I'd like to get this drawing finished before Christmas, but I'm trying to take my time and focus on the details. So I'm not sure if I'll get it done in time.