Light Of Innocence : A Portrait of Dawn and Greg

Dawn and Gregg: The way I remember them.

This started as a demonstration at Blick art supplies in Evanston; the medium is gouache on paper; size is approx. 14" x 18". It's been 32 years since I've seen these two. My mother was their babysitter, along with several other children at the time. She was working on her photography skills and often took photos of the children, at the request of their parents.

Seeing this photo and remembering how brother and sister were so sensitive and caring toward each other at such a tender age, really impressed me as a kid. Ran across it in my file and decided to use it for the demo.

Unfortunately, I misplaced the photo and had to work from a black and white xerox copy and memory. It was completed in my studio a few days later. I found the photo 6 weeks ago; the colors are surprisingly spot on. Will post the drawing later.

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Caricatures...Drawn from Life vs Photos _part 04

Aaron's mom loved the results.

Aaron at age 9.

I was drawing caricatures at a small art-fair/ benefit in Skokie and was unable to get to the last sitter. His mom asked me to draw him via emailed photo. I prefer to work from life; but made an exception in this case. It can work to draw lively caricatures from reference if you know the sitter; for me the magic is not just a likeness, but a personality captured from firsthand experience. One day, I may try some really exaggerated caricatures like many of those I admire. Carpe diem...

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Traditional Painter with Digital Tools

Recently started using Facebook and decided that using a photo as a profile image was not for me. Thought I'd try something new and create a self-portrait with my graphics-tablet and Photoshop. Although I'm a newbie to computers, I've been building my own PCs for 12 years and have also designed digital graphics and colored comics with software since 2000, this would be my first complete pixel painting.

The background painted from a personal photo.

Tablet drawing with gray fill added.

A line drawing against a light-middle value was drawn on a separate layer. Used the lasso, marquee, and transform/distort along with bristle and texture brushes set to different opacities to block-in the background.

Basic block-in several hours later.

The finish 36+ hrs and 4 days later.

Several brushes and textures were used to block the painting from high to low key values; Some background elements started on separate layers and were merged to fewer layers as quickly as was feasible. The painting process was started without  initial design sketch. I never work free-form for a client, as it is highly time consuming. But, it can also be a breath of fresh air and open up new personal possibilities. Nothing ventured, nothing gained...

For me, the digital painting process leans heavily on a lifetime of learning and working with natural media, with a few benefits and drawbacks. Layers can be a time saver or a hindrance. Likewise, the toy box of effects and automated functions designed to give ease and limitless possibilities, can distracting and detracting. I'm not ready to pack up my hairy-sticks and pigments. I am, however, never willing to over-look the best tool for any job from airbrush to ruling pen. It's good to have many options...

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Caricatures...Drawn from Life vs Photos _part 03

Student Draws Teacher....Back in the Day.

A Caricature of  one of my favorite teachers at the American Academy of Art, no picture unfortunately. I chose to depict watercolor artist extraordinaire, Michelle Stutts laughing, as she often balanced her instruction with good humor. Although she didn't have time to sit or pose -she was busy teaching art fundamentals, this one is spot on...Michelle must have thought so too since she gave me a good mark. [to be continued.]

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Caricatures...Drawn from Life vs Photos _part 02

A Very Casual George Clooney Caricature.

Mr. Clooney At A Celebrity Event.

Capturing a portrait style caricature from George's photo is easier because I've seen some interviews and  behind the scenes footage of him. I like the quirky yet flattering approach, probably due to the influence of the Jack Davis TV Guide caricatures I saw as a kid. [to be continued.]

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Caricatures...Drawn from Life vs Photos

Kelsey Grammar as Frazier Crane for comparison.

Frazier Crane caricatured.

When I draw celebrities, it is easy to insert some of their TV or public personalities into a caricature.This doesn't take the place of  the live energy captured by drawing a sitter in person, but it does boost the imagination and make for a more lively drawing. [to be continued.]

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