Today, my model muse came from the pages of V83, the Drawn To Fashion issue of V Magazine. I tried a more realistic approach to this piece, but I just can't seem to draw a neck to scale! While realizing that my realistic portrait technique definitely needs some work, I made a list of the other components I struggle with while drawing. Looking at this so-called artwork is making me somewhat uncomfortable so I'm going to vent my frustrations in a little self-critique of my drawing weaknesses. [I was part of a university program in which class critiques were a very important (and frequent) part of the curriculum, and as much as I hated hearing what other people had to say about my work, it taught me to view my art objectively.... so I can now tear it to shreds dispassionately.]
Number 1: As mentioned before, when drawing portraits, my subject tends to end up looking somewhat like a cartoon. I rushed this drawing and my impatience is clear in the lack of proper shading on her face (especially considering the angle in which the light is hitting the subject).
Number 2: Veering off the topic of this illustration, has anyone noticed that I rarely ever draw profiles? That is because I have an incredibly difficult time doing so. No matter how many times I attempt it, females end up looking masculine and males end up looking feminine. I've avoided it for so long, but it's something I definitely need to work on.
Number 3: I'm sure you have all noticed that my characters and Captain Hook have something in common. Their lack of hands. I have no patience for drawing them, so I draw a quick squiggle to suggest a hand movement. It's the thing I have received the most flack for and something I should probably start practicing.
Practice practice practice!!!