Since I last wrote on this blog. I’ve just been so busy. This is just to inform that I am still working and doing some great Portraits. Here’s a sample of a recent one I particularly like because of the lighting. I was given a great photo to work from.
Tag Archives: reference photos
A holiday drawing
I composed this still life with my daughter at her house. She really wanted to use the plaid tablecloth which I knew was going to be a lot of work and sure enough, it really was. In the end I loved the challenge of drawing it and how it came out.
Using standard size paper
I like to use standard size paper because people can frame the pieces more easily then, but sometimes the photo does not fit well on the page as in the case below. I always leave a 1 inch border, but in this case, leaving an inch above, and below, left more than an inch ofContinue reading “Using standard size paper”
Doodles…
I’m not talking about the kind you do with a . pencil on a pad. I’m talking, Labra, or Cocker, or Golden. For me, they are the hardest dogs to draw because of their short curly hair. I never feel like I know what I’m doing, but in the end it always somehow comes together.Continue reading “Doodles…”
Using Colored Paper
I’ve been experimenting with different colored papers and really like the results. Colors seem to really pop, especially the light ones. Not to say I don’t love a white animal on white paper though, always one of my favorites. ❤️
Pic Stitch App
When I am finished with a portrait I put it in an app called Pic Stitch. When it is side-by-side with the photo I can see if I really am finished or if it needs more work. In this case, I see I need to improve the values in the woman’s face. Her eyebrows andContinue reading “Pic Stitch App”
Judgment errors
If you’ve read the previous post you know that sometimes I am wrong. 😳😂 Above is another case in point. When I got this photo I thought… I wish the dogs eyes were open. When I finished the portrait I thought… I’m so glad I didn’t talk my client out of using this.❤️ Love howContinue reading “Judgment errors”
Selfie Supreme
When my client sent me this picture as a photo reference I was a little hesitant and suggested a composite of their three faces instead. I was wrong. (I do say this on occasion 😂) I love how it turned out, and I love how it captured a moment.
This is Andrew
He has a rare condition called 13 chromosomes depletion and was not expected to live past six months. The camera caught him at a strange angle so I faded his shoulders into the background which made the pose seem less awkward. His mother wanted to capture the joy he feels performing in Shining Stars, hisContinue reading “This is Andrew”
A Lot of Fun
All this fur and hair… how could I not have fun drawing this. I honestly didn’t want to stop. My favorite part? The wispy stray hairs you can barely see but lend so much to the piece’s realism. A really clear photo made this a very pleasant experience. ❤️
J DeMaio Draws 