After working on three rather large (for me) architecturals, I felt the need to do something else. I debated between using the last linoleum block I have, an animal portrait, or something floral but in the proper ratio for the print company. The boy and his dog won out. Its reference photo has been sitting on my table since I did the portrait of my daughter and ding-dong dog in July and I decided to do it now.
I am still playing a little bit with the ink on Brandy the dog. I made her darker (and truer to her color) this time and perhaps lost some definition, so we’ll see. I’m pretty happy with my son’s part, but of course his face has its own issues. I find portraiture to be one of the most difficult things for me to do. Our brains are so hardwired to see faults in a facial depiction, that finding a good balance is hard.
I’ll bet that sucker was good at the time, though. He had quite the nose for candy, especially if it were hidden.
Nov 18, 2012 @ 23:57:13
Very nice painting.
Nov 19, 2012 @ 09:44:35
Thanks. I am not sure I would try portraits of anyone except my family though.
Nov 20, 2012 @ 10:55:56
I think you did fine with this. Faces are hard.
Nov 20, 2012 @ 11:00:39
So true. You notice that this face is a lot smaller than the last one. LOL
Nov 20, 2012 @ 13:44:34
nicely done and love the subjects.
Nov 20, 2012 @ 15:05:10
Thanks, Ryan. They both were characters at the time.