I've written at length about the reason why I stopped drawing portraits seven years ago and the reason why I'm getting back into it. In brief, I was sensitive about my art and lacked confidence in my skill at portraiture. Someone made fun of one of my attempted portraits so I made a subconcious decision to focus on other subjects.
Eventually, I came to realize what an effect that little comment had on my life and my art and decided to get back into portraiture.
Before today, I had only attempted drawing a self-portrait one other time. That was in 2010... and the portrait ended up looking like Justin Bieber. I think I did a slightly better job today.
Self-Portrait
Pencil on Paper
December 21, 2017
I usually take my art photos outside to capitalize on the light of the sun. I don't have proper indoor lighting to do this sort of thing... Maybe I'll try taking another photo tomorrow when I have better lighting available. For now, this will do.
I hope you like my drawing.
I love it! and I am glad you are getting back into self-portraits, it is a subject that I also avoid out of self-consciousness. Not that I am in a position to give much constructive help, as I have much to learn in portraiture as well and am not as strong as this piece: in the future I would love to see a wider range of tones in the skin areas. perhaps you are a very light skinned person with very dark eyes and hair. but here the intense difference between the darkest skin tone and the lightest parts of the hair I think may make the face look flatter
The lighting in the photo I based it on was a little bit flat, but the picture I took of the drawing also didn't do me any favours. There's more range in the face than what you can see here.
If I take another photo of this drawing in better light, hopefully you'll be able to see it.
Thanks for commenting!
You put some extraordinary detail into those eyes. I'm drawn to them, they're so full of life.
Eyes are my very favourite thing to draw :)