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mcgrath800 — Jack
Published: 2013-03-31 16:10:50 +0000 UTC; Views: 1404; Favourites: 43; Downloads: 12
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Description
Pencil portrait of Jack Nicholson, something just not right for me about it and cant put my finger on it. So took a photo before experimenting with graphite powder, resulting with drawing ruined, lol. My drawing is getting better though still deeply lacking in all areas, frustrating but all part of the journey I suppose. My unhappiness with its general look made me lose interest in it, any pointers welcomed. Especially how to achieve more crisp and clean drawings.Related content
Comments: 12
Wow this one is great! The best I've seen so far from others who used the same picture! Don't be too hard on yourself, I really really like it!
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thanks! its all a learning curve
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That's really really close, it's a fantastic reference too. the features are spot on. I think the problem lies with the strength of tone between the right side and the left side of the face. The right side needs to be worked into a little more and maybe a half tone darker in places or to lighten the left side ever so slightly especially above the eye. I cover up each half fo the face and they both look fine .. just not together, it's darn close though but the left side jumps out a little more than the right and if any it should be the other way round. Do you use a mirror for checking? I use one constantly to see a reverse image .. great for spotting prob's and there's always prob's like this to deal with. The changes are very minor and are always challenging to get right .. i would use a chamois to wipe away the dark above the eye on the left ever so slightly to see if that helps .. easier to go slightly lighter than darker .. hope that helps
Loving the flesh textures and the white hairs and the eyes are great too
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Thanks for taking the time to comment Mark. Yes the ref pic is a very popular one which did have me wondering whether to tackle it with so many good ones already here. I know what you mean, the one bit I was happy with was the nose and [our] left cheek, and tried in vain to get the rest of the face to balance that tone out but no matter what I did it wasnt enough, and was super wary of getting into a mess with it. I only ever used a mirror for initial layout, never occurred to me for tones. I measured with dividers EVERYWHERE and everything was good, so the problem has to be my shading, silliest little thing changes entire mood of a face. No matter, it landed in the bin shortly afterwards, [due to me screwing around with graphite powder, lesson learned], I need to take some time and practice beards and hair also, while getting there with my skin textures, hair's a real weakness.
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The mirror is invaluable to me, i have one opposite my easel and table and use it all the time and another on my desk, great for highlighting issues like these. Powder is scary stuff .. starting to experiment with it myself. As for hair .. join the club, there are many many members including myself 
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Thanks Damien, wish I agreed. lol.
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lol, I'll get there I suppose, chalk this one up to frustration and lack of experience. I'll agree to disagree.
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Hello,
I really find your pencil beautiful. You are criticizing yourself too much.
Anyone who's seen Jack will recognize him instantly.
I'm trying to see what is ticking - and maybe the lower part of the face needs to be "aged" a little more?
I'm not sure - but - what I know is that I love it. It's great - I know that we have to be harsh on ourselves to "push" us to always "do it better" - but - like I said - that piece is great!
Thanks for sharing,
P!erre!
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Thanks for the kind words Pierre, just that 'something' that I couldnt put my finger on niggled at me throughout the drawing, at first I thought his fave looked to long,then that his cheeky smile just wasnt clicking, everything I did to change still left me cool on the drawing. Resulting in my losing interest, then screwing around, theres a lesson here somewhere, though Ive no idea what lol.
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