Regular visitors may have noticed that I don't draw too many people. I find it quite a challenge. I am never happy with what turns up on the page. I do practice at it, though. Behind the scenes. I just don't share. But what the hell. So, here's John and Paul. Lennon and
Weller, that is.
I have just finished the first sketchbook. These a couple of the better ones (I know, imagine the worse!). I know that when it comes to drawing people, photo realism is definitely not for me. So I tried out a technique I heard of on
Danny Gregory's blog, some time ago. It's the one where you draw the portraits upside down. Not me, I wasn't upside down, silly. You turn the photo, that you are copying, upside down. It's really really good fun. So, even when the drawings turn out crap, at least you've had a good time.
Regular visitors may have noticed that I don't draw too many people. I find it quite a challenge. I am never happy with what turns up on the page. I do practice at it, though. Behind the scenes. I just don't share. But what the hell. So, here's John and Paul. Lennon and Weller, that is.
I have just finished the first sketchbook. These a couple of the better ones (I know, imagine the worse!). I know that when it comes to drawing people, photo realism is definitely not for me. So I tried out a technique I heard of on Danny Gregory's blog, some time ago. It's the one where you draw the portraits upside down. Not me, I wasn't upside down, silly. You turn the photo, that you are copying, upside down. It's really really good fun. So, even when the drawings turn out crap, at least you've had a good time. 
19 comments:
I think the Paul Weller one in particular is really good and much more interesting that a regular, more realistic portrait. Stick at it!
"Sitting on a cornflake, waiting for the van to come.
Corporation t-shirt, stupid bloody Tuesday.
Man, you been a naughty boy, you let your face grow long.
I am the eggman, they are the eggmen, I am the walrus,
Coo coo, kachoo."
Lennon on Weller?
I love them, your style shows through - keep at it!
we did the upside-down drawing thing on my course, and I was really amazed with the results - yours look great, John has that John-ness about him. I don't have a clear idea of Paul Weller in my mind, so can't comment, your sketch has great character though.
Well blow me over, portraits! I like them, even though I never would have guessed they were yours.
Well blow me over, portraits! I like them, even though I never would have guessed they were yours.
Very interesting. A totally different style than I would expect from you. Practice, practice, practice makes perfect. Still, I like them. I always like your lettering as well.
I feel so much better now about the rubbish I never shared (school desks included!)
The Weller one has the look of "not-lifting-the-pen" which is another trick I sometimes use.
Yes, having fun is what it should be. Now...tea break's over...back to standing on heads!
I love the simplicity of these - the Paul Weller one especially. Do more please.
Very expressive! Portraits don't have to be literal translations of a person; sometimes the looser version has more personality. Please keep sharing.
Rubber John. Tee hee ...
I first came across the upside-down drawing technique in Betty Edwards' book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. She wisely uses the example of a Picasso drawing so that proportion and accuracy aren't really a problem ... Have used the upside-down / mirror tests to check my portraits ever since.
Oh Wow! Now I do like these very much. So stylised. Absolutely brilliant. My eyes lit up when I saw them - I feel as though you've let us in on a secret of yours. I am so glad you decided to show us :o) I think I'd like to try the upside down drawing.
Ps. These word verification thingys never actually make a word, but today's word was 'hydro'. Just thought I'd share that.
I see squiggly lines :) I love squiggly lines.
Thanks folks.
I usually regret posting stuff like this. Stuff that I'm not too sure about. Usually I can't bear to see the drawing on my blog and then delete it. But, I actually really like these. I love the Weller drawing. I know, and can see, it's weaknesses, but somehow I can see past them.
I have tried drawing Weller on many occasions and always absolutely hated what came out on the page. This one, I think, captures something of the man. I've never done that before - when I've tried drawing him the right way up.
I really enjoy that upside down drawing thing. I recommend it to anyone, because as I said in the post it is really good fun. Turning the page and seeing what you've created is always a surprise. Good fun.
And, yes, Pip, it is like sharing a secret.
Cheers, guys.
from someone who does stencils with spray because i love how eyes look when cut bold like that,
the eyes you did on weller remind me very much of that style, its great to see, thanks for sharing
brendan
I'm trying to learn to do people too and have posted some on my blog in the past. Yours are really nice! As the others have said our style shines through!
They're great! I don't know Paul Weller but I love the John Lennon portrait, it's just him, and the compostion is cool. Drawing the face upside down sounds cool! I want to try that.
More please.
I agree with Suzanne, more please! There is some good stuff emerging here.
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