Level Up! Art Assignment - Comp 1.1 - TKaney - Ol' Mike Portrait by Volterra

Cross posted in the forum: http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php/323965-Comp-1-1-TKaney-Volterra-Michaelangelo-Portrait-Study

Ok, so, whew. This one, I feel, went a bit better.

I had no real tech issues, only the normal time and kids distracting me sometimes. Also, I was using a new program - tried Corel Painter 2016 free trial - and had a learning curve with it. For instance, I was not aware I would not be able to turn it into a grayscale image. I find that their UI is a bit cumbersome as well. I painted in full color on this one first then used Krita to convert. Have I mentioned I am not paying for photoshop, which I was most used to, but do not have it on my new machine? Haha. Soon, I will pony-up and pay.

Anyways, this piece was a portrait of Michaelangelo by Volterra, or so the source I used indicated. I felt blessed to use a better image of the artist and the work as opposed to the lower quality one I had before. I limited myself again to stay true-er to the assignment and this time i was at around 2.5 hours total. I was attempting to go way back to basics and even introduced a grid system for some portions.

There was a very clear and present widespread use of economy and contrast to settle focus on center-mass of these portraits from this time period and away from say the shoulders, torso, neck, background, and hair. They almost were looking like they were trying to create a vignette. The nose, eyes, and forehead were all given the most treatment in so far as detailing, sharper focus, and value ranges. It would appear the artist wanted us to get to know Mike, by studying his own studious, even ponderous face. Further, I think he has a cooky look on his face with that one eyebrow raised which leads me to believe he was wanting to be portrayed as a bit eccentric, but mostly serious and wizened.

Overall, I made less rookie mistakes on this one I think as I slowed down a bit more, but kept up a good, efficient, economical production flow. Don't mistake me though. I see other parts that could be cleaned up, improved, etc. however if the assignment is to use a time limit, get a good base done, I feel that I have done that.

I just can't get over pushing and scratching my nib so much on the new pad. Yikes, but does it make me anxious and cringe. Not something I was used to. Getting better though.

Feedback always welcome and comments appreciated.

Thanks!

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