[Kuharido]

Hi Guys ,

Anyone got tips for drawing portraits from a photo ? I know this may sound stupid and easy , i can draw on my own , but when copying from a photo it doesnt come out right , althought i do the lines right . Also , pencil shading tips . (Or if anyone has a digital technique that would be great => )


Thanks

[eyewoo]

I've done quite a few digital portraits. The technique I use is to create an onion skin layer and make a simple tracing of the subject matter. An onion skin layer is generally a white layer with the opcaity set low so that you can see the image underneath. Then on a separate layer, above the onion skin layer, make the tracing. Then I get rid of the photo layer and use a print of the photo to eyeball all the painting and coloring. I have a tutorial on my website that explains the technique.

[sineater]

couldn't tracing be considered "cheating"?

[sineater]

ah, i see you explain it as a "time-saving" technique. I don't necessarily agree, since one certainly can't trace when drawing from life...

but your work is amazing nonetheless, so I shall shut up now.

[eyewoo]

sineater...

Recently there was a long thread in this section on tracing:

The Tracing Thread

I suspect that many if not the majority of professional illustrators and artists who work in a realist genre, use a tracing technique. There is even evidence that the old masters used it with a device called the camera obscura. Thomas Eakins, considered by some to be the greatest American Artist of his time, used a tracing technique.... My opinion -- it has nothing whatsoever to do with cheating. My other opinion -- there are no rules in Art.

[Duckman2]

Ah the tracing thread. I just use plumb lines to keep every thing in line and in proportion. If all of your big shapes work then the little details will fall into place, but getting an accurate drawing can be a painful experience, but ultimatley rewarding.