Dec 1, 2008

Sif


I found this picture in Glamour magazine while looking for pictures to draw. It is in the November 2008 issue on page 248. Photo taken by Eric Traore.
As of yet it is the best portrait I have done. To think that I am fearful of the drawing table is silly. I am really fearful of it at times. Drawing phobia. I am usually amazed at what comes out.
The lips need work but last night I figured I had better stop while I am ahead. I also need to work on blending better so the shadows and shades look more realistic. I am happy with it though. I really took my time with this one and thought it out.
This was drawn in graphite and charcoal.
Posted by Picasa

18 comments:

owenswain said...

Great work Steve. The only way to get rid of those fears is to draw them away. You're on it man.

Kim said...

Wow, Steven. Amazing portrait. Your love and work with eyes (and nose and eyebrows) really shows.

I often wonder why the fear you describe rises up in (most) of us. What is the root of it? Dreams dashed? Is it intertwined with the common thinking that talent is born, not made? Is it just the fear associated with taking a risk?

I have the same concerns, and I have found Everyday Matters has kept them at bay better than anything else in my life. I am painting and drawing more than ever - and enjoying it more.

As the Nike ? ad says, "Just do it." That has become my mantra.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts,
Kim

Spinneretta said...

Wonderful portrait :) I think the phobia stems from worries of 'doing it wrong'... no matter that there is NO wrong :) I try to tell myself that, and sometimes I even hear it... ;)

Cecelia said...

I think that is a bit of being a perfectionist, that gives us those fears. To avoid making a mistake, just don't do anything. Maybe doing some warm up exercises, with music, might help. Or getting in a class where you have to produce or have others around you working, but, then, you have to go back to working alone at some point.
I spend forever getting my materials ready to work, or setting up and deciding what I want to do, and by then, it is time to go do something else!
I just thought about my first figure drawing class and laughed. I spent the semester taping my paper down, and not looking at the model. I was so embarassed, I know I was blushing red, and I was the oldest person in the class! It was better when I took subsequent classes about 10 years later.
Good luck!
Your work is beautiful, so you shouldn't have any concerns. When I put things in local art shows, they seem to stand out like a sore thumb! I quit showing for a while, but decided that is not good. My style is all mine!

Alison said...

This is an intereresting perspective.

Anonymous said...

Steven, that's great! What on earth were you worried about?? The shading on the nostrils is just perfect, and the lips have come out really well too. And lips aren't easy. Well done you - get over that phobia!

sharon said...

Steven this is beautiful! the eyes really grab my attention.

sandy said...

"Applause"....wonderfully done...wow...

You did one heck of a job.

Luba said...

This turned out great. Looks like a photo for a magazine. I like how you did the shadows!

Ricardo Sérgio said...

Wow! It's amazing. Great drawing.

Aarti Harish said...

Wow..this one is really good...i really liked it...and it is so very expressive..!!

rrARTz said...

this looks great! keep drawing!

Timaree said...

You did a great job on this. It looks terrific. It looks much more "real" than some of your others but you know what? I like your pictures of the kids toys and the teddy bear too. They have a whole different appeal to them so don't think you have to keep striving for any one kind - just keep trying to have fun with your drawing. I have trouble just drawing too - that's why I have so few postings!

Kate (Cathy Johnson) said...

No need to be afraid...you did well. And remember, it's just a piece of paper. You can do it!

Mark Kwasny said...

Everyone has already said it... BRAVO. So... what's next??

Odd Chick said...

This is fantabulous!! Now that you know you can do it - it wasn't a fluke - it was that your heart was in it, you took your time and thought it out - do it again and again. Step right into the fear and use it for what its worth - to make you better!

Anonymous said...

wow! it's amazig. Great job!
[thanks for visiting]

suzanne cabrera said...

Wow...incredible!!!!! Beautiful drawing! Look forward to seeing even more of your drawings.