Painter 11 Cap'n Jack !critique!

[Gragg]

First digital photo realism attempt...comments welcome!!

[Frida Bergholtz]

Adding the reference image would help us to see where you are coming from.
However my first impression is that it need sharpness and definition and that the colours seem muddy.

Nice work for a first time.

[Gragg]

here is the reference i used....

[Gragg]

I added some more detail...

[SquareSquare]

Bring out a lighter tone in his cheeks (as the photo shows).

[arenhaus]

So you're copying a photo. Congratulations?

[Lhune]

Although a bit harshly put, I do agree with arenhaus. This is almost quite literally copied from the photograph, if not painted over it. It would be much more impressive (and educational for yourself) if you took several photographs of Jack Sparrow and painted your own, completely original portrait from the references.

[Gragg]

I understand what you guys are saying but this is one of the maybe ten pictures Ive ever painted (digitally or traditional) in my entire life. I am just trying to get a grasp at using color. What I need are tips like SquareSquare and Frida Bergholtz were kind enouph to share....and arenhaus, there is no reason to be disrespectfull, I love constructive critisism, but being rude is usually a sign of lack of self confidence (maybe not happy with your OWN work?)


And thank you Lhune for your more mature response. On my next peice I will take your advice and paint an original picture using multiple references. And I didnt just paint over it (but its good to know it looks good enouph for someone to think I might have!!) lol

[Frida Bergholtz]

Don't worry about it Gragg, you just fell into the old depate over the value of copying photographs. It is possible to learn from it and sometimes its the only way to get a good reference of something, but mostly its just convenient. However it can be treacherous for a beginning artist.

First of all a photograph does not depict shadows and colours as we see them with our own eyes. It is simplified and flattened compaired to real life. Secondly you are stuck with the picture as it is. The composition, the angle, everything is already laid out for you.

Copying a picture is a fast and easy way to make something that looks nice and makes you feel good about yourself, But if its the only thing you ever do, you will not progress as an artist.

[ScottDotNet]

hang on doesn't drew struzan copy from photos?

[Frida Bergholtz]

hang on doesn't drew struzan copy from photos?

He does, however he doesn't just copy a photograph as it is. He takes elements from them and creates something new and better than the original photographs. If you look at his art you can see that he knows about anatomy, colour, lighting and composition.

[ScottDotNet]

He does, however he doesn't just copy a photograph as it is. He takes elements from them and creates something new and better than the original photographs. If you look at his art you can see that he knows about anatomy, colour, lighting and composition.

Yes I am aware of that, but the fact is that he copies from photos, so my point is that to say that it will get you nowhere, or to infer it, is not completely accurate.

I'm not aiming that at your comment in particular, just a general comment.

[MT-Mystic]

Doing studies from photos is a perfectly legitimate way of practicing, so long as it complements other methods of study. For photos studies, I would suggest painting with broader strokes, focusing on color, value, and developing your shape language as opposed to focusing on details. The key is not to "copy" photos, but, again, to study them.

As a side note, take a look at some Sargent paintings.

[Gragg]

Thanks for all of the input!! Yes I know that copying a photo isnt something to be ridiculously proud of, but what I am trying to do is learn what steps to take to make a painting look right, from observation or imagination. And to find what brushes to use. I have always taught myself, and I figured if I couldnt copy a painting, I cant paint one out of my head. It was great practice, but I am now starting on another Sparrow picture, using multiple references, but this one will be original. I am soo glad I found this site, its awesome talking to people about art. I will post my progress!