smudgepainter

... for giving us such wonderful portraits on which we may practice our smudging skills.

Thanks Fred. you're a great (not to mention a very talented) guy!


By jmh67

-- Marty

Overall a very nice piece. As always, rather than focusing on what you did well (love the strokes in the skin, great work on the mouth, and good job of working in some complementary colors in the eyes), I'll comment mostly on areas I see that could improve the painting:
1) Although I really like most of the hair, on her left (our right) the bottom part of her curls off her shoulder appear to be a little "chunky" for lack of a better word. They look less painterly and more computer manipulated, if that makes any sense, and I think the way they are cut out so precisely against the black background accentuates this. Also, on top of her head it looks like there are some squiggly lines to the hair that is likely the result of the Ansiotropic diffusion filter in Photoshop. It tends to create wavy lines like this that must be straightened out with a brush.
2) The eyelashes don't appear particularly natural and detract from what are beautiful eyes otherwise. Remember that eyelashes come off at varying angles and are not all the same length. These also appear a bit too dark and possibly too thick. They should fade to a point at the ends as well, which is an acquired skill using the Wacom tablet, but one that really makes a difference in the painting.
3) It appears that there are areas of the sweater, especially on the arms, where the photograph is showing through your painting - ie. it hasn't been painted/smudged as much. Fabrics such as this present interesting challenges, and you often must determine how much of the original detail you want to either maintain or eliminate, depending on the final look you want in your painting.

Please take these comments in the manner in which they are intended. This a beautiful piece that can be magnificent with just a little more detail "finishing" work done on it. I always go back to my paintings and discover things I missed during the original session. It sure is easy to get cross-eyed or bleary-eyed working on one of these for hours only to have a fresh perspective reveal opportunities for improvement when viewing it later.

Take care, and please post it again if you determine any adjustments are necessary or worthwhile.

Have a blessed day,

Ben

Ben good to see some good feedback, all valid points..

Ronnie.

Thanks very much Ben, for taking the time and effort to produce your comprehensive critique. I think that most of your comments are right on the mark and I’ve reworked portions of the image in line with your suggestions. To my eyes, the changes produce a rather improved image.


By jmh67

I think your comment about putting one's work away for a while following bleary-eyed smudging sessions, is very pertinent. I recognized the curls and eyelashes problems as I worked on the painting. But for some reason – maybe too tired or too lazy or a flagging dedication to “perfection” – I let them slip through in the posted image, only to have them pointed out in your critique. I’m going to try not posting future “finished” works until I’ve taken the time for a fresh second look.

What follows is a point-by-point response to your comments.
Bross says:
“Although I really like most of the hair, on her left (our right) the bottom part of her curls off her shoulder appear to be a little "chunky" for lack of a better word. They look less painterly and more computer manipulated, if that makes any sense…”
Marty replies:
I agree with your assessment. I wasn’t happy with those curls as I worked the image. I reworked that area in the revised painting.

Bross says:
“…on top of her head it looks like there are some squiggly lines to the hair that is likely the result of the Ansiotropic diffusion filter in Photoshop. It tends to create wavy lines like this that must be straightened out with a brush.”
Marty replies:
I didn’t use any anisotropic diffusion. But I see what you’re referring to. I’ve straightened some of the bad actors.

Bross says:
“The eyelashes don't appear particularly natural…(they) also appear a bit too dark and possibly too thick.”
Marty replies:
I agree with you all the way on this one. Eyelashes are my nemesis. In the revised image, I replaced the upper lashes with ones that I think are more realistic. I also lightened and thinned the lower lashes.

Bross says:
“It appears that there are areas of the sweater, especially on the arms, where the photograph is showing through your painting - ie. it hasn't been painted/smudged as much.”
Marty replies:
The entire sweater area is smudged. However, in trying to maintain the sweater’s texture, I smudged very lightly (perhaps not uniformly enough). True, her arms show through the knit pores in the fabric. So does the white bodice she’s wearing. I didn’t rework the sweater.

Many thanks again, Ben.

Best,
-- Marty

Marty,

Thank you for receiving my comments in the manner in which they were intended. It's nice to be able to share well intentioned comments and have them received as you did.

I see your improvements and think you have done a nice job on this. I have personally found that fabric such as this is one of the most challenging to deal with due to the patterns and tonal variations due to the voids. I have even turned check or striped fabric into solid colors in some cases to produce a more pleasing image, but it is a tough judgement call in each individual case.

It looks like you will be producing some lovely work, so keep it up. I will look forward to seeing what you do next, and will also invite you to give me feedback on how you feel I can improve upon my own work.

Have a great weekend!

Hey Marty, Thanks for the kind words. I do the easy part. It's the work everyone puts in that is so great! But thanks for your nice words.

The image you have reminds me of a rennasaince type painting. It has certain feel to it that looks good on my PC. I know when many of us see an image someone else did we might not see it the same way because of different set monitors. My monitor is showing a nice mix of soft colors and quiet feel.

Thanks!

Fred

Thanks for your comments!

Both Here and on DPReview Retouch!

Lamar

bross wrote:Marty,

Thank you for receiving my comments in the manner in which they were intended. It's nice to be able to share well intentioned comments and have them received as you did.

I see your improvements and think you have done a nice job on this. I have personally found that fabric such as this is one of the most challenging to deal with due to the patterns and tonal variations due to the voids. I have even turned check or striped fabric into solid colors in some cases to produce a more pleasing image, but it is a tough judgement call in each individual case.

It looks like you will be producing some lovely work, so keep it up. I will look forward to seeing what you do next, and will also invite you to give me feedback on how you feel I can improve upon my own work.

Have a great weekend!