Friday, December 17, 2010

A new look with a background!


I must admit I almost always struggle with backgrounds and this one was no exception. It seems the less detailed it is, the more difficulty I have! It probably has to be all in the technique...something I should spend more time experimenting with. Note to self: put finger cots next time to prevent blister from sandpaper! OUCH!!

The more I look at it, the more I prefer the portrait with a background as opposed to the plain paper. I think the next challenge will be to find the correct pencil colors to accurately depict her nice long tongue!

6 comments:

  1. You have captured such a wonderful spirit in this dog's eye, Colette. Another artist once told me, "Lynda, you have to love your background as much as you love your subject".......which really irritated me! I struggle with backgrounds also, and would probably rather not deal with them at all -- if I could get away with it! : )

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  2. Thank you Lynda and true about what your artist friend told you...although I agree it is irriating to me too! I find if I start with the background first, it is so much easier on me. Probably because if I start with and do good job on the main subject, tackling the background next creates much anxiety due to fear of ruining the piece!

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  3. I think this subtle background works perfectly Colette .... it enhances the portrait without overpowering the lovely dog. I share your worries about backgrounds :o)

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  4. Sue, thanks a bunch. At least I know I am not alone in my worries!

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  5. The drawing looked great without the background, even better with a subtle background that creates some depth and atmosphere. It is always better to do the background first in case you make a mess out of it. Then you wont have to waste time on the main subject if you did'nt get an acceptable background first. Sometimes I get more pleasure doing the background than I do with the main subject.

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  6. I agree John! Unfortunately, I got overly eager to finally work on my girl's portrait and just had to start with her!! I should have known better!!! Thanks for your comments and Happy Holidays!!

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