So well here it is, I know I've got a lot to learn, a lot for work in order to improve. But well I'm happy with this one. It's about my 5th portrait ever done in my life with coloured pencil so I'm happy and motivated to improve a lot.

Opinions and criticism welcome!

I used to be an art teacher so I can't resist commenting. I think you have made a great start, your sketch expresses your enthusiasm. I like the expression very much. I would suggest if you want to improve, try to be a little more subtle with your use of colour without losing the lightness of touch that you have. Are you using the best quality crayons and paper? Try experimenting with softer pencils for shading and building up tonal areas.

I think this is a lovely piece of work.
I like it precisely because it is not overworked
and made with perfectly blended mid shades and soft pencils.
I like the steady definite line of the eyes, the freshness of colours and the expression -
the unpretentiousness of it.

Keep up the good work.
The only advice I would give you is just keep at it, you will find your own way!

Leyla

http://www.leylamurr.com

Hi, thanks for your comments, I don´t know about softer pencils (I use Van Gogh trade mark) and about the paper I don´t know about the qualitys (I used for this one paper for graphite).

I think I should experiment a lot!

yes, always keep experimenting - its how we learn best, by learning was does and doesn't work. Mistakes a part of that process
I love the open freshness of this face. Its hard to do straight on faces without the mouths looking like they are grimacing - but you've got a good touch on this one -well done. Did you work from life or photo - or combination of the 2? I've been doing portaits recently in oils and in oil pastels - hard work!! I've done 2 of the grandchildren and they've come out well but I am struggling with 3rd. Nice portait but it just doesn't look like him. Its either scrape a load off or restart - I think i might just restart. and keep the other as a learning curve...

It's a lovely portrait, and I do like the colours you've used. The face is a bit pink, but I actually like that. It gives it a freshness. I like the way you've used the pencils.

My only real criticism would be to study eyes more. They aren't easy to get realistic, and you've done a pretty good job, but I think you can improve on them. You can study them from life or from close-ups in magazines, etc. You need a really good close-up, though.

Best wishes, you're doing a good job, and more practice can only improve your work to an even higher standard.

nice to hear about your progresions, the portrait is from a photo. I've got a lot to learn,

Hi Nebott,

Great work mate.

I like it. Almost a suprised look about her.

Nothing much to add to the guys comments above. Just keep at it.

Maybe a little more highlighting in her eyes would sparkle her up a bit.

Fine work

I go along with all good advice above. I like the niave quality of this work - those lovely quirky elements coming out of our early stages before technical precision. This example in particular shows great potential. You will find your own way with process and materials as well as gleaning advice from lots of different perspectives and experience and there's plently generously on offer here. It would be interesting to know figurative art works/artists you admire. My only comment at this stage would be how her neck joins to the jaw and back of the head. I feel widening, especially at the top where it joins (you can have a sneaky look at people) would make the whole head more convincing.

"It is better to be looked over than overlooked"


http://www.helen-nock.co.uk

Thanks for the comment of the neck.

Regarding my favourite artists are Renoir, Dali (this two are my favourites), and of course all the greats of Renaissance, Barroque, Romanticism, and Impresionism.

Velazquez, Rembrant, Caravaggio... in the way they compose and portrait and impresionist like Renoir or Monet the way they use colors. Romanticism because of the passion and Dali because of his imagination.