Tuesday, 14 May 2024

Successes and Failures

Hello Friends!

Life is full of opposites, and no matter how much I enjoy creating art, i feel that my failures outweigh my successes.  Typing is tricksy  for me at the moment, so today I'll not mince about and I shall get straight into the pictures. 

I'll begin with the failures.  This is my reference photo for everything shown today.  It was an app on Facebook, I think I wrote about it a few months back, whereby your photo is turned into how you would look as a Viking, a fairy, a princess, a Celtic warrior, and more, including a mermaid. This is me as a mermaid.  She has become my muse for Mermay.


I have to admit I am less than pleased with my first two attempts in various types of watercolour mediums.  They are whimsical in appearance.

Attempt one





Attempt two


Then I decided to swap out my medium of watercolour paint and pencils for graphite.  Here's what happened next.  It's quite a difference.






Finally resulting in this


I don't think she's too shabby at all, even if I do say so myself.  It's the first time I think that I've attempted an open mouth smile showing teeth.  I'm not disappointed with my efforts at all.  Every time I do a drawing or sketch in graphite I find myself thinking I've found my best media.  What do you think?

I have to say I really do enjoy working in graphite and mostly use a mechanical pencil with a graphite refill, along with a paper blending stump {tortillon}, a kneadable putty eraser, and a Tombow retractable fine point eraser.  I also use various graphite pencils and graphite blocks {useful for shading in big areas quickly}.  It can be messy work because the sign of good graphite is how dirty your hands get when using it!  

Until next time
Stay safe and stay well
Debbie x

13 comments:

  1. Gosh, graphite has made a real difference by giving the detail more I think. More life in your eyes too. Really well done.

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    1. thank you, I'm definitely very at home with graphite sketching.

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  2. Out of your first two attempts, I like the first one the best. I think you did well with her. She is a nice caricature of your photo. But the graphite...Wow, Wow, Wow! You have definitely found your medium! Your graphite artwork is absolutely wonderful. This is where you need to concentrate. This is where you are going to find your bliss. And we are the lucky ones to see your work as you continue to create.
    Love and hugs,
    Darlene

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    1. Thank you, yes it seems graphite is my best medium, although I won't give up on coloured pencil work either.

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  3. I don't think you have failures! Compared to what the majority of us could manage your art work is always amazing.

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    1. Thank you. I know I am my own worst critic.

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  4. The graphite sketch is great and definitely my favourite , well done! Hugs, Valerie

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  5. I think all your art is good Debbie but the graphite pencil does seem to suit your style. It is very good. Take care Caroline (Ragged Robin)

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    1. Thank you Caroline, wait until you see the next one!

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  6. Well done, my friend. The graphite sketch is very nice and the mouth and eyes captured my attention right away. My son-in-law enjoys sketching with graphic as well. Take care and keep your fingers dark.

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    1. Thank you so much, yes my fingers are quite grey these days!

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  7. You said, "I don't think she's too shabby at all" and I whole heartily agree :)
    I think she looks excellent. Graphite pencil certainly suits your style.

    Can I also just say, many thanks for all your comments on the low carb diabetic.
    It's always nice to receive, read and share them.
    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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