DRAWING CREATION
I have tried to photograph the various stages of a portrait; it is a long process and no stage can be left out.
Stage 1
The photograph; the better the photograph the better the portrait. This was a great photograph to work from, sharp with lots of detail and such a cute kitty.
Stage 2
The initial drawing.
This is equally important because it needs to be very accurate otherwise mistakes will show up later and be harder to correct. It is worth taking time over this stage.
Stage 3
We are off.
I always start with the eyes as this is where I want to capture an emotion - also the drawing instantly comes alive. I then work starting at the top left coming down, this keeps the paper under your hand clean.
Stage 4
Continuing downwards.
At this stage I am not putting in any fine detail, just establishing where the stripes, claws and muscles are.
Stage 5
The basis of the cat is finished, now moving onto a hand.
I could have incorporated it as I was going down but as I wasn't looking forward to that bit, left it till after I established the cat. The aim is to show the difference between the fluffy cat and the smooth hand.
Stage 6
Basis of all sections are complete.
Now moving onto the fine detail, looking for areas to make darker, fur to soften, shadows to add. This can take a long-time, the differences really to subtle to notice but without them the portrait would be flat and lifeless.
