Welcome back to my blog, been held-up with summer camps and online workshops recently. Hope you all are doing well?
Studying wildlife subjects for these many years feels taxing sometimes. Got to work on an interesting portrait a few months back. I found the reference image to be blurred and tough to study facial features accurately.
However, took on the challenge and did many studies, referred many books to seek inspiration. “Portraits” by Vasudeo Kamath was of great inspiration.
Though I did a lot of studies, fear of judgement and failure was at large. I wasn’t confident enough to begin with, made many errors in the studies, line drawings, drafts just to mention a few of them.
Portraiture is a new play field to me and soon understood the importance of studies and knowing the subject well is very importance. Just like in all the fields.
Also understood good reference image plays a huge role in commissioned portraits received online. “A good reference image makes the artists’ life much easier”
Took the courage and made my first attempt at paid portraiture. Many facial features were off and not matching the reference image initially. The workaround I found for this issue was to get the reference image printed out. I placed the reference image next to the artwork and slowly sorted out most of the differences in features.
Meanwhile, I kept the client updated on progress, made all the changes as and when I received their feedback.
Lessons from my first Human Portrait commissioned work-
• Art is not about theory and knowing about how to draw, art comes with practice. And the right way of practice is more important.
• Always seek a good reference image from the client before starting the commission.
• Study facial features with printed reference before starting the ultimate piece.
• Be patient, the artwork goes through various phases, don’t give in the ugly stages.
• Keep the artwork away for a couple of days and revisit it, helps to look at the work in a fresh perspective.
How was your first commissioned portrait experience? Do share in the comments? Hope you found my post inspiring? Until next time, keep creating!
Commissioned Human Portrait
Title: “ಅಜ್ಜಪ್ಪನವರು”
Medium: Charcoal on paper
Size:11.7×16.5 inches,300GSM Watercolour Paper
Duration: 84 hours
June 27th, 2023
Location: Mango Grove Art Gallery/Studio
Reference: Client!
If you would like to commission a portrait, check out my website, use the contact page to get in-touch with me! https://prasadnatarajan.com/contact
