#finished-copy

This copy after Manet is about 9 months old. It was my first attempt to use all of the layer and mask features to re-construct a more complicated image. I ended up using about 12 layers. I found the construction of layers helpful for separating some aspects (the foreground figure of the woman from the leafy background) but the layers in the head were too complicated. In more recent drawings I’ve used the layer feature more conservatively and it is easier for me to manage. Comparing my copy to the original now I’m dogged by poor proportions of the head and body. Also the palette is way too cool. I may take another stab at this later reworking those two areas.

I’ve been working on this copy for the past couple of days. The perennial issue - poor reproduction of the original proportions - still plagues me. Secondly, I’ve re-shaded the face at least five times trying to capture the subtle values of the original. After studying Kustodiev’s painting for several hours I’ve concluded that it is a masterpiece of sensitivity and subtlety. It leaves me frustrated and in awe. 

Similar approach to the drawing of the gargoyle - paper sketch, iPhone photo, Photoshop, ProCreate. Now that I’ve logged enough time in ProCreate I feel like it is an incredible tool for improving your drawing skills. The ability to experiment with shading and line OVER and OVER until I finally grasp how the shadow relates to the shape of the form is transformative. I was actually dreaming about shading a form after this drawing.