Monday, November 26, 2007

"Sight Size" Drawing for a New Painting

I recently started this drawing for a posthumous commission. Bill has suggested I do a sight size drawing to ensure a very accurate likeness. This is important because I have never met this person and am only using photos to capture his image so the drawing has to be extremely accurate. Without a very correct drawing I wouldn't know if I caught his image. This way I'm not guessing.
A sight size drawing is where you draw the image exactly, the height and width are exactly the same size as the reference. Notice the top and bottom line along with a middle line down the center. I can use these lines to measure from to make sure my drawing is exactly right. This is a good exercise for anyone wishing to improve their drawing accuracy.
This image is drawn in very light until I know everything is correct. I will continue to refine and then add some more detail and shading. Once the drawing is finished, I'll transfer the image to my canvas where I'll complete the finished painting. Stay tuned for the progress of this painting...

**And as a side note, I finished the wedding commission I've been working on but forgot to get a photo before they came and took it. I'll be sure to get it back soon so I can photo it and get it posted.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good luck on your new piece. Is this a stranger or someone you know?

Casey Childs said...

No, don't know him. But the photos I have are pretty good so there should be no problem with capturing a likeness on this one.

ivan said...

I'll have to practice this technique. I'm not a fan of doing likenesses but, perhaps that will change after finding a more affective way of achieving it.

Anonymous said...

Casey, My cousin found this site. You've captured my dads likeness very well. I can't wait to see the end result.
p.s. this is Kirsten--we graduated highschool together.