portrait

I'm doing a portrait of my grandfather (when he was younger) for my mother's birthday. I need to get as much feedback as I can before I have it printed.

http://www.naputi.com/stuft/pic/papaweb2.jpg

Reference:

http://www.naputi.com/stuft/pic/paparef.jpg

Looks really good man, I like the detail you put into your peices... for some reason the glasses look funny to me, but everything else looks really great

for some reason the glasses look funny to me

yeah - the lens that is farther out is bigger (and more curved) than the one closer
and the far edge of the upper lip is also a bit funny - like he's biting on it...

but I like it otherwise - a lot

Don't know your method or if you plan on digitising it but as it's such a small reference, scanning it would increase your size.

GJ on what you have so far, perhaps the lips are a little rigid ATM but it's a good likeness.

She is going to be so moved... excellent.

No time to be gentle if you're under a crunch.

You dropped an anvil on his head. No, but seriously folks... the crown of his head needs to be more rounded and raised. And the back of his head protrudes back just a tad too much. Step back from the images a step and do the squinty soft focus thing with your eyes. Try to just look at the shape and proportion, no the textures (hard to do when you're close up).

His ear needs to be elongated a little.

His shirt collar is too narrow, especially on the near side.

I agree with the above.

Stepping a little outside of trying to just copy a photo: Add interest to the composition by adding more contrast. Work your shadows and highlights more--both more intense. Add a lot more reflection to the eyes, and some to the glasses.

And finally, you have a wonderful start already--I think it's touching what you're doing for your mom; and it shows.

[QUOTE=thehermit]Don't know your method or if you plan on digitising it but as it's such a small reference, scanning it would increase your size.

GJ on what you have so far, perhaps the lips are a little rigid ATM but it's a good likeness.[/QUOTE]

Yea, I'm working with a wallet photo that's really old but it's easy enough if I just hold it up to my face real close :p

Thanks for all the feedback so far. A lot of really good points have been brought up and I'm working them into the final run. I've already made a lot of big changes and it's looking better every time I add to it.

I still have plenty of time to complete this because her birthday isn't until the 29th. I'm usually a big procrastinator but I wanted to make this the best it could be.

ps. Does anyone know where I can get information or tutorials on restoring and colorizing old photos like this? I want to have the final printed version in color but I don't really know where to start.

Thanks again.

Ok here's the new updated version.

http://www.naputi.com/stuft/pic/papa.jpg