03-23-2016, 07:26 PM
Don't give up! I think you are getting caught up in drawing forms and values too much from your head. The nose for example. You can actually get away without that harsh outline.
So this is exactly the point where studies of reference are best used. Study what it is you want to achieve then apply it to your piece. This is how you get over these obstacles and learn, and why we require studies for every piece.
Look at the last image in Post #16, it is more successful even though it has less work in it. Go back to that and start to tone down the white of the flames. Do some quick studies of flames and then apply that to your piece. Find some reference for figures/faces that match parts or all of the effect / lighting you want to achieve, do quick studies then apply.
I would say go straight into colour if that is what you are used to. Or you can take colour ref and desaturate them for study and apply to your grayscale. But do, studies studies studies! Don't have to take long, but you are trying to solve problems by doing them so you don't have to mess about in the real painting.
So this is exactly the point where studies of reference are best used. Study what it is you want to achieve then apply it to your piece. This is how you get over these obstacles and learn, and why we require studies for every piece.
Look at the last image in Post #16, it is more successful even though it has less work in it. Go back to that and start to tone down the white of the flames. Do some quick studies of flames and then apply that to your piece. Find some reference for figures/faces that match parts or all of the effect / lighting you want to achieve, do quick studies then apply.
I would say go straight into colour if that is what you are used to. Or you can take colour ref and desaturate them for study and apply to your grayscale. But do, studies studies studies! Don't have to take long, but you are trying to solve problems by doing them so you don't have to mess about in the real painting.