Learning to do Portraits of People

[RidgebackCustoms]

Rather than post a new thread for each project (posted 2 in the show-off thread), figured I'd just start a thread I and others could add to.

I'm learning to do portraits.  I started down the rabbit hole doing comic book art carvings.  I struggled with the faces, so started researching how to do it better and that effort expanded into pursuing realistic portraits.  I've really enjoyed the learning process.

I'm hoping this thread can turn into lessons learned, progress photos, and a place for others that may be pursuing the same goal to ask questions.

My number one tool I've found besides practice is the videos from Elk Track Studios by Annie Libertini.  I've downloaded and used those, but was also fortunate to be able to take one of her live classes in 2024 at Sheridan.

The first photos here are a self-portrait of me and my wife and a portrait of CSM Billy Waugh.

Annie recommends not doing portraits with teeth, as they look weird.  After doing the self-portrait, I can confirm.  Would definitely recommend not doing toothy smiles.

CSM Billy Waugh is an amazing figure in military history.  If you don't know who it is and you want to kill > 1 hour of time check out the video.  (The video contains a lot of military humor / crass humor, so be forewarned).

 

 

[chuck123wapati]

Those are looking good, my friend. I haven't done many human portraits in leather, but I did do my Beagle. I used pyrography and less modeling. But i'll bet they could go well together.

[RidgebackCustoms]

4 hours ago, chuck123wapati said:

I used pyrography and less modeling. But i'll bet they could go well together.

It's definitely on my list to integrate into my work, but no pyrography experience on leather.  Are you a trial and error guy or do you know any tutorials I should check out?