Portrait of Francis

Ink sketch on Stillman and Birn
Beta Series sketchbook. Drawn with Safari Lamy EF and M nibs

Portrait of Bruno J.

Cotman watercolors on Stillman and Birn sketchbook
portraits have always been my favorite, I became an urban sketcher after doing portraits for many years..

Portrait of Frida and Hadassah

Dr. Ph. Martin's Radiant Concentrated Watercolor on Canson bristol smooth

 

 

Portrait of Bruno

Canson watercolor panel & Koi watercolors

Portraits for my friends

Today I made some portraits for my friend Joe, David, and Maya in her birthday

I used a Gelly Roll and Koi watercolors on Canson Bristol Plate 2-ply

This paper absorbed water too fast, I'll change it for the next, I like a more faded effect on the strokes

This is dry brush method

More portraits

Continuing on watercolor portraits. I will be publishing more this week.
Here are some watercolor sketches of my friend Joe.

Materials:
Isabey petit gris brushes and Sakura Koi watercolors.
Koi watercolors have a skin color that I love yet the line is a bit fugitive. I like particularly the saturation of the brand and their bold colors.
When choosing materials, my biggest investment is on the best quality brush I can afford and from there I choose a watercolor brand for specific purpose.

Portraits in Ink

Back to portrait sketches, I used two points of copic multiliner, the 0.25 to start and the 0.7 for finishing touches. As less is always more, rule of thumb, I try to leave the area closer to the edges very loose and undefined so the attention remains on the center of the face and the expression. To me the most important element in a face is the eyes. If I get the right expression, accurate to the subject, the rest of the drawing is pretty much resolved; however the mouth is also very important, as the second feature to get just right.

I decided to scan Joe's sketch before I add watercolor so I can give him both choices in print.

Quick portrait study of Joe L.
Copic marker on bristol plate

In this case, again the eyes are the key to the expression. I did exaggerate the intensity, because I thought it was a powerful and engaging feature that should caught all the attention. In all my drawings I try to give them certain personality that has to do with my personal perception of the subject as first impression. The contrast of Don's beautiful light gray eyes is in striking contrast with the rich black tone of the shirt.



Portrait study of Don I.
Copic marker on bristol plate

Chris II

Trying the Pentel Arts Hybrid Technica 0.3, 0.5 and 0.6 mm Pens on hot press watercolor 120# paper. I realize they are not permanent so it wouldn't be good to apply color. But some drawings are better in black and white. For the first I used just Tom Norton's walnut ink to color it.

Beautiful Girl in Watercolor

Her name is Carissa.

I have been doing a lot of portraits lately I know...I'll get back to my urban sketches, just needed to try the same technique on faces for a while, and pigments, paper, etc.

This was done in hot press watercolor paper, my favorite, and Koi Watercolors. Even though I like to try different brands and prefer to use top quality brands for my professional work, the koi watercolors have such brilliance and saturation that is such a delight to use them for quick sketches. Unfortunately they are a little fugitive but I still love them! A good scan can always capture the effect when is just made. I use very high quality brushes, that is where my little investment is: Isabey petit gris

The Soccer Player

Ink on Bristol Plate -15 min sketch

I love capturing action in sports, this sketch is from a photograph. I loved the rhythm and I had to draw it!

Chris and his daugther

[caption id="attachment_264" align="aligncenter" width="529"] Ink drawing[/caption]



these are 10-15 min sketch studies for a watercolor that I will post in a couple of days, wanted to get familiar with they facial structure and gesture, I did this quick drawings to understand them better :)

Donald I.

Cotman watercolors travel set on Hot press 140lb paper
Sketch done with a Gelly roll.

I found some Fabriano pads, not easy to find Hot press watercolor paper on pads except for the Arches big sizes, I love hot press, is my favorite :)

Couple

The Ballet Series-Walnut Ink on Bristol Plate

Aranea Peel - German Singer