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hoernchen610 In reply to isra-ac [2011-07-24 17:56:01 +0000 UTC]

Thanks I'm glad you like it
I find blending with pencils extremely difficult. When I started drawing portraits I used my finger to blend as well. But when I came to dA I found out that many artist use tissues, cotton buds, q-tips and tortillions which give a way more even and satisfying result as a finger, which leaves dark spots and fingerprints.
The paper is important for smooth blends as well. There is paper that doesn't let you blend or that can't take too much blending. I use a Hahnemühle sketch pad with 190g/m², pretty heavy, but I made good experiences with it. And I think that if you put 10 hours+ work in one drawing you won't be satisfied if you use a cheap and lightweight paper.
I currently don't have a scanner so I mostly use my camera (Canon 500d), but I think I scanned the Elvis-drawing at my uni (must be a hp-scanner). Scanning or photographing my drawings is pretty pain in the arse since I'm never really satisfied with the result. I adjust the contrast in Photoshop and that's pretty much all I do.
I'll take a look at your drawing and try to give some feedback
Thanks for your interest and the fave

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isra-ac In reply to hoernchen610 [2011-07-25 13:58:17 +0000 UTC]

I see, so using tissues and other tools are more common than I thought hmm, interesting. The paper I used for my last drawing (the naked ninja) is Clairefontaine 180g A3 size, ever hear about it? I'll check out other papers where I live, but I think they don't have Hahnemühle Also, when the paper is heavier, it's not totally white right? I mean it's a bit "yellow". But then you change to b&w with photoshop and done?
We have the same camera!! lol I scan my drawings in A4 with a cheap HP scanner (one of those all-in-one with printer included) but I use the camera for A3 size drawings. And yes.....it's difficult to be satisfied with the result in the screen hehe.

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hoernchen610 In reply to isra-ac [2011-07-28 16:33:25 +0000 UTC]

I know Clairefontaine only as printer paper. I used 180gr. paper from that brand to print invitations. It had a really smooth surface.
I use Hahnemühle because I came across the brand several times (my favorite artist on dA uses it as well) and I was quite satisfied with the results, as it is not too smooth and can hold the graphite you apply. I have also used Bristolpaper, which should be available in all areas. It is very smooth and durable. Maybe you can find some of that. But it all depends on what look you create and with what surface you are most comfortable with. Touch the paper before buying to check if it suits your drawing style. And yes, the Hahnemühle is a bit yellow so I desaturate in PS, adjust the levels and use the dodge and burn tool for certain areas and that's pretty much it. Check out this tutorial for more information on editing drawings. I found it very helpful: [link] (you should check out the other tuts as well, they are awesome!).

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isra-ac In reply to hoernchen610 [2011-08-01 16:54:55 +0000 UTC]

Sorry for the late reply I was busy with my last illustration
I'll look again for Hahnemühle where I buy my sketchbooks because I the brand's website is also translated to spanish (I'm from Spain) so I think there must be a provider.
Thanks a lot for the link, I'll study it before scanning something next time
I'm curious, who is your favorite artist?

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hoernchen610 In reply to isra-ac [2011-08-06 15:16:38 +0000 UTC]

My favorite artist is Cataclysm-X. I really love her drawings. She's amazingly talented and her tutorials for pencil drawings are the best I found so far

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isra-ac In reply to hoernchen610 [2011-08-07 21:04:45 +0000 UTC]

Thanks for the info, I checked out the gallery and it's so awesome. I added her to my watchlist, as soon as I can I'll check those works more slowly

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hoernchen610 In reply to LilaeaBluecoat [2011-06-27 16:52:06 +0000 UTC]

Hi there! Thanks for your question and interest
I get the general shape of the eyes with a grid. Always keep in mind, that the eyes have nearly the same height (exception: the person's got a crooked face)and that the eyelid crease and the eyebrow are almost parallel to the line connecting the eyes.
In most eyes, the Iris is partially covered by the eyelid. The way it is covered is mostly the same in both eyes. The pupil is always in the center of the Iris. The shape and size of the pupils is the same in both eyes. The same applies for the highlights (little white dots) you add. When they don't have the same size or position, the eyes look strange (there are exceptions as well, depending on the light source). When coloring, start giving both Irises an even shade of gray or the basic color, then start adding the details. Most eyes have a darker ring at the edge of the Iris. Draw small lines from the outside of the Iris to its center for the details. Try to shade both eyes evenly and watch out for dark or light spots. That's basically it
It helps a lot if you have a close look on the reference for the details and keep the basic facial proportions in mind. Also look at your drawing from a greater distance from time to time, to see which parts are odd. Practice by only drawing some pairs of eyes.
I hope I could help you and everything I wrote can be understood (I'm not a native, so choosing the right words is pretty hard for me).
Take care!

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LilaeaBluecoat In reply to hoernchen610 [2011-06-28 09:05:21 +0000 UTC]

Thanks ever so much for your helpful and elaborate comment. You're very nice to explain it so completely! I'm sure it'll help and it's all very clear what you meant. English isn't my native tongue either, but as far as I can tell, your English is perfect.
Thanks again!

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hoernchen610 In reply to LilaeaBluecoat [2011-06-29 09:49:01 +0000 UTC]

I'm really glad I could help!
Thanks

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