Painting Sarah and Jack

As the painting started out, I became aware that the subjects were too far to the left of the canvas. So, I re-blocked in the elements to make a composition that I was happier with. If this were only an illustration project, I may have forged on without consideration for the canvas. However, I have a feeling that this may end up on a wall in my house, and if the composition was off-balance it would have bugged me every time I looked at it.

After working a bit this morning, things are starting to look more resolved. In fact, at this small resolution, it look almost finished. Well let me jot down my self-critique notes, and we'll see how it shapes up.

1.) I'm using a brush that's too small, it's getting "fussy" in areas.

2.) Jack (the dog) is a bit too pudgy.

3.) Shadows on grass need to be resolved into landscape. Right now they are too much of an element.

4.) Detail in woods (hints of light areas behind trees, etc.)

5.) Tighten up "portraiture"

Self Portrait Head Sketch

A page from my sketchbook. Dated February 20, 2008.

New Publicity Head Shot

Yesterday, my wife did a photo shoot for me for a new publicity head shot. The background was added after-the-fact in PhotoShop. I'm doing my best to look like a respectable citizen. Some day, I'll be as cool as James Gurney and wear goggles, with an uber-serious look.