Princess Diana

Thought I'd attempt a royal and Princess Diana seemed the obvious choice. My original photo was not the best of pictures of her. I may have another go when I find a better picture. I think it's a good likeness, so I'm happy from that perspective. Constructive comments appreciated!

Donna Summer and Johnny Depp

I'm getting a bit behind with my posts - note to myself be more vigilant. These are my most recent offerings. I'm definitely going off marker paper, it's too thin and weedy for the task, and tends to warp when I use the airbrush on it. Bristol board is a much nicer surface to be working on and the results scan better. No prizes for guessing which one was done on which paper!

Teacher pics.

No posts for a few days because life's been too hectic. I've been concentrating on leaving presents for staff and pupils at my son's school. These are the teacher pictures.

Diana Ross in colour

I decided to revisit Diana Ross and give her some colour. Not sure the joke works, I seriously doubt Diana Ross would soil her hands with shopping bags but I like the idea!

And here's Beyonce

Beyonce Knowles

Yesterday I spent a long time working on an image of Beyonce Knowles, it was going really well until I thought she needed bolder eyelashes. Alas that was too much- sob! I doubt I'll be able to salvage it so I've started a new one, hopefully it will be ready by tonight.

This blogging lark is a strange experience. It's especially weird looking back over my posts to see things I've posted, images mainly, and how my technique has improved. There are more than a few that I cringe at now! Yet at the time they were posted I was pleased with my efforts.

I've installed google analytics on my computer to see how popular it is. I see I have a number of loyal readers but I'm getting a steady stream of new "blogees". There is probably an official term for them but I don't know what it is, any suggestions or do you know?

Russell Crowe and Terry Wogan

No posts for a few days as I was away at the weekend for a family party and didn't have internet access or much time to draw, too busy partying! I've finally finished Russell Crowe. It's not my favourite drawing, I think I should have stuck to Black and white! It's not bad though.

The Terry Wogan picture, conversely, is much more to my liking. The Irish dancing poses were fun to research and draw.

Another Cher

Cher is the offering for today and yesterday. I'm trying to hone my airbrushing technique, the control and adjustments need some getting used to. I'm not sure about the highlight on the right, I think it might look better without it? I'm going to mull over it for a while and see what I think when I go back to it. I really only did the picture to play with her spiky hair, little things please me! Plus it seems to be the closest thing to a smile I can find for a recent picture of Cher!

Jamelia

Well, I thought it was about time that I tried someone with brown skin using the marker pens. I've also had a go with using the airbrush on an actual picture. My first time at using masking film as well. I'm quite pleased with the results although I need to refine the skin tones a lot more. I might have another attempt see if I can get the drawing better and also give her a more definite background although I do like the colour tone as a background.

Kiera Knightly and Nicole Kidman

I've not posted for a few days as life has been too hectic to post, but I've still been drawing. Here's Kiera Knightly in marker pen, whom I finished today. There is also a watercolour of Nicole Kidman which is really a straight portrait. I was playing with using just watercolour and no black lines. I'm still struggling with the scanning of images. I think I'm not pressing it close enough so the colour's distorting at the edge. I'll try and have another go later, if I have time. In the meantime I'll just have to live with the black lines.

I've also dusted off my airbrush and been practicing using paper masks. I've ordered some masking film as the paper has a tendency to fly off! and I've got lovely green/blue fingers from holding the paper in place.

Mr Bean aka Rowan Atkinson

I've finally finished the Rowan Atkinson picture. I was aiming for dingy and shabby, especially with the carpet! I'm really pleased with how the face has come out but still feeling a bit irritated by the blotchy effect on large areas. Although I'm learning how to use it to my advantage more now -e.g. the carpet. I think I'm going to have to experiment with airbrushing! I've got one somewhere, just need to sort out whether it's still working! I'll have to sort out my masking techniques as well! I still cringe when I remember the last time I used masking fluid on my Johnny Depp picture, uuugggh!

BTW The line across the middle is a scanning flaw, I haven't figured out how to fix yet! It's not on the original.

Designer on a mission?

This is an incomplete picture but I thought I should post something to fill in the void. This is a designer called Emilio de la Morena, I've never heard of him but that says nothing- I don't do fashion! I was looking for some background images to practice. I had to laugh as he designs quilted clothing and he's quite a cuddly figure himself! Do you think he's trying to send a message to all those stick insect models out there that real women should have curves?! I do hope so!

Caricatures

Sorry for the lack of pictures for the past few days, I've been working on Mr Bean, it's at the colouring in stage now. I've also been working on a commission which is nearly finished but I'm not sure I should post it, not yet anyway. Hopefully get something completed today!