I Never Knew You

Having watched you for a short while now, I can say that I am very impressed by this, as the amount of progress that you are making is phenomenal - and it's a pleasure to see too!

As you copied from a reference, I would normally rate your vision low, because you would be carrying on the photographers vision. But with such precise and skilful attention to the detail of the eyes, lips and clothing, I can see that you chose to draw it for those reasons; to capture the features of the face, and it's interesting view point. Therefore, I have awarded 3.5.

From your description, I know that this is pretty much a direct copy of the reference, which would mean I would rate you low for originality. However, to choose such a beautiful reference, which would challenge myself and many others, must be applauded. Also, the image that you chose to draw had a high contrast, of which you brought back with more mid tones, is a pleasant change from the original, which gives it more life and realism. Therefore, I have rated you 3.5 for originality.

Your technique in this is more brilliant than ever, and deserves such a high mark! The first thing that really strikes me is the eyes, which I guess was your main focus point. The shape is almost exact, and the shading and blending on the iris's is brilliant and looks extremely realistic. The eyebrows have also been drawn the way in which I prefer them; with every minuscule hair, which compliments the eyes also. I can see that paid great attention to the shape of the eyebrows, as you have captured the sharp angle of which draws the viewers attention across the rest of the face.

The proportions are more or less superb, giving it a great likeness to it's original. I absolutely love the way in which you drew the eyes and lips, as you included almost every crease, highlight and shadow, which makes them extremely believable and 3-D. Your overall shading is really good, as you have balanced the soft skin values and slight shadowing on the face well. Therefore, I rate you 4.5 for technique.

Overall, from your choice of reference to your precise and skilful technique, this has a magnificent impact on the me. As I said at the beginning, the eyes hit me almost immediately; as they look so real and photographic. Above everything else, the thing that makes or breaks a photo-realistic piece are the eyes, and as you have done this so well, you deserve five stars! <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/s/s…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Smile)"/>

I think that this is amazing and is getting so close to being a flawless piece. Bearing the critique system into account, I think that you would benefit from changing a few things in the reference that you choose (if you choose one). As long as you pick the right references for you as an artist, (much like this one) I know that I will see even bigger and better things from you in the near future - and I can't wait! Well done, you really deserve it! <img src="e.deviantart.net/emoticons/b/b…" width="15" height="15" alt="" title=" (Big Grin)"/>