Honest Art Review: Gaunt French Model Portrait

When drawing a portrait that is neither caricature nor photo-realism, the key is for the artist to capture what makes the subject stand out and articulate them in lines that is congruent to the artist’s style. This is what make portrait art worthwhile and yet not comical. Otherwise, you might as well just frame your photograph!

Here is what went well in this rendition and what didn’t so much:

Pro

• what stands out are the sharp features of the eyebrow-framed eyes, nose, and cheekbones. The art captured it pretty accurately, giving you the right “feel”.
• The artist changed the angle of the head ever-so-slightly, with his eyes gazing directly at you. I think that is a more emotional choice.

Con

• The shape of the eye is just every so slightly different than the real ones, thus giving the viewer a sense that it lacks accuracy. The eyes, mouth, and shape of head are the most important to get accurate.
• Since the drawing is black and white, contrast is very important. there is a lack of contrast, which makes the art one dimensional looking.
• The ears look like an afterthought. It is correct to not put much details into it so as to not distract the face, but if you choose to do that then make lean all the way in.

Rating: 6/10