When I look at Joe Pesci I think mmm. I’d love to be that happy in life; hope he’s not secretly hiding some dark dark sadness. Then I think man… i wonder if he’s Devito’s secret brother! I digress

This ink sketch is pretty good in terms of likeness. That cherubic cheek with pearl like expressive eyes. The famous side hair thing and the outstanding trip chin. It’s got a lot going for it!

However, when you put it side by side, the portrait suddenly falls short. Suddenly, it looks like there’s not enough contrast; the ink drawing looks like a white washed photo. the nose and mouth both needs to be more grandiose! I think the head could have been even more calabash gourd shaped than it is. In many ways Devito looks like a real life caricature because he has such strong features, as actors should. It behoves the artist to lean in all the way on them.

Here are the pros and cons of this artwork:

Pro

• Looks like the guys from a mile away!
• Very effectively captured the expressive nature of the person

Con

• Not enough contrast, the dark areas need to be way darker
• The mouth and nose are too small
• Devito’s strong features are toned down; maybe the artist was afraid of caricaturizing the portrait

Rating: 6.5/10

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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

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