A quick study this morning of Ringo Starr, ex-Beatle. But of course, is there anyone today who doesn't know Ringo Starr is an ex-Beatle? He replaced the first drummer they had, whose name escapes me now, and soon afterward they hit the Big Time. George Martin, who produced the Beatle's music once said, "Ringo Starr is one of the most phenomenal drummers of all time." Next time you listen to the Beatles, pay particular attention to Ringo's drums - they're fantastic. Ringo also wrote a few songs, he said he only knows three chords, so he would write the songs in those chords and give them to George Harrison who would return them beautifully embellished in ten to twelve chords.Click here to view another sketch I drew of Ringo when he was a much younger man.
graphite in moleskine
Another portrait already - that was quick! ;) Instantly recognisable, you got that funny expression of his spot on!
ReplyDeleteWow! That's an excellent likeness.
ReplyDeleteWow! Your starr really shines through on this one! (I think you need to bind your work together in a book) Did someone say... Lulu?
ReplyDeleteLovely job with his features - especially the mouth, and I like the balance between the soft details of his face and the openess in his suit. Really nice job.
ReplyDelete(oh, and the drummer's name was Tommy Moore)
Fantastic job Jim; that really looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteMike
www.birdmansart.com
Yes, I'd recognize him anywhere. Spot on!
ReplyDeleteJim, thanks for your comments! To answer your question - I don't use an eraser to get highlights if I can avoid it. To do things like stitching, I draw two parallel lines where the stitching will be then I mark inside those lines with little notches about the size of the stitch, just a bit wider, and shade around them. The edges are softened and rounded. It's very easy but looks like a lot more work and fiddling has gone on than really has! ;) I might rub it too with my finger to smudge it if it's too bright. I don't like drawing hair so I try to cheat wherever I can (I don't like drawing negatively!) and try and do the shadows first (usually upside V shapes) and work around them, rather than have to work it all out first. Whiskers, I indicate where they are going with two parallel lines, draw around them and work in making them as thin as I can. This way the paper is still bright white because if you pull out with an eraser the paper can get quite grey and then you can't go back. If you leave it and it needs to be softened you have more control. With hair though I do end up taking out highlights but they are never pure white - I keep pure white for things like the lights in the eyes or the tip of the nose, and only those so that they really stand out. HTH! Thanks for asking, I love talking techniques!
ReplyDeleteBoth portraits are wonderful. Love the darkness of the charcoal.
ReplyDeletePeter Best...!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, nicely executed and recognizable even without the description...and I agree: Ringo was a subtle master.