sawdustus of hiawatha

[sawdustus]

This is my first attempt at a portrait. It's my mother-in-law who is 94. It does not have a finish on it yet. I will post a finished picture when I get to put a finish on it later today. I am including a thumbnail of the original photo taken last spring, and one of the pattern I developed after many, many, many hours of fooling around with Adobe Photoshop 4.0 Home Edition that cam with my printer several years ago. I think I need one of those tablet drawing things to make my lines smoother and finer. Any comments or advice to help me get better will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

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[Mackem]

hi sawdustus, i don't think you need any help or advice,that is one portrait to be proud of.congratulations on a job well done.

kevin/pitbull

[ozarkhillbilly]

It looks like another winner to me, one that I am sure is going to bring many smiles.

[utbva]

You have done good George. The cutout is a very good likness of your mother-in -law. I agree with you, any hints or suggestions are very much appreciated.

[sstalker]

George,

Very nice job. I am sure that will be a cherished possesion for years to come.

I am in the process of playing in PSP for photos of my grandkids. I sure hope mine turn out as well as yours.

Steve - Toledo

[MikeDingas]

Good job on the pattern and the cutting. Since you've already cut the pattern, advice is somewhat moot. However, I would closely examine fragile areas like the teeth and a very thin remaining line on the left side of the head adjacent to the brow lines. Strengthen these as best as possible. I did a pattern where the teeth would have looked odd is connected to the lip. so, I preserved the teeth dropout and simply glued it in place to the backing.

[SharonW0111]

you did first rate job there-- you did an excelent job-
Sharon

[Gill]

I know it sounds sloppy, but the eyes express a wonderful youth, vitality and love. It's one of the best portraits I've ever seen.

Gill

[Minnesota scroller]

Those tablet drawing things are handy. I have just a small Wacom and have been using it quite a bit lately and would never go back.

[Steviegwood]

NICE!!! George, that is first rate work. Now I know how to make some points with the wife and mother-in-law. haha Steve

[sawdustus]

sawdustus of hiawatha

Thank you all for the wonderful comments. I really appreciate them. They have encouraged me to continue trying my hand at family portraits. As promised, attached is the finished and framed results. FYI, since I need this for tomorrow night, I finished the 1/8 bb ply with several coats of spray lacquer because it will be behind glass (photo taken without the glass to reduce glare). I did spray both sides to prevent warping. The black background is two coats of black acrylic paint put on a 1/16 bb ply backer with a foam brush. No finish on the paint. It is in an 11x14 frame that I found in my attic.

Mike - Thank you for the suggestions. I like the idea of gluing on those parts that just fall out or break off. No one would be wiser when the picture is framed. I could have strengthened the piece to the left of the brow lines by connecting it to the rest of the hair either above or to the left and I will if I cut another copy. I did not stack cut it because I was not sure of how it would turn out.

Gill - You are right mom is very loving, full of life and has always had a great sense of humor. She lives with us and absolutely adores her greatgranddaughter and fortunately gets to see her (as do we) several times a week as our daughter and son-in-law only live 20 minutes away.

Minnesota - I think I will buy myself one. I am glad that it does not have to be the big one and that the small version works well.

Steve - The portrait was originally for my wife, but she said to give it to mom for Hanukkah. OK by me since she will still see it every day.

ss mom framed.jpg

[PuzzledMoose]

That looks great, George. As others have said you captured the likeness well. I'm sure you MIL will love it.