Russian Drawing Course: Skull for Critique

[Debbie H]

Hi everyone.

I’d love some feedback on my graphite skull drawing, both structure and shading. Skull measures 27 x 22cm /  approx 11 x 9”. I really value an honest critique because it helps me grow, so please feel free to say what’s not working as well as what is. Thank you in advance 🙂.

Deborah

[Dominique Dève]

Hello,

I admire your patience and your search for details! I am a drawer too and I can’t spend so much time on a piece. For me, you could try to make your shadow darker (using a softer graphite pencil may be) and increase your speed to go to the essentials… But it is Just the way I work ( you can check my style on Instagram at @eventuraportrait). Keep on working!

[Debbie H]

Hi Dominique,

Thank you for your kind words and feedback. I suspected my shadows weren’t dark enough, so thank you for saying so. I will work on that. In relation to working faster, Iliya says to keep the high levels of detail for the parts closest to the viewer, so I wonder whether it would be better to lose some more of the detail in the shadow towards the back of the skull as it wraps around away from the light?

I enjoyed looking through your Instagram feed and followed you 🙂.

Thank you again.

Deborah

[Charles Hu]

Hi Deborah,

Great Draftsmanship!  There can still use bit contrast in few of Deeper areas to give more depth as well as contrast.

I gave you few suggestions on grouping your background value. So it can work more cohesive with your skull.

[Debbie H]

Hi Charles,

‘Thank you so much for your suggestions. I’ll add more contrast and depth as you suggest. I appreciate your direction for background shading. I didn’t know how to plan it besides knowing I needed to create contrast between the skull and background. Your ideas give structure/flow to the background that are really helpful. I’ll work on that too.

Thanks for your time,

Deborah

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