Self Portrait, Trying out scary lightning and Charcoal (progress)

[Banshax]

Ref used from self portrait with one low headlight.
Trying to figure out how to work with shadows and proportions.

The Reference \\ The first try \\ The Fourth try
http://www.exclamation.nl/spiritus/illu/Portrait/5.jpg http://www.exclamation.nl/spiritus/illu/Portrait/1.jpg http://www.exclamation.nl/spiritus/illu/Portrait/4.jpg


But how to do this properly for the next try, Same way? shadows first, then lighter parts? or..

[Hanuka]

start off with linework. sketch your head, make sure proportions and perspective are right. then start shadowing. i usually do darkest parts first and then work towards the lighter ones. guess, that's how most people work.

[Eew]

wel .. to do those shadows you got 2 choises : first -> you just copy exactly what you see without any understanding /second-> study faces ,heads , skulls ... learn planes of the face and the shading will be easier then you think , but for shading you have to first take out the light ares and start building up from light to dark .. (i hope im right ..if not then big srry from me .. )

[Banshax]

Thanks for the tips. I have a pretty decent idea how to figure this out. The important part is the setup and undertanding. At least for now. Did a 6th version with a buildup as well. Rather fun to do actually.

Focused really hard on getting the head rotated forward, or at least the impression of more depth
http://www.exclamation.nl/spiritus/illu/Portrait/wip6.gif http://www.exclamation.nl/spiritus/illu/Portrait/6.jpg

[USER777]

dont ya worry about shading or depth at your point..
first try to get the proportions and shapes right.. when you are capable of doing that you can begin to think about shading.. not before!

[SaIiLdVaEnR]

start off with linework. sketch your head, make sure proportions and perspective are right. then start shadowing. i usually do darkest parts first and then work towards the lighter ones. guess, that's how most people work.

It's the other way around. It's easier to edit an image using traditional media if you go light to dark.

Aidan

[Banshax]

Excellent feedback, i guess shading is a bit much for now. Ill work more on the true character of the face (Proportions) instead of doing freaky lighting. Makes sense to do this one step at a time, however its kinda hard to use lines and have fun, guess ill cheat a little and shade em nonetheless, just to keep me motivated.

[one2hit]

There is A LOT going on in that reference picture...I think it's far too much work to attempt for a first portrait. Do some self portraits using a mirror if you can..I promise it will help you, just make sure you do some speedy ones, and some slow ones with more detail and attention to shadows.