anne_w, in response to some of your queries...
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I wanted to paint it, but since I have never painted since school, I haven't bought any colours yet (and I still doubt if I will ever use them if I do buy them).
Out of curiosity, what type of paints? This can make a big difference as to what effects you will get with a piece, and some are easier to use than others. Acrylics dry quite quickly - sometimes too quickly for some people - and they have the annoying tendency to darken as they dry, making it very difficult to do touch-up work. Oils can produce some beautiful results, but you need good ventilation and precautions when using paint-thinner, as the stuff is very flammable. Watercolors dry quicker than oils and slower than acrylics, but they can be tricky to use if you aren't used to them. As for tempera and gauche... Well, I admit that it's been years since I've used either... ^^;;
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What about the colors? They are difficult to decide...
I would actually like to see some brighter colors. The Weasleys always make me think of brilliant, intense colors, and Molly is no exception. You don't need to go overboard, but the hair and sun, in particular, would be nice to see in some stronger shades. Don't be afraid to add a splash of crimson or a dab of chartruese. Pick out some bits and pieces to brighten up and add a bit of spice.
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Is the basket in her lap a bit "too much"?
Nope, not at all! In fact, I think it works very well. When we see Molly in the series, she's often doing several things at once (knitting, cooking, cleaning, trying to keep Fred and George from blowing up the Burrow...), so the basket in her lap, plus the various objects surrounding her, seems to be a good representation of her character.
However, her left arm (the one circling the basket) seems to be a bit out of proportion. Her wrist is oddly jointed, and the whole arm appears to be too long.
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And how do I get her to get older? Shorten the neck maybe? comfier chair?
Her neck is very well proportioned as it is; I wouldn't change it. And a larger, comfier chair might detract from the other aspects of the piece. To make her look older, I'd recommend a few wrinkles. You don't need a lot, nor do you need to draw them in very dark. However, some light crows-feet around the eyes or smile-lines at the corners of her mouth can do a lot. Or perhaps a few streaks of grey in her hair.
Also, you may want to think about lightening her skin tone a bit. Not that that isn't a lovely tan that she has, but red hair is generally accompanied by fair skin, and a paler complexion will really help some of the colors pop out more.
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Ah, yes, I wanted her to look a bit like "the Empress" in Tarot, because it kind of fits her.
Yes, it does, and I think you accomplished this very well!
I hope I was of some help to you. Keep up the good work; the more you draw and paint, the better you will get at it. And don't be afraid to experiment a bit. It's amazing how much you can learn when you try something new. (Even if it doesn't end up working how you wanted it to.)
~Pia'Sharn
Feb 17 2007, 05:08 PM
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