Painting hair.
7-1 PRACTICAL APPLICATION - PAINTING HAIR
Subject: Driving me hairyJohn,
Was writing the other day about women's hair. This one (attached) is giving me problems trying to make
realistic ... thanks.My reply; You are not having trouble with hair, you are just overdoing its rendering. In a painting hair is not
drawn, it is colored! First decide the general color (try and add a repeat of some deep facial coloring) then block
it in as if it were just another part of the face. Add a few individual hairs (not too many) as they fall across the
forehead, or as the light highlights them. Let the rest suggest themselves. The mind of a sentient needs only the
minimum of clues as too many becomes boring. Any study of Rembrant (in particular his self-portrait 1629)
will sufficiently demonstrate the proper balance.The facial moulding in the picture you sent me is excellent!
Block in the hair as if it were part of the face - not hair! In general try and create a dark side and a light side of
the face with a definite turning point (see lesson on analysis - Vemeer), and don't be afraid to alter things to
create a feeling in the finished product.http://www.geocities.com/~jlhagan/lessons/practicalapplication3.htm (1 of 4)1/13/2004 3:54:17 AM