DESIGN PRINCIPLES - PROJECT 1

May 12th (WEEK 6)

NG VEYHAN (0349223) / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

PROJECT 1

---

Lecture Notes:

The self-portrait we are to create is basically a recap of everything we have learned so far, therefore we are supposed to take everything that we have learned in previous weeks and try to include them into the painting. However, I feel that it would be near impossible to absolutely include everything. 

---

Practical:

Visual Research for Self Portrait

(Fig 01, Composition Reference, 19/5/2021)

(Fig 02, Lighting Reference, 19/5/2021)

When picking out some reference images, I tried to focus on the placement of my subject as since there is ideally no other distracting elements, the composition of the image can create a stark difference in the overall feel of the image. When picking a setting for the portrait, I had already decided on a general setting for the portrait, therefore I used the picture above as a reference for the atmosphere that I wanted to convey in the picture.

---

Idea Exploration for Self Portrait

(Fig 03, Brainstorming, 19/5/2021)

Initially deciding on what medium to use for the portrait, I settled on digitally painting as due to certain time constraints at the time making it difficult to gather large portions of material to be used directly in a collage format. Going for a softer look for the portrait, the use of a strong light source in my painting is a no go, as it would be very hard on the viewers eyes. A "fluffy" sort of lighting was what I was aiming for, which could be best portrayed in a morning scene with warm colours. I also wanted the subject to contrast from the background, thus using colours with lower luminosity to be used in the background.

(Fig 04 - 06, Rough Compositions, 19/5/2021)

Paying extra attention to the composition in the reference image, I realized that the rule of thirds was in play. The eye of the subject should be placed on one of the focal points in order to attract focus. I found it fairly difficult to find a proper pose which could fit that criteria due to its proximity closer to one corner or another made a symmetrical composition hard to achieve.

(Fig 07, Preliminary Sketch, 19/5/2021)

Deciding on the composition, I began to start sketching. Using myself for reference, obviously, I tried to find a pose which would minimise the amount of negative space present on the right side of the image. sketching a rough shape of my face did take a little refining, but I felt it came out fairly accurately.

(Fig 08, Composition Check, 19/5/2021)

(Fig 09, Eye Rendering, 19/5/2021)

Sticking to a technique that I was more used to when doing other illustrations, I painted the initial render in complete grayscale, only converting it to colour afterwards. When rendering the brows, I found making a rough looking texture for the eyebrows challenging, as well as defining its edges without having it look too sharp.

(Fig 10, Face Rendering, 19/5/2021)

Rendering skin was no easy task as well. It looked fairly rough as I was inexperienced in using an airbrush-type digital brush to create a smooth transition of lighting. Regions of light and dark on the face was also fairly hard to define as some shadow edges were well-defined and sharp, whilst some such as those on the cheeks curve to create a more gradual change.

(Fig 11, Pose Render, 19/5/2021)

Figuring out the colours to be used in the image wasn't too hard. The colour palette largely revolved around orange and yellow, with ambient lighting tinging most elements in the image with an orange hue, along with some sharp orange keylighting.

(Fig 12, Finding Colours, 19/5/2021)

(Fig 13, Colour Render, 19/5/2021)

I was trying to find a suitable background to be used in the image, when it occurred to me that I could use an image of the table I use, and it wouldn't conflict with the theme of the image in any way. Snapping a picture of my table while trying to get a proper angle, I ported it to Photoshop and continued.

(Fig 14, Table Reference, 19/5/2021)

After completing the table, I worked on rendering lighting for the final image. Subtle effects such as light shafts and "dust" was added at this stage. I also noticed the hair looked a little flat, thus I used a brush to add flyaway strands for embellishment. 

(Fig 15, Colour Dodge Light Shaft, 19/5/2021)

Completed Self Portrait

(Fig 16, I'm Not Much Of A Morning Person, 19/5/2021)

---

Reflections and Feedback

Feedback:

Reflection: This project was rather interesting as I had not attempted to paint in a semi-realistic fashion before. Most of what I am used to when illustrating cartoonish characters still apply here, but the lighting rendering as absolutely brutal in comparison. After this experience, I might consider doing more illustrations with similar rendering, though something more fantastical would suit my taste.