For this week, digital portraits. Creating realistic portraits causes quite a debate in the art and design circles. Usually along the lines of: “Why bother? Why not just take a photo?”.

Having attempted one myself, I know a lot of time goes into it. Mine was from reference (using an existing photo to look at as you draw/paint). I spent roughly 10 hours doing it with a mouse. The result: something softer and similar looking to the original reference. Why did I bother? It was practice. Getting used to the techniques and such before I tackle my own ideas. No doubt I will do a few more from reference in the future.

Do people deserve credit for copying photographs? I personally appreciate the efforts of anybody who has put time into their work, whether other people think it is pointless or not. Though, what I really appreciate is when something is added to the image which takes it beyond what any photograph can achieve. That is when the artist really does get credit they deserve.

I have featured below a few digitally painted portraits which I really like.

[Note - When looking for portraits, I came across an article which featured my own painting! It was quite a surprise to say the least. You can see the post here]

Nykolai | Quietly

Fat-JedGfx | Thom Yorke the Android

Edana | Grazed Knees

MikePMitchell | Self Portrait

BikerScout | Elisha Cuthbert

Click the image below to see the full size wip of the above image.

BikerScout also has a little tutorial on painting skin textures which you can read, link below.

Painting Skin Textures

Enjoy.