Portraits help please

[scottb3569]

I have been seeing all these portraits being done from original pictures. Please please tell me how to get started with this I have a couple of good computer programs including micro soft pro that can do alot. but not sure if it can do this.

please any information on how to get started with this would be very greatful.!!!!

thank you to all the reply in advance

[paul44224]

Hi Scott, and welcome to this great forum! To do what you are asking, you need Paintshop, a somewhat expensive program, or Gimp, a free program (just google gimp), or, some people prefer Inkscape. At scrollsawvillage.com/forum , there is a very good tutorial on how to use gimp. Would also work for Paintshop, as they are very comparible.
Hope this helps!

Paul

[oily]

Scott, Here are some free programs you can DL that will save you some work.
For me the Bamboo Pen is a must have. You can find them on line or locally.
I also use Corel Draw 4x

IrfanView - Official Homepage - one of the most popular viewers worldwide

Photo To Sketch Standard - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Downloads

PosteRazor - Make your own poster!

Bamboo Tablets | Wacom Americas

[Powakee]

Scott, you've already completed step one by being here and looking around. Asking questions is step two. Step 3 is more complicated because, if you don't already have a favorite photo drawing program ~ you are about to and that takes some time. Step 4 is doing your actual drawing. There are plenty of posts on this web site about how to highlight different shadows and look at different pictures different ways. Read them. I made a portrait of our former governor and I used 3 different photos and merged different parts to make the portrait. When I showed him the piece and asked him to autograph it his comment was that I made him look younger than he was. So, at least he recognized himself. Part of what I am trying to say is that ~ in the end ~ it will be your eye, as the artist, to finishing the drawing before you begin cutting. So, don't be afraid to experiment. You will learn that sometimes how you think someone looks is more like what they think than what an actual picture shows. Use your fingers as a guide but cut with your heart.

Good luck.
John