[GRAPHITE] Roy Batty

–click for full view–

*note*  This is from March 8, 2008

Tools:

Graphite
11×14 Strathmore Bristol Smooth (lightly sanded)

Can you believe this: I only used ONE.. that’s right… ONE sheet for this. No throw-aways! I’m shocked, considering I threw away so many when doing the Bianca piece, and one that I never completed.

Pros:
I like how the shading came out, better than expected. Darks are still a tough spot for me, but this came out well. I’ve learned how to do minute varicose veins and have them appear under the skin (not showing in the scan, though). I’m also patiently learning hair, and his was a terrific example of practicing. Though I wanted the “frame” to be a solid black (shading variations were evident) with a title bar/engraving on the bottom, I managed to transform it to a wood grain. Sure, it could be better, but I’m happy with it.

Cons:
I was planning to have a very detailed background, but it would have taken me months to do. I don’t wish to jump to far ahead of myself (and spend so much time on a fan-boy piece), so I transformed it back to a plain view. I messed-up on the left eye (his right), at first making it too big, almost Anime-like. I’ve learned to NEVER use my solid graphite pencils to lay down much at all. It is nearly impossible to remove. I used it to outline the eyes at initial start-up, and could not for the life of me remove the lines. I’ve learned that it is best to use the mechanical pencil. I need to invest more into getting more B leads for it. The lighting for the right side of his face (his left) doesn’t look so… well. It should be brightly lit, yes… but, it doesn’t look correct when drawn.
* Time unknown (approx. 9-11?) spanned over 3 months (spare time)
* Ref taken from my limited edition Blade Runner Ultimate Edition DVD Decker’s Briefcase. Image is of Rutger Hauer as Replicant (android), Roy Batty.