Little Old Lady Sketch

Charlie Eve Ryan · 26 Jan 2016, 16:06

Where is this gal off to? Sketching...

Will Terry · 27 Jan 2016, 03:17

Hi Charlie - I know you're going for a more primitive look but I think you might be able to incorporate more structure...I'd love to know what @Lee-White thinks about this one...

Charlie Eve Ryan · 27 Jan 2016, 17:20

@Will-Terry Hey Will, thanks so much. She definitely looks much more steady on her feet in your example. Thanks for the break down, it is really helpful. I'll incorporate those tips. We wouldn't want her to slip and bust a hip on her way home to her lovely fat kitty cat.

Charlie Eve Ryan · 27 Jan 2016, 18:36

@will-terry Here is a revision, I think her structure and stability is better but now I need to work on the gesture to make her look like she is moving forward. Thanks again.

Rich Green · 27 Jan 2016, 18:41

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan - what if you moved the cane to her other hand and had it sticking out a bit more forward in front of her. I think that might give you the motion you are looking for and would also create a far more interesting shilouhette as well (like you had in your original).

Charlie Eve Ryan · 27 Jan 2016, 20:42

@will-terry @rich-green thanks Rich..I just a quick fix, adjusted the legs and moved the head up a bit so she is moving in one direction. I think it is coming along. I will get back to her a bit later tonight.

Charlie Eve Ryan · 27 Jan 2016, 21:01

Although I may have lost a big of the structure lol..I'll fix it

Rich Green · 27 Jan 2016, 21:07

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan - I still think you might want to have her cane in one hand and her bag on the arm of her other hand. I did a quick image search for older ladies walking with canes and came up with the samples below. Seems as though they tend to keep them in different arms. Which would make sense if you think about the mechanics of it. Plus I think if you were to put the cane in her hand farthest away from the viewer - it opens up her 3/4 body position a bit and create a nice combination of the angle Will was talking about, but also provides that nicer silhouette you had going.

Charlie Eve Ryan · 27 Jan 2016, 23:05

@Rich-Green, you are right I think it will help open up her stance and balance the image. Thanks

Kevin Longueil · 28 Jan 2016, 00:46

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan Not sure if this is an opinion worth sharing but here it is - for me the first sketch is very nice and whether or not it needs to change might be relative to your environment design...that makes sense right I think I would like to see how the environment she is going to be in is treated - if the environment has the same feel to it - the same quality of line and semi-flatness of space I think it will look great and no changes should be made to the original character - the original Madeline illustrations come to mind - the environment is just as quirky as the character designs in those books and it all works together - I know you have gotten great feedback from Will and Rich but I just thought I would share my thoughts - I really enjoy your style and character designs

Charlie Eve Ryan · 28 Jan 2016, 01:00

@will-terry and @rich-green Here is a revision using a reference photo and switching the cane and bag.

Charlie Eve Ryan · 28 Jan 2016, 01:06

@Kevin-Longueil Thanks Kevin. That's definitely something to think about and consider. How she works in the story and the environment. I do think there is something cute and quirky about the first one that may not be transferring on the other takes. I love the Madeline books, I'll have to go back and take a look at them. Thanks again.

Rich Green · 28 Jan 2016, 03:07

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan - I have to say that I really enjoy the added pop of color with the green sweater and I also like the different purse with the smaller handle. That really adds to the feeling of her being an older woman the way you have her holding onto that.

I think all of your work is always really nice - so which ever version/variation you choose I am sure it will be fantastic.

But if nothing else I think this was a worthwhile exercise as it really did take the character into new directions and added bits of extra personality!

Charlie Eve Ryan · 28 Jan 2016, 14:05

Thanks @Rich-Green. The bit of green is nice and the purse style does work better. I may make her a bit more stocky. Thanks again for all your feedback, it is much appreciated!

Will Terry · 28 Jan 2016, 16:30

@Charlie-Eve-Ryan I love your revisions!

Charlie Eve Ryan · 28 Jan 2016, 17:29

@Will-Terry Thanks so much for the help, Will!!

Joy Heyer · 28 Jan 2016, 21:42

I'm sure you are sick of revising...but I feel you have lost some of the character in #4. I miss her humped shoulders and her head pushed far forward.

MOO · 28 Jan 2016, 22:41

You've done a great job!

Charlie Eve Ryan · 29 Jan 2016, 14:42

Thanks @Joy-Heyer and @Marsha-Kay-Ottum-Owen ...I'll keep fiddling with her pose and will probably make her a big shorter etc.