For this week's Friday Face OFF link party
of art featuring faces, hosted by Nicole of
DVArtist, Art, Food, Gardening blog . . .
Remember that famous National Geographic
1985 cover photo of the Afghan girl?
We did a copy of it in coloured pencils class.
As usual, my facial shadows were done
in too dark a brown, but oh well.
And trying to reproduce that hijab
damn near killed me.
But her eyes turned out well
and they are the most important
and haunting element
of that incredible photo!
[Art & photo of art by Debra She Who Seeks, 2023]
45 comments:
Incredible and instantly recognisable.
😯 Your painting of the poor girl is really
fantastic 🤩
Happy FFO 🍮☕
You have captured her beautifully Debra - her face tells her story.
Hello Debra, I have a confession: I never much liked that picture--she always seemed to me like a casting extra from The Village of the Damned (great movie, though--both of them, but especially the original). Your portrait, however, has improved her immeasurably. You have toned down that stare a little, and the textures of the hair and head covering are remarkable. I know the original was a photo, but photographers, like all artists can intensify or otherwise alter reality. You have taken away her uncanniness, but restored her humanity.
--Jim
...I will never forget this face!
Your too hard on yourself...that's gorgeous and looks to me, spot on. Many of us couldn't do that.
The eyes are perfect! Love it.
I love it. Such a gift you have.
Very nice. You doth protest too much. (the not ironic version)
@ Parnassus (Jim) -- Thanks for that assessment. Wow, who knew?
She came out wonderful!
That was 1985? Wow, time runs...
You captured her and that haunting look in her eyes.
Looks good, congratulations for this painting.
Have a good time.
Violetta
I definitely recognize her. I think the whole face you drew is amazing. Lovely work Debra. I think National Geographic found her later on and shared a photo of her. I had to go look for it. Here's the link if you're interested
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/afghanistan-sharbat-gula-national-geographic-italy-1.6263477
Happy December. hugs-Erika
@ My name is Erika -- Thanks so much for that link! I did not know she was able to escape Afghanistan a couple of years ago to receive safe haven in Italy! Such good news -- I'm so happy to learn of it!
Excellent! I know that photo
Interesting drawing. I'm not familiar with the National Geographic cover of which you speak. I've rarely ever read that magazine.
OMG!!!!! This is stunning. You are a master at portraits. Just stunning. Thank you for sharing with FFO and have a very nice weekend.
It looks great to me. I can't draw at all.
Ohhh yes.
Iconic photo.
I like what you did: it’s not photorealism. It’s art.
You infused her with your vision.
Love it.
XOXO
AWESOME!!
Who could forget that photo? Excellent drawing. I used to love drawing with coloured pencils.
Life is okay, had issues with spam and unwanted visitors on my main blog, so sadly had to put it on private. I can't see that changing I'm afraid. The place I loved became somewhere unsafe and no longer fun. x
Well, I think you did a very good job with it. By the way, did you ever see that they were able to find this young girl as an adult? Her eyes were exactly the same.
@ LL Cool Joe -- Sorry to hear that the trolls and haters ruined your main blog, those bastards.
Your rendering softens her just a little, but those eyes ... Wow!!
@ Kay G -- Yes, I saw the photos of her in middle age when they found her again. She had a hard life in Afghanistan (like every woman there). But now she's living safely in Italy, apparently -- free from the Taliban at last.
Wow..What a great job!! You really captured her eyes..You're very talented...I've never tried faces..I'm sure they wouldn't be anywhere close to this...I'll stick to landscapes...
That looks incredible!
I like the color red.
Coffee is on.
Great portrait.
i was just about to post the same link that erica posted. a great story, a moving photo and a great rendition. i always loved that photo.
I am glad people posted followups as to what happened to her.
I can see what you mean about the facial shadows, but I still think this turned out pretty good.
Yes, those eyes are what mattered, and you recaptured them well.
I also remember both photos, but the eyes in your drawing are INCREDIBLE.
oh my god you did INCREDIBLE job once again
yes i remember the show om geographic and her eyes were talked about everywhere wow you are amazing dear friend as you could draw those eyes with same power and beauty almost Bravo!!!!!!!
I am sure that we all hope and pray for better days in Afghanistan. I heard that it is a beautiful country. We should be sending food and medicine. We should not be sending weapons. I have faith in the peoples of that tragic country.
Fantastic job!
Sassybear
https://idleeyesandadormy.com/
Wow! What an awesome portrait ~ love it ~ thanks,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Fantastic - I saved that issue because of the cover.
Amazing, Debra! I didn’t realise how multitalented you were.
I remember that photo well. It's a beautiful interpretation and execution of it.
Such an iconic photo. You've really done her justice with your portrait. So glad to read that she has found safety in Italy - wish that were so for all Afghan women.
I love your rendition; what a beautiful young woman with much to tell.
Well done and remarkable job on your artwork🎨
I just shake my head in awe of your talent.
Post a Comment