Recently the Motor Transport Marines of my Combat Logistics Battalion and the engineer Marines of Combat Engineering Battalion conducted joint training for counter IED and Lane sweeping techniques. Of the CEB platoon was a squad leader named Sgt Collins who displayed confidence, knowledge, and command presence. My inspiration to create a portrait was kindled. The day was clear and cloudless since the snow had blown through just a few days before, so with the sun in full participation, I took a few photos to later work from. Below is the progress of my work since the watercolor realm is still new to me.
The initial layout in graphic pencil. Here time for proportions should be taken. It's easier to erase pencil than watercolor.
A few steps in, I laid the first wash for the sky, then began the major colors and shapes for the uniform. I mostly used combinations of Veridian, Burnt Umber, and Yellow Ochre. I also included some of the shadows early to break up the smaller shapes.
Here my focus was the skin tone and creating the form under the Kevlar using the shadows and darks.
This was the most consuming part. The values depicting the shadow of his helmet but also the reflected light you see in his brows and eyes. Also, the shape of these shadow really brings the convincing look to the form of his face. Again, more reason this took a little more time. The other detail was the NVG mount and goggles which took only a few minutes. The next step was to put a loose wash and a few details on his weapon, touch up his uniform, and darken the upper right corner. Once this was done I'd call it complete.
Here is the 11x14 final product.
