Behind the Mask by novelist
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
This could probably be in Mixed Medium, but since I only rendered this in Daz Studio, I kept it here. I'm always experimenting. My grandmother (who died long ago) was a professional artist and when I was a little girl I used to spend weekends with her. She'd keep me entertained by teaching me new types of art. One day that has been most vivid to me is when she showed me how to tint black and white photographs. The one she was working on was a dancer, and if I recall correctly she used lambs wool, linseed oil, and oil paints. Years later, I became a dancer. And now, I'm contributing to a gallery surrounded by many talented artists, trying to replicate the feeling of those old photos she used to work on. If she could only see me now! She would never have imagined this type of technology. I suspect she would have loved it, too. So, this is for Marguerite's memory. She influenced me more than she'll ever know and would be pleased to see all the artists out here who are equally empowering and inspirational. I've decided that digital art is more fun for me than cleaning brushes, and in the end less expensive than buying art supplies.
I liked how the use of the filters and layers I was playing with showed the glamorous side on one half of her face, and the more haggard side on the other. Let me know what you think. If it works, if it doesn't work. It's not meant to be a perfect woman. That's rarely my goal. I'm working toward men, and other scenes, too. I am toying with all the software options right now.
I am intrigued by flappers lately, yet decided this was more of an emotional portrait than about history.
Daz: V3, Razzle Dazzle hair
Poser World: Boa
Pearl Necklace was free by Maveris, probably found here.
I tried to make the pearls point to gravity, but they wouldn't budge for me. Since this is an experiment, I left them as is. Maybe she is wearing body glue. : )
My texture on the boa. I'm obsessed. I bought the basic Filter Forge, and downloaded some other types of free plugins from other sites, and am having a blast with layers. When I learn how to create decent materials, I'll upload some free ones here.
Thanks for viewing! I appreciate all your comments. I accept constructive criticism, too. It keeps me going.

Comments (27)
Great retro feel, nice work.
Excellent image! Superb head tilt and lighting! 5++
you are amazing
beautiful old photo feel, I think you captured it perfectly! and what a wonderful dedication! Beautiful work
I think you captured it perfectly. The lighting does give the effect of her tired side. Really interesting work and nice dedication. HUGS Maria
A very beautiful portrait. They used to use similar lighting to keep the movie starlets looking wrinkle free (full face, of course). Interesting what you were saying about your Grandmother teaching you the art of retouching photographs. I have quite a few examples of that art... including some old sets of retouching paints, inks and tools in my museum of photography.
Magnificent piece!!!!!
Wonderful and very beautiful retro portrait....!!! Splendid lighting....!!!!
Beautiful light and idea...bravo!!!:o)
Just beautiful ! , splendid work ! Ana
Excellent light and Fantastic work.
A well done piece. I agree about CGI, too. I used to paint years ago. Actually did so professionally but prefer computer art because I can change my style more fluently. Old B&W art photos of the 1920's are very intriguing and definity worth a look.
This is beautiful..striking lighting. I love the contrast of the two sides of the face, and the coloured lips...a great way to re create a hand tinted photo look. The sepia tome of course gives a soft and old time look to the image. Great job, and a nice memory of your Grandma!
beautiful portrait.
This image is beautiful..I honestly can't see anywhere I would change..except maybe the necklace..darken it a little bit..it seems to draw you away from her face...Lol..K
Splendid tones and light... a great portrait!
excellent work)
Wonderful portrait ! Love the melancholic mood in it.
This is such a beautiful portrait, so much softness in it, beautifully done :) Your grand-mother sounds like such an amazing woman, how very wonderful it must have been to be in her company, thank you for sharing your story :)
beautiful portrait and colors, excellent well done.
This is absolutely beautiful. I love the mood and the way you used the fog around the boa and in the background. I'm sure your grandmother would be very proud.
This has an old time feeling to it,it's nice and i like the blurred background too. It's very moody,and that's a cool thing.
When I discovered your image I first thought to the famous Parisian "Studio Harcourt" which still exists today after 3/4 century (since 1934) of existence, see here: http://www.studio-harcourt.eu/ And what you did here is a total success! 5 stars of course!
excellent portrait! like the sepia look
Excellent portrait, and beautiful light render and tones of dark brown. A great romantic composition!
Fantastic work, Cathy. Even if it came from toying around, as you call it.:) It is great because it is simple.. and it has the same cool touch, as a black and white photo. Wonderful atmosphere.+5
Beautiful portrait i can see my mother as her, 1920 something. The feeling is so fitting that time.