Chen's Sweatshop

[schen]

I called it the sweatshop because I am sweating over this task.  It is my third restoration work here and I dived head first into this one.  The previous two had very little damage to the faces.

So far, I have been focusing on her face and neck.  Before I go into it too deep, I would appreciate any comments and advises.


Original


Current state

[kstruve]

Chen,

I think you're doing a great job so far.  It looks really good.  (Wow, she's a cutie, isn't she?)

Kurt

[Dave]

Schen,

I echo Kurt's sentiments. It definitely looks like you're on the right track.

Dave

[glennab]

Chen:

And ditto!  What a great start.  She looks natural and "photographic" rather than painted, and your color is realistic.  I'm impressed.

She's definitely a doll, Kurt.  Reminds me a little of Liv Tyler.

Glenna

[Tess (Tassie D)]

Wow, great job so far Chen.

Reminds me a little of Liv Tyler.

She sure does Glenna.

[schen]

Now I got his face cleaned up.

Behind her right shoulder, there is a round tile trivet.  My name appeared at the bottom of the tile :D
Fate brought this picture to my restoration.



Current state


My name on the tile trivet

[klassylady25]

Wondering:  is your first name is Kit?  LOL

[Ratz]

It's coming along beautifully Schen!!!

[schen]

Here is the latest.  Comments and advises please.

[glennab]

Hi Chen

Awesome job!  Even better that your name graces the masterpiece.  The only improvement I might suggest is that you eliminate a little more of the splotchiness on Dad's face, Liv's hand and her chin, and tone down the shiny areas on Dad's face a bit. I know the shine is in the original, but I don't think that slight improvement would compromise the restoration. Mucho kudos (what language is that????) for some fine work.  I'm so glad you're with us!

Glenna

[schen]

Thanks Glenna for pointing out the areas that need more work.

I did have a hard time deciding how much original blemish to keep.  Before I read your comments, I was working on putting some graininess back to the blue curtain behind Dad.  I thought that might soften the face of the Dad.  Also, I believe I overdid Dad's jacket.  I need to go back to the original to get some texture/folds back.

I kept the high contrast of Dad's face, thinking that might give Liv's face a softer look.  Of course, Liv does not need any help to look pretty.  I will work on her hand, chin and Dad's face.

I've been painting over RGB channels with 3-6% black/white to adjust the blotches of the skin.  I found that preserves the texture much better but it is tedious work.

I am glad Christine had confidence assigning this one to me.  I definitely learned a lot from restoring it.

[schen]

I gave Liv's left hand and Dad a facial.  Let me know anything else I missed.  Thank you.

[kstruve]

You've done a really good job on this image.  Nice work. :)

Kurt

[Ratz]

Well done Chen, looks great, they should be really happy with that one!!

[schen]

I darkened Liv's forehead and lightened up her dress.  I also reduced the contrast of Dad's face more.  I think I should turn it in now.