Waiting

Tonight finds me drawing Carole Bowles in the vintage dress she wore for the civil war reenactment at our farm. I am really learning from each figure I draw.  The compositions come easier with each one, and the permanence of ink no longer scares me.   It is fun, and relaxing even.   Who knew?   Thanks to my friend Lyn Pharis, for inspiring me to take up pen and ink this January!   Painting number 1282 on 1282 days :)

Waiting
Pen and ink on paper, 6x7
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Painting from the Pasture

Painting From the Pasture
Acrylic on masonite, 5x7

As the final assignment in a figure class this month, I have painted myself!  The photo reference in from the civil war reenactment we had in the pasture, where I invited the MVIS artists to capture the event in paint.  One of the women from the camp loaned me her dress, and voila - I became a period painter!  The hat is one I paint in, and the apron was one I had tucked away from who knows where!  Using my limited palette of acrylics, I blocked in the values and colors that shape the scene.  Next, I tweak those masses using loose, impressionistic strokes.....although I may have tightened up a bit on my palette and brushes.  They are prized possessions that make my life a joy - so, I guess they’re allowed the extra attention!  Twice, I have forgotten to pack my make-up and curling iron on out of town plein air trips, but I always have my art supplies with me!!  This is painting number 1183 in 1183 days.

block in

Raggedy Ann

Raggedy Ann
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
purchase here

Tonight finds me painting another of my favorite childhood toys - Raggedy Ann!  I pulled this little darling down from a shelf, and set her up to paint (while watching the Chiefs game)!  I remember dressing her - and seeing her little red heart with the “I love you” in the center.  I had to lift her dress just to see it again!  My oldest daughter also played with her, so her dress has now been “bedazzled” with jewels around neckline and sleeves, but I omitted that little addition in the name of nostalgia!  This painting makes number 1103 in 1103 days, and Day 10 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.  :)

Cantina Dancer

Cantina Dancer
Oil on panel, 6x12

With a busy day under my belt, the wise decision tonight would have been to choose a small, easy subject.......but my heart was leaning in another direction.  I took my first Zumba class on Friday - and it was SO much fun, and the images of dancers kept creeping into my mind.  I have never painted them, and have always wanted to - so, once again, I am experimenting with totally new subject matter!  Using loose, impressionistic strokes to show the movement, this was a constant push and pull with the temperature.  The darks of the background are reflecting the light too much, since I have finished this so late in the day.  I will try to take a better one in the daylight.  I'm letting this painting rest for the night, but I may very well make a few changes on the face and back when viewed in natural light.  This one makes 384 in 384 days and day 19 in the 30 day painting challenge.  I should totally choose an easier subject tomorrow!

Tiffany with Cello

Tiffany with Cello
Tinted graphite on bristol

Still following the music theme, here is one I put together from several different sources.  Tiffany is drawn from one of her wedding photos, while the cello is drawn from another photograph.  She now plays the violin, which would make a lovely portrait, but at the time - she had been playing the electric guitar.  That would have make a totally different kind of portrait!  Whenever you merge different references, it is very important to make sure your light sources match.  One thing I find when I am working with the tinted graphite, the lead is harder than my beloved 8B.  Which means, I can not achieve the same deep, deep darks.  The graphite is just too gray for that.  Having the tint helps in this case.  I even added a bit more warmth with a watercolor pencil.  This drawing makes 202 in as many days :)