One Year Ago Tomorrow

One year ago tomorrow, this is what was happening.  I painted a portrait using one of my "sketchbook sweeties" (tiny sketches in a tiny Moleskin).  I have always liked this painting.  She is now in a frame hanging in my home studio.

Below are some progressive shots and a little bit about the process.

The photo above is why I don't show progressive photos of my art too often.  Yikes.

 First, I glued down one single sheet of scrapbook paper using gel medium onto a canvas panel.  The paper was cut to fit the 9 x 12 inch surface.

Then I paint directly onto that.  I really love painting on paper, but you have to be so careful.  However, gluing the paper down to sturdy surface like a canvas panel makes it easier to be a little more aggressive with paint and even a little bit of sanding which is what I did here.   

I painted, sanded, painted sanded.  Sanding makes the work look a little aged and it also is great for adding highlights where you want them.

Like the eyes...

or lips.

I used a Pitt pen to make marks on her clothing.  As you can see they are really simple, but when you stand back from the painting it looks pretty neat.

Untitled
mixed media on 9 x 12 inch canvas panel
2013

Above is the finished painting.  I used oil pastels to highlight the roses and cheeks.  I was tempted to do corrective things like widening the shoulders and trying to make the face more symmetrical, but it just seemed so finished this way so I didn't. 

 I never named it...for some reason I could not think of one for this painting.  

I love to look back at my photos a year ago from the present day...it's like looking through a journal.  

Now I am in the mood to paint with acrylic and get the sandpaper out.