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.
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| 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.
