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Monday, February 11, 2013

Woman


Woman


I am loving doing portraits.  Even though I have a lot to learn, it is really fun to think that I am beginning to create something on paper that is realistic in nature even though I am only capturing a feeling or essence from a photograph.  Noses are really hard for me, but the gesso is sort of forgiving and I love how it gives the appearance of skin with wrinkles and all.  As I stated before, I am thrilled with how the collaged background comes through into the work.  I imagine it gives character.   In this morning's email an artist friend chatted about how she saw progress in her own drawing after doing 100 drawings.  We shall see if that is the case for me, 98 to go.

Myrna Wacknov created 365 self portraits in 2010 for her book Drawn to the Mirror.  I may have to attempt ink midstream after more practice.  Oh and she did hands!  Also I think I will try adding more gesso along with the drawing pencil like Ann Bagby does.  So much to explore!

5 comments:

Roberta Warshaw said...

Faces are a challenge to be sure. But if you can capture a likeness you can paint anything.

I used to do many self portraits of myself back in the 70's. When I look at them now I find them to be quite shocking. The way I saw my younger self is quite unnerving.

Cathy Farrell said...

Beautiful, John! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am planning on taking Jane's extreme composition in April, and I'm signed up for Collage Journeys in VT. How about you?

Brian Kasstle said...

John! These are wonderful! Keep going! Enjoy! The gesso and the paper underneath are great.

john said...

Hi Cathy. I plan on taking the extreme composition as well. I will be taking Jane's class on abstract painting at the Pacific NW Art School in July. The school is on Whidbey Island in Washington state. Glad we will be in extreme together.

tgarrett said...

I am impressed with your taking this on John. I have such a time with portraits.