"Emma"
mixed media on cardboard 8x10
As I have mentioned too many times on this blog I am scared when it comes to portrait painting. So much so that I avoid it at all costs. I just don't have the patience for anything less than perfection despite the fact that I love art that looks messy and imperfect.
I am continuing to be inspired by Misty Mawn's class and was finally ready to try a portrait. I went into it thinking that I would be messy and not worry about getting everything just so. I was the first portrait I ever tried with just starting to shade in shapes. Typically I would sketch out something perfect and try to fill it all in. While that may work for some artists I enjoyed this process more.
I used a piece of cardboard again that I layered with paper collage and gesso. Using only watercolor crayons and gesso this girl eventually emerged. The most fun for me were the final touches, the stamping, outlining, shading around the edges to bring it to life. I really like her face. I surprised myself with this piece. Of course in the end I got a bit perfectionist when it came to her eyes but I just love the eyes!
The name just popped into my head when I finished her. Not sure where it came from but maybe she told me! ;)
I am sharing Emma today at Paint Party Friday.
xo
Beautiful!! Loving the texture and her!
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane!! I am addicted to the texture of the cardboard and paper!! Glad you like her! :)
DeleteGosh, Cathy, your girls are wonderful!! This portrait is gorgeous and I just love the colors you are using and the texture you are getting! Beautiful!! And ... you inspired me to also link my painting to PPF. I've never participated there before... Love, Silke
ReplyDeleteShe's beautiful!! You should never be scared! You're a wonderful artist!
ReplyDeleteHi cindy!! Thanks so much! :)
DeleteBeautiful piece of mixed media. Happy PPF and have a great weekend, Annette x
ReplyDeleteTHanks Netty! Happy PPF! Hope you are having a great weekend too! xo
DeleteVery beautiful! I'd say this process really works for you. I love all of the texture and rich colors.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, thanks! I am really enjoying the process and the texture of cardboard! I struggled with the colors but like them alot now! lol
DeleteCongratulations for taking on this portrait- I think it is a complete success!!!! I hope you do too! Looking forward to seeing more portraits from you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Carolyn! I am hoping to continue with portraits if the fear doesn't get me! ;)
DeleteCathy yes she is really lovely, her eyes are great, so shiny and full of life!
ReplyDeleteThe eyes are my fav part to sketch and now paint! Thanks!! :)
DeleteABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFUL! have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU WANDA!!! xoxo
DeleteI am very drawn to your color palette and the emotion of your art. Captivating to me.
ReplyDeleteHappy PPF!
Sheri Cook
Happy Horse Studio
Happy PPF Sheri!! THank you so much! I am so happy that my art is speaking to you in some way! :)
DeleteHer class looks amazing and everything you've created is wonderful!!!
ReplyDeleteDaniele! Yes! Misty's class is amazing! Hope someday you have the chance to take one with her. Thanks!
DeleteSo very wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt's really inspiring how many online classes you take!
Love this portrait...the triad palette of secondary colors is my fave! :)
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Thanks Mary!! I am quite addicted to online classes. I have trouble keeping up with all of them though! lol It can be a bit of a problem!
DeleteHappy PPF!
This is just lovely and I really like the extra detail around the eyes and the depth they give to it... this is very cool and I love Misty Mawn's book... such a great resource...happy ppf xx
ReplyDeleteMisty's book is great! I bought the book before I took the class. Love it! Thanks Tracey!! :)
DeleteBeautiful! her eyes are so poignant! Patsy from
ReplyDeleteHeARTworks
Thanks Patsy!! I love working on the eyes!! :)
DeleteThis is beautiful Cathy. This process seems to work fr you. It looks great. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!! I really like this process so I hope to keep going with it! :)
DeleteShe's beautiful...yay for you breaking through that barrier.
ReplyDeleteThanks!! It feels good to keep pushing through the fear! Although I did almost give up at the ugly stage! lol
DeleteEmma is beautiful, awesome work!!!
ReplyDeleteLove her. She has expression and depth. Her eyes and mouth tell a story. Beautiful
ReplyDeleteNicole/Beadwright
Love the colors, love her face, very sweet!
ReplyDeleteI love her face too. You did great. Blessings, Janet PPF
ReplyDeleteI adore Emma and I suppose I should....my daughter shares the same name as your gorgeous beautiful girl. They are both too beauties.
ReplyDeleteI especially luv the way you made her hair flow in the wind , carefree and innocent and her expression and eyes are just lovely.The composition and colors are nicely done. Thanks for sharing.