Friday, February 17, 2012

Meet Emma . . . A Portrait

"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

34 comments:

  1. Beautiful!! Loving the texture and her!

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    1. Thanks Diane!! I am addicted to the texture of the cardboard and paper!! Glad you like her! :)

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  2. Gosh, 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

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  3. She's beautiful!! You should never be scared! You're a wonderful artist!

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  4. Beautiful piece of mixed media. Happy PPF and have a great weekend, Annette x

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    1. THanks Netty! Happy PPF! Hope you are having a great weekend too! xo

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  5. Very beautiful! I'd say this process really works for you. I love all of the texture and rich colors.

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    1. Debbie, thanks! I am really enjoying the process and the texture of cardboard! I struggled with the colors but like them alot now! lol

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  6. Congratulations 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.

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    1. Thanks Carolyn! I am hoping to continue with portraits if the fear doesn't get me! ;)

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  7. Cathy yes she is really lovely, her eyes are great, so shiny and full of life!

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    1. The eyes are my fav part to sketch and now paint! Thanks!! :)

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  8. ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND WONDERFUL! have a great weekend!

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  9. I am very drawn to your color palette and the emotion of your art. Captivating to me.
    Happy PPF!
    Sheri Cook
    Happy Horse Studio

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    1. Happy PPF Sheri!! THank you so much! I am so happy that my art is speaking to you in some way! :)

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  10. Her class looks amazing and everything you've created is wonderful!!!

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    1. Daniele! Yes! Misty's class is amazing! Hope someday you have the chance to take one with her. Thanks!

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  11. So very wonderful!
    It'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

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    1. 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!

      Happy PPF!

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  12. 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

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    1. Misty's book is great! I bought the book before I took the class. Love it! Thanks Tracey!! :)

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  13. Beautiful! her eyes are so poignant! Patsy from
    HeARTworks

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  14. This is beautiful Cathy. This process seems to work fr you. It looks great. :D

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    1. Thanks so much!! I really like this process so I hope to keep going with it! :)

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  15. She's beautiful...yay for you breaking through that barrier.

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    1. Thanks!! It feels good to keep pushing through the fear! Although I did almost give up at the ugly stage! lol

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  16. Emma is beautiful, awesome work!!!

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  17. Love her. She has expression and depth. Her eyes and mouth tell a story. Beautiful
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  18. Love the colors, love her face, very sweet!

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  19. I love her face too. You did great. Blessings, Janet PPF

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  20. I adore Emma and I suppose I should....my daughter shares the same name as your gorgeous beautiful girl. They are both too beauties.
    I 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.

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