Friday, February 10, 2012

Challenging Myself . . .

untitled
mixed media on 8x10 cardboard

I feel tired as I write this post. I was up late last night painting. Creatively, I seem to do my best work at night. I try not to though because I need my sleep! But this was just one of those moments when I had to break the rules.

I am taking Misty Mawn's "Open Studio" online class. Up until now I have just been soaking it all in and not creating much. But something finally got to me and I needed to try to take my art to another level. I have been wanting to paint faces and also sketch directly onto the canvas. I wanted to not be afraid of painting a messy face. I want to embrace the imperfect. I am finding that of many things I am learning from Misty that is a big lesson for me.

I used a piece of cardboard for a canvas and I love it! I also loved painting directly onto a layer of gesso. The texture and tooth feel good under my paintbrush!

It was just fun to be messy and just let this girl speak to me. It was a whole new experience for me. As you can see from the initial sketch below I didn't intend this girl to be sad and teary eyed. I was originally thinking, light, happy, and lots of hearts. I initially resisted the colors I chose, didn't like how her face was coming out, and then just gave in.

I initially resisted the colors I chose, didn't like how her face was coming out, and then just gave in. And I am so happy that I did! I really love her! I think I will be using more cardboard for a canvas in the future! Its a cool surface to paint on!

For those of you who have painted on cardboard . . . any tips on finishing? I need to spray fixative on her but other than that what do you recommend?

I am sharing her over at Paint Party Friday. Click HERE to join us!
xo

18 comments:

  1. Oh I think you have captured her... I love it. It is a bit intimidating to take the classes, take it all in, but that first attempt is exciting and scary as well.
    Have fun, you have done a fabulous job! xo

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  2. So glad you gave in, she is beautiful!

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  3. Glad you listened - she turned out melancholicly beautiful!!

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  4. I think she turned out great! The colors are really nice.

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  5. Wonderful creation ~ love your style ~ well done ~namaste, carol (Share the Creative Journey)

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  6. I too fear painting a piece after so much work in illustrating an art piece but starting slow and applying the paint on the smallest piece always seems to work for me. She is beautiful and the background green is happy and gives her a sense of rebirth.

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  7. It looks so sad and crumbling...Saludos

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  8. Omigod i LOVE this! My jaw dropped - literally. She is obviously exactly as she should be. And I love her eyes... xoxo

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  9. Love her, Cathy!! She is beautiful and her colors are bold and strong! Can't wait to see what you create next!!! Love, Silke

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  10. Cathy she is beautiful and so glad you didn't give up. My heart feels a connection with this painting...some sadness, yet hope underneath the surface. She's lovely. Great job! :)

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  11. I'm so glad that you followed her lead--it's the best way, and it helps you grow--love the direction that your art is taking you.

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  12. so WONDERFUL WONDERFUL! i have done more soaking than applying as well! xo

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  13. I think it is magical and beautiful. You simply must do more of these. It would be a great series in my opinion.
    Happy PPF!
    Sheri Cook
    Happy Horse Studio

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  14. Sometimes it feels so good to just paint with no expectations. I like her messy make up and tear stains. Maybe her make up is smeared because she laughed until she cried.

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  15. Lovely Cathy, good to just give in and follow your instincts...I have that feeling, wanting to do something new that's itching me, I'll see where it goes... Keep on enjoying and having fun!

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  16. I love the colors you choose. Very nice beautiful art.
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  17. Your painting is beautiful and moving. I know how you feel about the up late painting - I get really involved in my work and blog and get overtired too!

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