Gotta tell you the story...

Put yourself in my shoes.

My intention for working in my studio today was to "create something different".  I wanted to venture out from realistic looks.  So got out my paper and taped it to the board on my easel.  I started off by scribbling with water color crayons and blending them with gesso.  I kept some squiggly lines on each side to maybe use for hair later on,  Then I drew the outline of the features of her face using Paynes Gray acrylic paint and my palette knife.

I got out my little palette knife and worked for several hours on the details.  It is a very tedious endeavor because the palette knives aren't really conducive for fine work.  So it's a matter of making a mark and reworking that mark several times.  I happen to enjoy the process.  She was looking pretty good I thought.  Don't you?

I started to receive little nudges from my creative muse.  There were two messages I received.   #1. Although the piece I was working on was looking good it wasn't what my intention was for the day.  To "create something different" was my intention.  #2.  Out of the corner of my eyes I spotted, sitting on my inspiration shelf, my I Wanna See You Be Brave piece that I did a while back.  That was all it took to push me onward.  It's about stepping forward.

With little thought as what to do next I grabbed Carbon Black acrylic paint and Permanent Violet Dark acrylic paint and started smearing them on.  After those dried I added Micaceous Iron Oxide, which is one of my favorites.  I tried to stay clear of the features on her face.  This is the results.

I could feel my inner critic wanting to chime in but I shut her down quickly.   My muse had urged me and I was without doubt that the story wasn't going to end this way.  I couldn't deny the truth, tho, I thought she looked like a pretty werewolf.   I looked at her intently and thought what can I do?    So I laid the board flat and started dropping rubbing alcohol on her and wiping it off.  I then took my charcoal pencil and drew her a chin and one side of her neck.

"Beneath it All"

I am liking her so I titled her.   I don't think she is done but I will stop for now and look at her for a while to decide what to do.  My husband, John, will be surprised when he sees it.

Thanks for your encouragement and support.

Lady who needs a name

This morning I woke up with the yearning to draw/paint another piece of art using only palette knives.  This would mark my 2nd  piece where I only used a palette knife.  The chatter in my head was trying to plant the seed of doubt.  And to be honest,  for a brief moment I was a little leery, but I quickly flipped the switch on that thought.  What the heck ~ let's do it.  I just began at the beginning.  I am still tickled to see this body of work comes from me.  Makes me want to keep reaching to see how far I can go.






I used 4 different sizes of palette knives and my fingers.  Those were my only tools.

Here is ......... (she has no name yet)

Any ideas?

 Thank You for your support and encouragement.

two hours later, she arrived

My creative journey consists of ebbs and flows, each serves a purpose and there is always something to be learned.  There is one thing that I know for sure... I receive abundantly no matter what my circumstance is.  It is my duty to keep my attitude about being brave in check (click here to read the story) I have a  renewed sense of confidence that I am on the right path, creatively speaking.   I have received compounded messages that have propelled me to step REAL BIG out of my existing boundaries.  Tonight was a splendid example.  See this blank piece of artist paper taped to the board.  I declared openly on FaceBook that I was going to draw/paint a face using only a palette knife. I had never done anything like this before yet I firmly felt see that I had the capability.  I set forth with joy in my heart.   I put on loud music  (I normally create in silence), I was dancing (sometimes rather erratically),  and I had a blast.  I had no clue what I was doing but I just kept going.

             Two hours later, she arrived.

                              

I had a fantastic group of women who were cherring me on, with their virtual pom-poms.  Success is never accomplished alone.  I am grateful to everyone who believes in me and who delivers encouragement and support.  YOU believing in me helps me believe more in myself.

Thank You very much.