The rosy red cheeks of the little children
Drawing & arting & scribbling has been going pretty well. The boyfriend has been persistent in scooting me off to the art room after work. I work on something - even if it's just a new scribble - almost every day, which is far beyond where I was even a few months ago. It's been good. Most days I need a little push to get me off and working because I'm so tired from my 9 to 5, but it's easier than it was. As the weeks go on and as I'm working more, art is becoming a source of energy rather than a frequently stressful drain. I guess it's the difference between a passion and a hobby. I can ignore hobbies, not happily, but it is possible. But when I say something is a passion, the only choice is doing it or having it lapse back into a hobby. Anyway, I'm glad I'm keeping the art going. It seems the only thing I'm sacrificing is reading. I've only read 200 pages of a novel and a graphic novel in the last month or so. It's embarrassing.
I am happy to announce that I drew from life for the first time in years this past week. Part was fear that I'd lost my drawing chops, but most was that I never made time for this kind of art. It's pencil, water color, and oil pastel. I don't know if those three can go together in real life, but they seemed to work here. At least I think they seem to.
And for old time's sake, here's a new scribble. I drew this when I was going to rescue my boyfriend from the bowels of Las Vegas and the stress of living alone with both of our pets. So here we are. This drawing has nothing to do with that, but when I look at it, I clearly remember the turbulence of the flight and how it made the word balloon head look like a zombie. Hope it's not too shaky.
Comments
If you keep improving like this I'm going to officially commission you to paint me up a painting of my beautiful face before it falls apart due to the ravages of time.
I think you corrected the most serious flaw I saw in your other self-portrait...that being the lips. The other painting (I assume you know which one I'm talking about) featured gigantic black lips that went across about 75% of your face. It made you look a bit like a goth monster crossed with the actual Paige. It was weird. Don't get me wrong, though. It was a good likeness. I could tell it was supposed to be you, but I like this one a lot more.
How long does something like this take you?
Ah, yes, the Elvira lips. I hate(d) them, too. I try not to correct things I post on here, but I went over those black lips with a bit of gray and white before I posted the painting. And still I looked like some goth teen. Oh well. AIt doesn't matter as long as I'm getting better, right?
I am glad that you like the new self portrait. I was nervous that I had lost my chops. I am certainly rusty, but I am glad whatever meager talent I had before has not up and left while I was off pursuing foolish dreams of becoming a lawyer.
If you want a portrait, send me a picture. You'd have a decent turn-around time on receiving an original piece of art. This drawing took me three or four evenings (maybe 6 hours?). So not too long, and interestingly about as long as it takes me to reproduce a scribble.
Hah, I can think of a couple reasons why that's not ever going to happen.
I think your self-portrait turned out really well (on many levels). First, choice of colors: (cheeks + lips + sweater) and (glass frame + neck area) flowing nicely. Second, the expression: even though you painted this with a loose style and few strokes, the expression in the face comes across as real/genuine. Third, the great challenge of drawing from life. I usually do o.k. when I am drawing from life but never from a mirror - it always ends up being a disaster (I am not sure why). For this reason, I am more impressed by this painting. Fourth, mix media: if you didn't disclose, I wouldn't have picked up on that until I examined the painting a little more, which is great. Great treatment of glasses (with white and green). Good job overall.
Take care,
AE.
Hi eebs! I love your daily doodles, so I am thrilled that you commented on this piece. I also really appreciate the thought and consideration you put into your comment. It reminds me of a much nicer version of commentary from my last art teacher, who was always giving me grief because of my "hasty" style.
I unfortunately don't have the luxury of drawing from life unless it's from a mirror. I've been doing it for years. My only consistent options for my art are a mirror or working from photographs and clippings. The only problem with drawing from a mirror is that I look upset because I'm concentrating so intently on my work.
Anyway, thank you! Your comment was extremely thoughtful, kind, and will definitely help me with my future art-making.