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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Dreamer is Finished!






After being inspired by Daisydolls Rebecca Anthony I decided to try drawing a head portrait with flowers on the face and different colors. Rebecca has these techniques down pat and after getting her permission I am posting my version using a similar style to hers.

I painted the entire picture on watercolor paper using Luminart Twinkling H20's watercolors. (see below post for link to their site).

As you can see above I started with a pretty plain drawing of a lady with her hands on her face (hands are rather difficult to draw - and at first I put the thumbs in the front, then I posed my hands on my face and realized it would be impossible to have the thumbs in front DUH! Then I pulled out an acrylic flower stamp I had from a few years back and (using stayzon black ink pad) I stamped 8 flowers around her face). Then my oldest son asked me why I put a flower beard on the lady... so... I thought adding another flower as a ring on her finger would make it not look so much like a beard - lol. Plus I read somewhere that having an odd number of objects in design helps balance the eyes out or something like that.

Next I used pan pastels (skin color) for her complexion but didn't like it so I basically erased it with an eraser. Then starting over I simply drew curved lines down her face and hands then painted them in using similar earthy tones. The blue flowers really stand out with these colors and I was once again inspired by Rebecca's use of this color contrast in her beautful series of eight paintings.

Once finished... I asked my (non-artistic) Hubbub what he thought and he says, "Do you want my honest opinion?" (No hon! I would much rather you lie to me!) and he continues... "It's not my favorite piece of your art!" I must admit, that hurt! But I know I can't expect him to like everything I do! It is definitely not in my nature to be so daring with color or painting over faces in unrealistic shades - now lettering over top of my faces I LOVE to do and am completely comfortable doing! LOL! I however really love the drastic nature this piece took on and I know it's because of my inspiration from Rebecca, so thank you Rebecca for inspiring me to get out of my comfort zone and playing with color!

Hugs to you all and Happy Creating!

Photobucket

16 comments:

Janet Ghio said...

I like the way you made the lips look like petals or leaves. And I like the colors you chose!

Rebecca Anthony said...

You're so awesome, look at those lips....I love it!

Aarti Harish said...

Hi Kelly...I like this different perspective of a woman's face...neat work...loved the colours...!!

Carol said...

I love it. I love it. I love it. I do some drawings with flowers over the face and body, but I use a lightly flowered floral print. I cheat.

Unknown said...

so lovely

Diane said...

Well, I love it!! You did Rebecca proud!

Jo said...

Hmm my DH makes similar comments about my work sometimes - but its all valid, I suppose, even if it cuts deep at the time.

But doesn't the title 'Dreamer' imply an exploration of the extra-ordinary, the whimsical, the magical, the non-conventional? Can't say I often see particularly realistic images when I'm dreaming - they resemble more the Wonderland World of Alice!!! Personally, I love the hovering blue flowers, sending ponderous shadows across the toffee-sweet visage of my mind!!! hee hee!!!
Hugs xxx

A'n'G Johnson said...

good for you for branching out! And I like the end result - the colors are really interesting as are the flowers. It makes me stop to look because it isn't just a face.

joanna said...

Hi Kelly!! Love your new painting! glad I came over to visit! Twinkling H20's are my favs!so sparkly. Hope your having a a great summer :)
xoxo

CreativeMish said...

Awesome! I love the colors and the color of her skin really makes the flowers pop! Great job!

Butterfly Works said...

You set a challenge for yourself and you certainly accomplished it....she's colorful and loaded with joy.......

Don't be deterred......look to those to appreciate what you do...

Hugs

LuLu said...

Howdy Keyy,
I really like the colors you chose. I enjoy unexpected colors -to me, it's a sign of great ceativity!

Thanks for stopping by to visit my blog!

Peace,
Mary Lou 'LuLu'
BLOG Art: www.lulu-too-beaucoup.blogspot.com/
BLOG Heritage: http://www.the-family-connection-tfc.blogspot.com/

SOLO EXHIBITION - Save the Date!
Franklin Framing & Gallery, Blue Island, IL Sep 25 - Oct 23, 2010, Opening Reception: Sep 25, 2010, 7pm-10pm, Free parking in Rear

Katie said...

I really love your painting! You've drawn the hands really well :)

Genevieve said...

Wow! It's stunning, I love it! The colours are fantastic - all my favourite colours.

Theresa said...

I really liked how your piece came out. I find this style very captivating~ Have a great weekend!
~Theresa

A'n'G Johnson said...

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