Faces 11 & 12

2013: 22

(prismacolor pencils)

Remember the process I told you about in my last post?

It works with paintings too!

For today's faces, I printed out copies of an underpainting I created last August...

2013: 23

(prismacolor pencils, watercolors, white gel pen)

And, started playing with the possibilities!

Faces 9 & 10 (And, A Favorite Process Revealed!)

2013: 20

(prismacolor pencils)

You may recognize this girl from yesterday's drawing.  

I created her by using one of my favorite techniques...

One drawing, endless possibilities...

When I make a drawing (like the one yesterday), I scan it into the computer.  Then, if I want to play with it some more, I lighten it up (in a photo editing program), and print it out on 110lb. white cardstock.

2013: 21

(gouache resist)

Then, I can play, play, play!

Face 8

2013: 19

Keeping it simple today...

Just a mechanical pencil, blending stump, and gum eraser.

Face 7 (?)

2013: 18

I spent a little bit of time playing with yesterday's face...

(I'm not sure if this really counts.)

Maybe I'll have time for 2 tomorrow. 

Face 6 (A Face-In-Progress)

My time for faces was limited today...

But, I did manage to smoosh around some burnt umber and 

quickly block in some values.

Hopefully I'll have more face-time tomorrow!

Face 5: "Be Kind To Yourself."

2013: 17

"be kind to yourself."

It's a message for you, it's a message for me.

The "gremlins" got to me today.  While creating today's warm-up, some seriously negative self-talk started.  I realize the irony.  These warm-ups are supposed to be a type of daily play...  A 5x7 start to the day where I can try out new things, or play with old ideas without any pressure.  Well, apparently just because I call it "play" doesn't mean it's free from the judgement of my nasty inner critic.

I have read quite a few blog posts recently of artists being very hard on themselves, or thinking they aren't good enough.  And, as a result, I have found myself writing comments like, "Please be kind to yourself."  So, while creating this piece today, I reminded myself of the advice I freely give to others.

I think it's very easy to fall victim to the beastly dialogue from an unforgiving voice in your head, especially when the work of so many amazing (seemingly perfect) artists are just a click away.

I'm still not sure how I feel about today's painting, but it was good to push past my doubts, face the nasties, and embrace my imperfections.

So, my friends, my message for you today:

Be kind to yourself!

Face 4

(An iphone photo of a page in my sketchbook)

I (usually) have a Monday through Friday studio schedule, but I (try) to create some sort of artwork every day...

Over the years, I have gotten used to doing things, drawing things, and painting things a certain way.  But, one of my favorite things to do (particularly on weekends), is check out the way other artists create their artwork.  I really think we all have so much to learn from one another.

Today, I drew along with one of Tam's videos.

Tomorrow I'll be back in the studio, but for today I'm happy just playing in my sketchbook...