Shading

Shading, a photo by momoo50 on Flickr.

Today I am working on shading. I am revisiting week one of the class to feet ore practice. Really have to watch the videos several times to understand all of the nuances. Practice, practice practice.

The eyes have it

The eyes have it, a photo by momoo50 on Flickr.

It is amazing how a change in the eyes can soften the look.

Watercolor crayon painting

Watercolor crayon painting, a photo by momoo50 on Flickr.

I am trying to master color and shading. Using acrylic I have to find comfort with the paint and how much to use. Sooooo, I colored this with water color crayons. I have more control and I likey.

Have to work on my proportions.

I like drawing faces, but my passion is color, painting paper. Making beautiful and intricate backgrounds.

Painted background

Painted background , a photo by momoo50 on Flickr.

I have been taking an online e course, Expressions, taught be Regina Lord of Creative Kismet, since April 1st. It was a 30 day class, but the site will be up until December to review video lessons.

This portrait was painted on a cardboard packaging insert. I gessoed both sides to make it strong, painted a background using oranges, greens and yellow, then I drew the portrait and painted with wash of white..

After I completed the portrait I looked at in disbelief.....this talent, this side of me has been buried for so long. Though it is a long story that I may someday tell I realize in burying pain, I buried who I really am and what I can do.

There.is so much about me I need to discover. Maybe through art I will find me again.

Face practiceimage

Face practiceimage, a photo by momoo50 on Flickr.

Practice removes fear. Two weeks into the expressions class, getting more comfortable. I still need a lighter touch with the pencil. I drew this portrait while sitting at the bus stop. I keep my journal with me at all times now.

American geisha

American geisha, a photo by momoo50 on Flickr.

Week 15 of Lifebook, portrait in black, white and rose. I am just learning how to draw faces. I have been also learning to paint then. Need a lot more practice as I find my own unique style.

Side view image 1

Side view image 1, a photo by momoo50 on Flickr.

Practice with side drawing

Creating Fun

I have been spending the first three months of this year participating in on-line courses.  I used to say taking courses, but it much more than that.  I am participating in the creative process and it is really fun. The part that has been missing is recording the experience here in my blog.

Participating in these courses is truly a Pilgrimmage.  I am learning so much about the process and myself.  My fears are slowly but surely eroding.  I have to say that I am most happy about that aspect of the journey.  The classes I have on my plate are 365 days of Journal Fodder (need to catch up), Lifebook 2013, Expressions E-Course, Getting Started with Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, Joy Journal (so far behind, but I am determined to get started) and 21 Secrets.  Is that enough?  I think so.  I really need to sit down and prioritize, but that is another project.

What have I done?  Well let's see,

 Heart Connections-Lifebook 2013

Stumpification project - Lifebook 2013

Colorful page from 365 days of Journal Fodder

There is a lesson here and it is to try.  Try to do the best you can with what you have.  Try to keep an open mind and be willing to be attempt things you though you never could do.  Be willing to laugh at yourself and believe me I have laughed a lot over these past few weeks, but I have enjoyed the process and that is what is most important.  So, over the next few months, I will be showing Works in Progress, completed works and commenting on the overall experience.

Take care and blessings.