I don't know where this expression originated but it seems to be appropriate for how I feel about the final results. The color didn't photograph very well and the odd dark shape in the lower right hand corner is the arm of my chair that I used to prop up the painting to photograph it. Still, I think I am on to something with this technique but I am not happy with this image. Her nose is too long, so it ruined the face for me. I think I removed too much of the ink. You can't see the effect of the bleach enough. This will probably see collage or gesso in the future. I think I will do the next one by totally covering the page with full strength ink and draw with a chalk pencil then bleach out leaving more of the ink behind. This painting is a full sheet. I think I will work on quarter sheets until I have the right combination.
Our branch library is closed for renovation, so I returned my books to the main library in downtown San Mateo. When I walked in there were arrows on the floor leading to a Friends of the Library 1/2 price sale. Well, I practically swooned! All the art books were marked $1 up to $3 and then they were sold at half of this ridiculously low price. I decided to be nice and leave a few books for other people. I paid a whopping $5.25 for my bag load of books which included a hard bound 1961 original edition of Faber Birren's "Creative Color". Signed copies of this book are going for $129 but, alas, no signature could be found. Since I already have this book, I will have to find a creative way to pass it on. Any ideas?
Sunday, November 8, 2009
CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR!
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11 comments:
Myrna,
I think your rendering of this portrait is masterful, but I agree that her expression is lackluster. So, I wonder - is it really your rendering or just her expression that is displeasing? I think it's the latter.
Oh -- I, too, love booksales. You made some great purchases! Wow. I keep thinking about our move when we retire and the hundreds and hundreds of books we'll have to deal with. So, I started selling the ones we don't need anymore in booksales. However, I keep buying more. Oh, dear ...
Ooo! Ooo! me! me! :)
I'm working and learning color now and I'd love this book if you'd sell it. Our Friends never have art books (sigh) (or else someone else gets there first every time).
But honestly how about you do a drawing/giveaway like Donna Zagota had not long ago.
I still think it is great! An artist friend of mine gave me a box of inks and I can't wait to try this! I can think of a great creative thing to do with that book...send it to me!!! :)
The BTO class graduation is next Monday, Myrna. Birren's book would make a great raffle item there...or elsewhere.
Well, her expression is not perfect but it is compelling and for me that is important, also I LOVE your technique and the really intriguing texture(s) you've achieved. I think you should put her in a frame.
I think you were way toooo critical of your piece...it is very moving and I like the long nose. As far as your luck with finding good books...lucky you.
You could always sell the extra copy or do some kind of giveaway on your blog. Maybe one of your loyal follllowers would go crazy if they won it,,,,hint,hint :))
I think your long nosed woman is intriguing ... not everyone is blessed with a petite honker (ha).
I think an art book giveaway is a great idea!! sign me up!!!
You may be too critical of this piece but only you know exactly what you want out this work. It has a moodiness that I find appealing. As for the library—what a schmaltzgried!
For those who are not up on your Yiddish. That's the rendered chicken fat jar. It's highly prized by traditional Jewish cooks.
I truly love her expression. It moves me. And her nose? Perfect. This work speaks volumes.
I don't know where the expression came from either but I love using the Spanish version, "Proximo pero no cigarillo." Personally, I think it's very proximo and definately a cigarillo. What kind of ink do you use and does the bleach do bad things to the paper eventually?
You are a master at faces....and all those textures. Love your fearless approach to your art. It really pays off, not to mention, INSPIRES!
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