I have been ruminating on these images for years. I couldn't quite figure out how I wanted to combine the multiple images of this restless young man. I have been drawing him over and over and was never satisfied with the results. I think I am finally ready to have a go at it. I decided I needed to get at least one painting done and then I could do another, if needed. Drawing on tracing paper allowed me to keep the size of each image relatively close and I could move each figure around, reverse some, until I had a satisfactory arrangement. I am working on a smooth gesso surface, which is very liftable. The top piece is my practice one. I applied the acrylic ink with a fine brush, oiler boiler needle bottle, and a dip pen with a fine nib. Boy, am I glad I experimented on the practice piece. I discovered that I like the detail and control of the dip pen. I also played around with lifting color with a sponge and a stencil. Interesting results. Color bleeds easily on this surface, so I have to be careful if I don't want that to happen. I also realized I needed to ink from left to right because I am right handed and accidentally smeared some of the ink on the practice piece. I wanted to have the feeling of a warm, very bright day, so I changed the shirt color from blue to red. Time will tell if that was a good move on my part. I should be able to finish this painting over the weekend.
15 comments:
You never cease to amaze and delight me. It's fun to see you painting a younger subject.
Another night owl, I see! Thanks for the thoughtful comment.
Your work is always gorgeous to my eyes, Myrna. I think this is fabulous and can't wait to see the end result. Love the sense of movement you've captured by this method of handling his various expressive poses.
Sharon Wright said "Fabulous, joyful image. I can see the benefits of 'ruminating for years'.....I plan nothing and the difference is very evident. "
Somehow I accidentally deleted it. Thanks Sharon, for the nice words.
Seeing your work in progress inspires me.
I am an artist also, like to draw the elephants at the Tulsa Zoo. Tracing paper like Degas used, that's the ticket! Thanks.
Love this already, Myrna! Little boys do fidget and I think it's brilliant that you've done a 'run' of poses. I really like the lift out with the stencil in the top image.
Hi Autumn, Having the drawings on tracing paper is very freeing in many ways. I am anxious to see the final result myself!
Dona, I didn't have an opportunity to visit the zoo when I was in Tulsa teaching a few weeks ago. Love your animal watercolors!
Hi Billie, thanks for the input. I hope the wipeout works as well in the finished piece. Time will tell!
Thanks for sharing your process. It's always fun to peek behind the curtain.
Thanks, Kathy. I love sharing ideas and I love gleaning ideas from others. I hope people will share their work that I have inspired with me.
As a great fan of 'the happy accident' I like the practise image. Spontaneous and lively. Well done all round.
I enjoyed reading your process on this one and seeing the results. The top one made me think of the three monkeys and See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, although they aren't in those positions at all.
Hi Rhonda,
I kept thinking the same thing! All "see no evil"
The more I look at this, the more I like it. Most original and one wants to keep looking.
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