finished!

So here are some of the 'girls' I have included in my recent paintings.  I am wanting to start a more stylized female face but have not come up with one I am entirely happy with, it just takes time and an 'eureka!' moment.  The moment will happen and is evolving.  When you start to change the human face it can get a bit scary and that is not what my work is about.  The framed piece on the right (via computer magic) is 16"x  20".  I was watching part of an old (1950ish) pirate movie today and  I can see I have been heavily influenced by my youth.  LOL..oh well

Over Achiever Syndrome....

So, this is how it begins! New piece and I am blocking in my shapes. Before I start with the paint, I draw out a very rough sketch in my sketch book for compositional purposes. Does the painting always reflect my primary sketch? The answer is, sometimes yes, sometimes no. Usually, I do not show a piece at this stage because it can change drastically and I suspect this one will be much different when finished. I always have a thought I am trying to express when I do a painting and that I stay true to but the images sometimes have a mind of their own! I also (almost always), have some technical goals in mind. I feel that my colors have been too bright and pure in the previous canvases and my goal this time is to keep the color softer and muted. I hesitate to share that with you as I may fail in epic proportions in this endeavor. NOW, you are wondering 'why', am I doing an epic narration. The answer to that question is that in my '101, Succeeding as an Artist', research, the experts suggest that I share my process.....I am such a good student ie 'over achiever' So I am sharing.....learned to share in kindergarten! Well, sorta....

Angst.....

What am I thinking????  I have no idea, just putting together images that interest me.  Where is the sophistication, the subtlety, the fineness of the art?  I give up.  But... on the other hand,  the images do have a personality of their own and a certain joy/wonder.  Going down a blind path and just wondering where it all leads.  The angst of creation, love/hate...and now you have a glimpse into my mind.  Maybe I should paint still lifes......NAH