So, this weekend I helped a friend out by attempting to draw some character ideas that he had for an animation project... I've never really done anything like that before so it was fun and I was pretty pleased with the result.  In other news, it looks like I am taking a small painting hiatus for a few days until I can get some lesson planning and other teaching responsibilities out of the way.  There is an exciting Home Depot trip in my future - I can smell the wood now! ; )  

Superior No. 5

I feel like this got too crazy - I always overdo it...  I'll give it time to sit while I start something new and look at it with fresh eyes in a few days.

Two in one day!  I figure that makes up for missing yesterday... not that this is a one-a-day challenge or anything, just trying to get things done while I have the motivation!  I think I could go on forever with these...  Lake Superior is an endless source of inspiration and peace in my life, but it never occurred to me before to use it for my artwork.

A sneak peak of how I might decide to integrate the drawing and painting... 

I am very happy with the progress so far and how quickly this is going!  I fixed the crooked nose and tried to adjust some areas on the face... I have lots more work to do on the hair - I just wanted to fill it in to get a general idea for how the whole thing might shape up.  Also, it is hard to see, but I started to attack some of the negative spaces around the nature illustrations with a washed out pink.  I think I like it.  Phew.  This is such a relief. haha

painting has commenced

detail

superior (2)

together

I am ready to paint.  Since I only have two weeks until my self-imposed deadline, this is a good thing!  I may add some small details later as they seem appropriate.  

I reorganized the second bedroom yesterday and put a bunch of stuff into the closet and under the bed so my art supplies and such could be the center of attention.  Also, we got a new bedspread this weekend for the futon and, silly as it sounds, it makes a big difference for the mood in there.  The main colors are white, silver, and light brown so it gives the whole room a more simplified and relaxed feeling - which helps my focus when working on creative endeavors.  Anyway, I really was itching to start painting but it was too late to start anything on the portrait and I need to get a smaller brush or two before I begin (there is nothing worse than not having a supply on hand when you need it - sometimes I end up improvising with something else and we all know that never turns out well!).  I have been thinking about Lake Superior lately because of a book I am reading (well, it is always on my mind, not gonna lie) and I pulled out the first pictures I could find from my box of source material and laid them on the floor.

This is what they inspired.  It was just a quick, small study but it felt good to get the paints out anyway.  

This is the book I'm reading... and as a side note - I discovered that Isle Royale has an artist residency program!  My sights are on applying for next summer.  I'll keep my expectations low, but figure it is worth a shot!  Plus, the application deadline is great motivation for my spring show in Detroit.

The additions are minuscule, but they are there.  My new self-imposed deadline for this piece: October 31.

My plan was to be done with the drawing by today, but with the trip to Grand Rapids and playing catch-up with house-stuff I didn't make it.  And now I have to lesson plan and do other work-related things before bed!  For sure by the end of next week I will be on to painting.  I'll make that happen.  Oh, and I'm still up in the air about incorporating a circle into the composition (similar to the last piece)... and an implied horizontal line towards the bottom for balance.  I considered retaking the picture because this one is obviously blurry, but that would only further contribute to my procrastination.  Bah!

options and eye candy

Starting to come up with ideas for composition...  I'm not sure if I want to stick with the mandala-like layout of the last painting but in a different orientation (i.e. bottom two thumbnails)...

Looking at images like these; total eye candy:

Also, I am considering embellishing the drawn elements a bit more, portraying value rather than pure contours... Ah, so many possibilities and not enough time.  I'm determined though.  I've got an art show lined up for next spring in Detroit and I've got to pump work out starting NOW! : D

revealed

Surprise (or not really, knowing my work) - the mysterious white bump is a face, my sister Emily's face to be exact.  Of course, as always, I like the in-progress work much more than something that is finished.  There is much more possibility and the opportunity to dream up the potential of the piece.  When it is over, it is over.  The door is closed and there is no room for new visions.  With this new piece, I am going to be working in a similar vein to the last one.  I am pairing a portrait with botanical-ish illustrations, looking for a successful combination of drawn and painted elements - design and 3D form.  The major difference here is that I am going to work up the figure much more using thick paint and working towards a more dimensional finish.  I want the contrast between the flat and dimensional to be heightened - for better or for worse.  That is the idea right now anyway... very subject to change.