Tuesday 2 February 2010

The Swan Princess


This feels like a proper grown up painting. Yet again I was inspired by The Three Muses - which as their name suggests is naturally their intention. Create something around the theme of 'birds of a feather' they suggest...

For the next few weeks at least, most artistic output also has to double as homework and practice for my Suzi Blu portrait class, so it seemed both natural and sensible to combine the two. We all know that fair maidens have a strange tendency to turn into swans on occasion - or is it the other way around - so the idea was hatched!

My Princess belongs to the swans. One day I'll tell you her story, but I'm afraid the effort to create her this week has been something of a tiring affair since I don't usually start until bedtime. It's a busy week, but painting helps me relax so is a welcome finish to the day! I struggled with her face. I wanted a darkness around her eyes reminiscent of the swan but at the same time don't want her to look like the undead... A touch of immortality without the festering zombie flesh was the general idea. And let's not talk about her nose... Anyone know a good plastic surgeon?

I've also decided she needs a tiara, but the sparkly Princess headwear shop was closed tonight, so she'll have to wait another day or so.

I probably should have taken the photo in daylight (too big for scanner). Her dress is much more purple than you can see in this image and the shading on the swan a pale blue rather then grey!

Mixed media on acrylic paper. Coloured pencil, acrylics and some sparkly bits.

25 comments:

  1. Ooooh, Lisa, this is one cool Suzi girl--Suzi would be proud, and I love that swan!!

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  2. Oh lovely Lisa, the swan is so beautiful too.

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  3. You're doing just fine! :) Her hair ties in very well with the swan's wings. There's a lovely harmony of your painting. I wonder when I'll be able to tackle "grown up" drawing, hahaha! Good work. Keep going!

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  4. Stunning!!! Such a fabulous piece.
    debby

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  5. Oh wow she is beautiful.
    Amazing eyes. Love them.

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  6. i so envy you for your painting skills!! this is absolutely divine!

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  7. I have to agree with Johanna above. I also envy you your painting skills and, after having swanned over to your blog to sample its delights, I am blown away by your "girl with swan" which is superb. Wonderful, creative, expert artwork. Beautiful and gorgeous. Spectacular. Fantastic.

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  8. Amazing!!! Great idea.
    Here beautiful eyes...great artwork!!!

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  9. Absolutely a proper painting- love every detil of this, her expression, the EYES (your eyes are always good, but these are amazing), background, composition.....I could go on and on. Wonderful painting, I can't to see what you do next. Any projects coming up with fruit in them?

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  10. A lovely painting - eyes seem to play a big part in your artwork and this piece is no exception. Her hair has a feathery component to it- she is beautiful and transitional!

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  11. she has such a unique aura about her ... so many thoughts (or secrets) behind those eyes...

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  12. OMG!!!!
    you are amazingly talented!!!
    where have you been ????
    i am so happy and very very proud of you
    big huge applause here!!!
    and hugs!

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  13. Wow, absolutely fantastic! Love the way you painted the portrait and the idea around it is so creative! Brilliant work! You are doing Suzi proud!!

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  14. Looks great to me. I don't think you need to be critical - looks a great nose to me!

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  15. HI!!! Love your swan girl...I can't quite place the emotion.. perhaps hopeful!! maybe she is waiting for that tiara?.. Well she is very beautiful and the sparkly bits are just right!!!

    Sorry I lost you blog and just re-found it... i'm now following so shouldn't lose my way again!! haha take care ... Julie

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  16. Well I love the swan, beautiful! The girl is very winsome.

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  17. Lisa, you have a talent for portraits I think... and combining her with the swan is a great idea! Do you like the acrylic paper? Is it much different to watercolour paper? I have never tried that... I tend to use cartridge paper or anything cheap for sketching/drawing and paint on canvas or watercolour paper. Don't worry about my mind - it works in mysterious ways! 'o)

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  18. Gorgeous - you are so talented!

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  19. I think she's lovely! Loved your explanation of the non zombie eyes, too cute! I could definitely see a tiara on her but hen I could see a diamond necklace on the swan so probably best not to listen to me. ;-)

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  20. Lisa, your swan princess is gorgeous! Her eyes are beautiful and soulful, and her nose is perfect! You are so talented - such a beautiful, beautiful portrait! She and the swan look as though they are both morphing into one another - very creative! So glad to have found your blog!

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Thank you for your comments - I always love to hear what you think :)

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