Sunday 29 August 2010

Beginnings



I love this stage of a piece - when a face starts to appear from the page, eyes stare mesmerised and expression forms. I like to put the first layer down in coloured pencil to build the form and establish shadows. I've tried going straight to paints but it feels clumsy. This way I can slowly build up the layers, next will be acrylics watered down with glaze medium for translucency. It's like applying delicate make up.

I'm not sure yet what her background will be, but she'll tell me when she's ready.

I'm pleased with the proportions on this and there's a reason. I took my time! Usually I'm so excited at starting a new piece that I just dive on in, pulling out the colours and not taking a moment to step back and judge whether those eyes line up or the nose looks crooked. I'm starting to want to get the details right which is a shift - and probably a good one.

For Sunday Sketches. Pop along to Sophia's blog and join in, or just enjoy the eye candy. I'll post the finished version later in the week.

16 comments:

  1. Lisa, I think she will turn out quite wonderful, especially the eyes. Taking time is the key, you are right. I believe in the saying "Play it til it sings."

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  2. i like where you are going with her...I love those bright green eyes....I agree with you, I am always excited at the beginning of a sketch or an idea that sometimes I do need to slow down a bit...looking forward to seeing her finished, and where you take her...
    happy Sunday to you!

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  3. You sound like me,just diving in to excited about starting something and not worrying about the details. I'm learning too. She's beautiful. I like how you added alittle bit of color. Can't wait to see her finished.

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  4. This is wonderful to see the beginning stage of the newest addition to your "fantabulous" collection. I can't wait to see what she will look like when she's finished!!

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  5. This is lovely. I really appreciate being able to see and read about the stages. I will look foward to watching your progress.

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  6. Lisa!! She is incredible. yes..me too..I love that that powerful magical feelin of the begining, ..and that is what makes creating so exciting. She is beautiful and holds wonderful myyetry and joy in her..looking forwrad to the rest of her magic!
    yay! powerful!
    Victoria~

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  7. Love her eyes. I can't wait to see what you do with her.

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  8. This is a very magical stage... I can't wait to see where she tells you she wants to go :)

    p.s. I love seeing a work in progress!

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  9. Gosh, it's almost difficult for me to "take my time" when I am on a roll with a special art project. I want to get it done to show the world! haha But, yes...teaching myself to be patient within my art. She is looking beautiful.

    Happy Sunday! :)

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  10. Wow Lisa, this is a really intense piece. I LOVE her eyes! I also love the fact that her face is turned away a bit - very mysterious! Oh I cannot wait to see where this goes!

    Smiles

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  11. I love her intense look, Lisa!! I also love the beginning of a piece.....the part when you just let it flow. xo

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  12. She is looking very intense and I love that. Can't wait to see her finished!

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  13. What a beautiful beginning.
    It is so much fun watching you grow as an artist.
    xox

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  14. she is wonderful and my process is similar, I let 'her' tell me what is next, for the most part I am happy with this.

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  15. Lisa, she is gorgeous. I find myself wanting to know what she is looking at.

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  16. The eyes are so lovely, piercing - always like green eyes! sorry so late we have been on a crazy schedule catching up now!

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

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