Sunday 21 August 2011

Lisa... a work in progress


I often forget to record a work in progress but did actually do so with this. I was responding to the Willowing challenge - paint a portrait using only shades of black, white, flesh, titanium buff and a smidge of pink.

I began by brayering the colours onto the paper to see what emerged - just like Lisa as a kid - trying a bit of this with a blank canvas waiting to be filled.

Then I sketched out the face in charcoal before fixing it, and added some strategically-placed as well as totally random paint. A further metaphor in my own creation I believe - the way we often shape our destiny by making decisions that impact us for life.

Funny how I didn't notice until I thought I was finished that one eye was way bigger than the other - just like me, a bit wonky!



I am feeling full of reflection this morning. I dreamt again about going back to University - usually the same theme, that of not being prepared for final exams. I did OK at Uni, not brilliant, just average (I did have rather a good time though!!). What this dream really means I think is that I certainly didn't get the most from the academic experience. I should have studied Art in some shape or form. It wasn't until my late 30s that I finally discovered my passion, the element that was missing. I may never be a great artist, but creativity is in my blood.

It's interesting that it found its way out wherever it could - even when working for a financial institution or an IT conglomerate my creativity was what made my name. Words and Pictures. Words from Pictures. Pictures from Words.

I am still a work in progress, a life drawing - but hopefully with a lot more direction than 20 years ago.

Posting for Sunday Sketches and Willowing.

20 comments:

  1. Love it...and fun to see the beginning stages too! Your style is so alive!

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  2. It seems that we have to go through phases of our life to find our real passion (I guess that's why they call it a journey :)
    I didn't find my love of art making until I was 50-my one regret--that I didn't find it sooner--what a difference it's made for me!

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  3. Lisa,
    what a great post! I really like the color choices and "your" face here...
    I can relate to your feelings, I always knew I loved art, but never pursued it....I am enjoying my journey just as I see you are - what a wonderful feeling to be able to create and LOVE it! -
    How very inspiring!
    Thanks for joining in Sunday Sketches - hope your day is a good one!!!

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  4. Yay...how gorgeous..loving the transformation..stunning..she is a beautiful soul! Love the expressive strokes of vibrant colors draped acrosss her..beautiful clothes!! Wonderful work Lisa!
    Victoria

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  5. I don't have these dreams anymore but they were usually of me going naked to school or not having my homework. :) Nightmares, I tell you! :) But what it means is that we are facing something in our lives that we are not prepared for and thus feeling vulnerable and scared.

    You're describing my life story as well. If we only had the knowledge then that we have now. But it's never too late. At least we're doing something about it now so we won't ask ourselves the same questions in 10 years time. :) Great self portrait, Lisa!

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  6. She's quite beautiful, and it's great you've found your passion, some people never do.

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  7. Love her! she is quite wonderful and so glad you are doing your love, art!~ namaste, Carol ~ (Share the Creative Journey)

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  8. I love this portrait. I saw Tam's challenge and was tempted to try it. You did an excellent job. Doesn't matter at all about the eye IMO. I love all the contrasting colors!

    Ugh, I used to have those dreams. Mostly I was late and lost (couldn't find my books, couldn't find the classroom, everything looked strange...lots of stairs so I'd be going up and down, wow.)

    I think your creativity will come out in anything you do. I'm glad you have found a way to really let it shine!

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  9. Thanks for posting the progression! I learn a lot when people do that! This turned out wonderfully!

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  10. This is fabulous! I love seeing works in progress and hearing the thoughts going on in the artist's head. Creation really is a journey. You create the most beautifully haunting images.

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  11. She is beautiful Lisa! I too want to do that willowing challenge. Thanks for sharing her progression!

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  12. I think the two different size eyes adds more to the piece, sort of imperfect just like everything else

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  13. Great piece, what a cool challenege, love seeing the wip and the final.

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  14. I love seeing works in progress so thank you for sharing. I adore the colours you have chosen and the picture is great. And I love the eyes, they are very bright and intriguing.

    It's great that you are continuing to paint and please don't ever give it up xx

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  15. Even with just those few colors, she ended up a very vivid, lively presence!

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  16. Great piece and powerful stare! And ha, the eyes I draw are always a bit wonky. It makes me feel better to look at photographs and realize that most people's eyes are rarely open symmetrically.

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  17. Her eyes are very penetrating even if uneven!

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  18. you are brimming with creativity and there's nothing wrong with wonky!

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  19. It's always so inspiring to see how your work progresses, amazing! Just wanted to say a heartfelt thanks for your lovely comment and support ~ you & your friendship are always so precious to me!
    ♥Sharon

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  20. As always, you inspire me with your art and words...I love that she is 'wonky' - and I think we are all works in progress, that's what keeps life interesting!

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

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