Sunday 27 November 2011

Aged Beauty


It's very interesting how these girls just tell me their names. I think that perhaps Dickens' ghost influenced this one. He whispered into my ear a tale of an aged beauty sitting in front of her wedding feast mourning the day that never was, and her young ward Estella.

I'm trying not to listen to this spirit though for I don't really think this is either Miss Havisham in her prime, nor the haughty Estella. She is just girl whose portrait has been somewhat battered by the ravages of time. Indeed it appears that, at some point, it was painted over. Who could have committed such a travesty? A jealous lover? An ignorant painter & decorator? Well, clearly Estelle (a softer version of Pip's friend), was having none of it. Her determination to see the world once again peeled back those layers and here she is!

Estelle

I love the crackle - you might need to click to enlarge to see it. I am contemplating covering her in wax next. What do you think?

Posting for Inspiration Avenue, Art Every Day Month and Sunday Sketches. Big thank you to Tammy who kindly purchased the crackle glaze for me and shipped it across the ocean (because I couldn't find any in Blighty!)

37 comments:

  1. Your young lady is lovely! I love how she is developing!

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  2. She's looking wonderful! Wax sounds very interesting...have never worked with it myself but I've seen the soft, dreamy effects it can give.

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  3. Wonderful sketch and painting ~ She has such depth and style to her ~~ thanks, namaste, Carol (Share the Creative Journey)

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  4. Oh yes, Lisa, add the wax. She will be perfect!

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  5. She is stunning Lisa...the colors are amazing..she is brilliant and her soft expression is beautiful!
    One of my newest faves of yours!
    victoria

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  6. I love her, and I'm so glad you explained that she's not Miss Havisham, because that's what was going through during the first few words of the post. Hmm I have wax but never used it so cannot say as I don't know the difference it would make. If you do wax her will you post a picture? I would like to see the result. Also loving the crackle you've added :) x

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  7. Nice picture! I saw crackle glaze here at the art shop recently, didn't buy it because I didn't like the price! Valerie

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  8. Hi Lisa, hauntingly beautiful story, love Estelle, gorgeous...I always thought you lived in Oz till I saw your in Blighty... where abouts? I haven't been back since last Feb... miss London... now and again..

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  9. I am in love with that crackle effect- it is gorgeous! Also, love the story behind her, so perfect for this week's theme!

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  10. Love your story and she's beautiful!

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  11. You've used my favorite turquoise color on this pretty portrait. I think the wax would be another exciting element, I would love to see the result!
    ♥♥♥

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  12. Ooh she's so gorgeous Lisa! The crackle glaze is fab.

    I don't know whether you should add further layers or leave be - she's so lovely as she is, but maybe wax would add to the dreamy, romantic quality you've given her. No, I don't want to commit to advice - the decision is yours lol!

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  13. i love a good story! Your girl is beautiful and really brings the words to life!

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  14. Love artwork and your words it's joy to stop in and see what you're up to!!!

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  15. the crackle is wonderful. i love seeing the stages of your wonderful piece.

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  16. Estelle is intriguing! I love the description, pondering who painted over her.

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  17. I love turquoise. The painting is turning out beautifully!

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  18. Love how she merges with the background!! And I always love your stories behind your pieces they really bring them to life! :0)

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  19. Wonderful words to go with a great piece of art.

    Wax is great on a piece of art, you never quite know what you're going to get though :)

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  20. the blue green color is beautiful... matches the cracked patina perfectly! lovely!

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  21. Great start to what I'm sure will be an awesome and amazing painting!

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  22. You always amaze me with the names you come up with! :) This piece is wonderful, Lisa. I always enjoy watching your start to finish. Very inspiring and encouraging. Hugs!

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  23. ooooh, i enlarged this, as you said, and LOVE the crackle...i love the addition of that...and your color choice is FAB!!!!!!!!!!!
    have ag reat week! xo

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  24. I totally love the crackle and the bright teal. Estelle is lovely - I always enjoying meeting your gals.

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  25. I just had to click.....just say crackle and I'm there....haha!
    Love the use of it here...as well as the wonderful blue-green hue!

    Hooray for crackle!

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  26. I like the crackle too and the way her face comes through. The colors are fabulous! Her stare is mesmerizing.

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  27. I am drooling over your line drawing in the first photo:)
    Beautiful colors and textures in the painting.

    I put the wrong link for my sunday sketch.
    Here's the correct link:
    http://galleryjuana.blogspot.com/2011/11/bath-time-ii-cat-pen-drawing.html

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  28. She's beautiful, I love those colours!
    Jess xx

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  29. Beautiful Lisa!! I love her as is although I am sure she would look great with wax as well. Great colors! :)

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  30. Crackle is definitely IN ... no one can take it away from me!! :)

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  31. When I saw here, I thought ethereal. Sorry I'm late. Had company all week, so nearly didn't get here at all.

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  32. That crackle is really yummy. :) Estelle looks gorgeous. I'm glad she decided to stand her ground. :)

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  33. She's lovely! So happy to have found your blog as I really enjoy a good story /art combo...you have a gift and I thank you for sharing it!!

    Holiday Hugs,
    abby
    www.thevivere.blogspot.com

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

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