Friday, April 5, 2013

Confidence

Perhaps you remember my post from a few weeks ago when I told you about my humble start with Christy Tomlinson's online course "She Art 3". She had asked us to find images of women and girls that we like and sketch them. Of course there was a further assignment to that. Paint it. (well, what else?)

This was my inspiration from the Gudrun Sjöden catalog of early summer 2011:


Isn't she a gorgeous girl? I was fascinated by the partial white painting of her face and the abundance of flowers in her hair. I also like her full lips and the way she looks - confident, a bit mysterious.

This was the sketch, already quite different from the "original":


She looks more like a young girl, and by far not as confident as in the photo of the catalog. A completely different personality actually.

The painting part was difficult. It took me forever to even start on it! I opted for a background that I created a few months ago and had almost forgotten about.


It's wood painted with acrylic paints and then covered with tissue paper that I had stamped before.

Although the painting of the girl took me a long time, I enjoyed the process very much. I changed the color of her skin repeatedly, I painted over the eyes and started anew, the hair has so many layers, and the flowers were cut from different papers and further worked on with PITT pens. All in all, the girl is completely different from the original inspiration, but I can still see the look of confidence in her eyes and facial expression.


I also found that the background was too "strong" for the woman, she kind of disappeared. With the toned down colors in the background she stands out more and the focus is on her. She is available in my store now.


Writing this I feel how it is still difficult for me to talk about my paintings. I wonder why is that?

Finally, I am linking this to Paint Party Friday and JRU Studio - if you follow the links you can visit other blogs chock full with amazing art.


33 comments:

Hindustanka said...

Though your painting differs from the photo, it turned out great and has its won charm in it..I loved how you made the girl's face and lips, which are actually almost like of that photo girl. The background suits so well... Overall, a very nice and successful attempt :)

Marcie said...

This is wonderful! Love seeing your process - from where you began..and where you ended. And especially - love seeing these parts and pieces of your creative self!

Susan said...

This is wonderful! And I so enjoy hearing the process you follow. I love the texture the tissue adds to the portrait. Lovely! Happy PPF

Maria Ontiveros said...

I love her! She turned out great.
Rinda

GlorV1 said...

Oh yes she is mysterious. I think you've done a great job. Love the flowers you've added. Thank you. Happy PPF!

patty said...

Carola, I totally understand...our work is so personal, especially I think when it involves faces. I think you are very brave to share your process, doubts and fears. That is how we learn and how we support each other. I loved reading it and seeing your progress and I love your confident girl!!

Elizabeth Dianne said...

She is incredibly beautiful--I love all the layers that you did--lots of hard work but she is definitely worth it!

Ivy said...

This is fabulous!! HPPF!

Netty said...

wow your painted collage turned out beautifully, loving it. Happy PPF, Annette x

sharon said...

Your girl is amazing, love that you showed the processes.

Unknown said...

Your painting turned out great! I love the warmth of the colors. Fun to see the process photos!

windrock studio said...

You did such a remarkable job, I admire your talents and your braveness and your finished girl is perfection!

La Vie Quotidienne said...

simply spectacular! Your paintings are getting better and better ~ this has to be one of my favorites.

Katie Cannon said...

I love how your painting turned out. I really love the background it really has a lot of fun texture. (coming from Studio JRU)

Randy said...

These are wonderful. Happy weekend to you.

Lynn Cohen said...

Really enjoyed how this evolved, each step so very interesting. Final piece? A+

Giggles said...

Love the background all that texture in this painting is wonderful!! Great inspiration and thanks for showing your process!!

Hugs Giggles

Elephant's Child said...

She is stunning. Mysterious, beautiful and confident. What a powerful mixture.

Deanna said...

You did a great job of expressing her confidence in the end piece. I still hesitate to call myself an artist and haven't even considered trying to sell any of my pieces yet even though family and friends have tried to encourage me to do so. We're our own worst critics though.

Abela said...

Well done, inspiration comes from everywhere. Saludos

Anne Manda said...

Lovely, so luminous and positive! <3

Cindi ASHBECK said...

I think she's beautiful! Talking about my art is hard also. I can think of a million reasons why and they all might be true. You're not in this boat alone! That's for sure.

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

i think she turned out wonderfully, carola. such a stunning image for your inspiration. love the big flowers in her hair!

Magic Love Crow said...

I think she is stunning! Strong, beautiful and mysterious! ;o)

Faye said...

Carola, I love how you made this your own. I think the finished piece with the lighter background is really gorgeous.. Cute dragonfly on her neck.

Dianne said...

A lovely piece, so colorful! beautiful flowers and background, an intriguing and mysterious face...happy PPF!

Victoria said...

Hi Carola ..what a magical piece..she is totally empowering and shining with such a thrilling presence..and yes confidence..stunning work! I always get excited to see the evolution and process of a creation..this was wonderful to witness..thanks for sharing it! Beautiful and powerful! Shine on!
Victoria

Rosemary Aubut said...

Great series on inspiration! Love the final product!

Erika said...

Liebe Carola,
Deine Schöne "aus dem Katalog" gefällt mir sehr. Ich mag Gudruns Mode, und ihre Kataloge. Dein Bild jedoch ist wunderschön :)
Freut mich, dass Du mit Frau Holle was anfangen kannst. Backst Du mittlerweile Dein eigenes Brot Oder ist bei so viel Schönheit um Dich herum dafür weniger Raum.
Liebe Grüße zu Dir und einen schönen Sonntag !
Hugs
Erika

Ginnie Hart said...

I am totally thrilled by your creativity, Carola. THANK YOU for sharing it, even when it's difficult to talk about your paintings. I'm so proud of you.

Alicia C said...

way too coool! love how you placed her in an entirely new, magical context. Where is she from does it say? That's real interesting makeup

janice smith said...

Oh, she is lovely...a real show stopper! Love seeing your inspiration and how the piece evolved. That background was lovely as well.

Ginny said...

Your girl is lovely. It was amazing to see all of the steps that you took and how the piece changed as you went through the process. Thank you so much for sharing. I think it may be "normal" for us to find it hard to talk about our work. It is like putting a piece of our heart out into the world.

I am so happy that things worked out positively for your husband. The word "benign" does have a special sound. Have a wonderful week.