My Model and more process

 I have been working on this acrylic for a while. Longer than I meant to. I have been allowing things to distract me. Not just random things, but things that DO need attention. (I take several other classes And have a family).

 Every time I go to this painting, I just wouldn't feel it.  Here is the last session:

Today I attempted again.  Actually felt closer to it.  I think I have the concept so wrapped up in my head and all the other paintings (still to come), that it is hard to focus on just the one.

I used a lot of yellow today.  I must have been in a good mood, lol.

Still have a couple of more layers (flowers and misc), but tomorrow I think I'm going to lay out the next painting. I have the canvas ready.  My fear: the next one kind of feels like this one....  

 This is my model :)  I didn't notice the finger until I printed the picture. hehehehe...

I have lots of other pictures that I have been using.  Looking at this one now, the shadows are way better.  It's the wrong angle, but I think I will use it.  Picking his nose may even fit the concept.. no, too much, lol.

Painting: I chose to paint noisy in the background and keep the subject clearer.  If you could see the painting in person, you could see what I am saying easier.  I don't normally paint with black, but have chosen to use it in the backgrounds only of this series. I think it will add to the mood.

First Watercolor in the Series and some Inspiration

    I've been working on developing my concept further and choosing subjects this week.  I pull inspiration from the people around me, specifically ones I love. 

    I taught a beginners Acrylic class at the local gallery ("Essence of Georgia O'Keefe").  They brought in a picture of a favorite flower and they learned basic color mixing and brush strokes.  It was a great time and a good pick-me-up for me.  I love watching peoples' art process.

   

This is my mom. And this was her very first painting, and I got to teach her!  :) 

 My mom is definitely an inspiration and she continues to teach me. And, she is honest and patient with me.  lol, I need that most of the time!

We took our kids camping this weekend, and I picked wildflowers for my paintings and took pictures (because they will be gone before I get to paint them).

I finished a watercolor in my series this week.  "Teen Beauty"

The colors got a little muddier than I wanted, But, that kind of works with the series, so I didn't mind.

                                                                                                                         -Jessie B

Chasing Butterflies

My biggest flaw is what I like to call "chasing butterflies." Basically, it is getting distracted.  I have so many thoughts and ideas running through my mind, that I get distracted by them easily. When I'm teaching, I have to watch myself.  If an interesting topic gets brought up ("a butterfly") I chase it.  Sometimes it is a teachable moment (of course, every moment can be a teachable moment, right!? ;).
I've been chasing butterflies trying to pick a solid concept for my painting series. So many great ideas.  Every time I pick one, other "butterflies" keep flying in my path.  I think I finally caught one though and am going to focus.  Of course, I've thought that 3 times now...  NO, going to focus.

I painted the under of the subject on the acrylic and started a watercolor this week.

Also, I finally got some money to replenish all of my supplies. Yay!!

I was thinking about moving the backpack to his other side, but now I think I'm going to rotate his hips and put his other foot on top.  That way it brings his hand forward more.

I also need to decide what I'm going to do with that background. Normally, there are houses there, but I don't want all that noise.  Probably just trees. 

I always do skin first, but this time I went straight to the hair. What was I thinking, lol.  I'll make it work.

Painting 1 of series: First layer

I paint in layers.  It can be fairly systematic, but I strive for it not to be.  The first layer is the first layer of the background.  I work from background to foreground. A typical painting, for me, has 6 layers.
My color usage really depends on my mood and what my palette gives me.  I can make any color by seeing it (or thinking of it) and just adding colors until I make it. While mixing, I use as few of colors as possible, to keep the colors more pure.

Here is the first painting session after drawing the initial outline:

The painting is 36in/48in.

The kid is almost life-size.

Harnessing Creativity

Creativity is not something that only a special few are blessed with.  It's a process that can be created and harnessed and COMPLETELY squashed.....
That being said, I'm having some difficulties getting beyond my own thoughts...  and the establishment...  Grasping that concept that means something.  ..... the beginning of every new semester brings this battle with over-analyzing everything, organizing, setting goals, and professionalism, professionalism, professionalism...
Creating is a battle that is messy and full of self-loathing.  It must be fought though, because the process is rewarding. A reward I find intriguing.
I have my concept, now to the first painting...

 My inspiration