Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Mixed Media Portraits





Creating portraits 
takes so very long..

finding that thing about someone that makes them
unique or capturing the essence of presence,
is not always easy 
and I don't always get it right...





A Portrait of Ella, Caterina Giglio, detail, mixed media painting, 12 x 16



but I hoped to capture 
the determination..
the presence..
and 
the creative spark 
that Ella exudes..

She is remarkable ..
not because she is beautiful..
but she is talented and brilliant, thoughtful and astute..





Caterina Giglio, Mixed Media Painting, A Portrait of Ella, 12 x 16 on cradled board




When I paint or draw a portrait, 
I usually begin with a photo..
making several copies..
and blowing up details..

I never have the opportunity to paint with a  sitting subject..

So....
the magnificent photo below was taken by 
E. J. Carr

and it took my breath away when I saw it,
because I thought he had captured her so perfectly..
such a magical presence..

of course it always helps to know your subject..
helps and hinders
especially if you cannot seem to convey what you
want to say in paint..
pencils and art sticks..



Photo above by E..J. Carr, Mixed Media Painting, Caterina Giglio 



So this will be off in the mail to
my dear friends and I hope they love it..


...

and then I started a quick pencil sketch..
because my granddaughter 
Taylor
asked for a drawing of her for her birthday..

actually she said..
 "I want crayons, a yo-yo and you know how you drew a picture of Gina real good?"
..do you think you can draw me too?"

be still my heart..



so I used her little selfie taken some weeks before..
and started drawing
in pencil and graphite..











and I still have to get those crayons..
the big box with the sharpener.. 
obviously..
and a yo-yo






Pencil and Graphite drawing, Taylor, Caterina Giglio, 8 x 8 on mixed media paper




This week, I am making notes for my
Vlog post on Friday..
and I hope to be able to get back to work on my new series..
and experimenting with some fun
mono printing techniques..



and obviously
 I am off to find a suitable frame..
birthday presents won't wait..



xox