Day 30 (Thursday): Self Portrait

I made my portrait in profile. Its going good.

With this, I finished my thirty day marathon! And yes, this made me learn a lot which I will share in a separate blog post.

Thanks for reading and sending your feedback.

Day 29 (Wednesday): Some Drawing with Pen on Paper

I shopped for some supplies for the work. In the meantime, I read, wrote and drew some.

Day 28 (Tuesday): Head Study in Oil

And this was one of those not so right days! Try as much as you like, but it won't happen.

So I painted everything red. No really. And it helped.

And look, its 28th day. Could be 29th, not sure, I don't think I did a great job keeping this log accurate, but either way, now that its either, it makes me content to accept the 30 day rule.  Habit forming or not, it definitely helps putting things into a perspective of discipline, hard work, and consistency.

Looking forward to tomorrow for new beginnings!

Day 27 (Monday): Another Head Study in Oil

Okay, this was the right day. 10 minutes and bam! No more, no less.

Day 26 (Friday): Head study in oil

After a few earlier attempts, I fixed few distractions.

Taking up all the available space for the placement of head.   

Its a real hard one for me.  So, I covered part of the canvas leaving work space peeking through a waste-paper frame. Problem solved. Once reached to the corners, I removed this temporary paper-frame and voila, I have a blank border available and the main subject doesn't seem to confined within. 

Mood can dictate a lot. 

So can the weather. So, be prepared for this. 

Some days are oil days, others are pastel

Just deal with it.

Right days versus not so right ones

There is nothing a deep breath can't fix.

Day 25 (Thursday): Oil Portrait Started

I have observed some amazing artists work on portraits. They have their own styles, techniques, and rhythm. But they have one thing in common. It is this - the face on the canvas starts to show the likeness right from the beginning. You can tell its going to look right.

I feel its very empowering. Knowing you are going in the right direction boosts your confidence, helps you create better and ultimately earns you respect as an artist. That's what we strive for - being respected by your peers.

That's it for today. More tomorrow.

 

Day 24 (Wednesday): My Princess II Finished

Worked on the portrait started yesterday and practiced getting it finished in limited strokes. I have come to realize that :

1. Its the first mindful stroke that matters. Dabbling on an area multiple times just kills the thrill of painting.
2. Painting is more about enjoying the process. So go slow. It will show up in the painting if you rush!
3. You know it when you get it right. There is no other gauge for the  good work.
4. Before you discard, review critically. Most times, a small change can alter the outcome.

For tomorrow:

Portrait in oil.

Day 23 (Tuesday): New Portrait in Pastel (Untitled)

I have some good news and some bad one. Bad one first. I almost ran out of my pastels. Mostly the ones used for face. Pinks, reds, oranges and greens.

Good news - I will get new ones! I know. Its what a child feels like when going to a toystore.

I think I have to get back to the studio and will post some more soon. And hopefully with pictures.

Baby Hat

I would love to have a written pattern if anyone likes.