Haven't posted much on the blog lately, but I have definitely been busy working away at my easel. It's a balancing act: the work I'm am producing is very "illustration style/ nearing a stylized cartoon" on Mondays and Wednesdays, while Tuesdays and Thursdays are very realistic and traditional. In some ways I wish I could just keep working in the style that I want to, but bouncing back and forth really makes me take a step back and understand why I put paint down the way I do, where I simplify for a "cartoon" vs where I simplify for a "technical" portrait, what colors I can stress in one style vs what colors are necessary for another. It's actually really great! And there are definitely transitional principals for both styles: I've been more aware of my shapes (to simplify!!!) and even more aware of my value patterns! It's been great! Among all these paintings, too, i've been gathering a lot of photo materials lately--the photo shoots have been great! Thanks to everyone who helps out! The last month I have been working on two illustrations (seems like a long time, but the assignment process is slow--especially slower than when I make art on my own time.) The first is from the prompt "Baa Baa Black Sheep," and the second is a figurative narrative illustration "Cowboy & the Indian."   Both of these pieces are in Gouache on Illustration Board. It has been my first time working in Gouache, and it definitely serves me a challenge!!! Transitioning from a very workable, transparent or opaque oil paint to gouache which is only opaque and dries within a matter of seconds (aka not workable and not mixable on the canvas/board) is sometimes overwhelming. I'm working through it and learning the medium though! It definitely has it's own unique characteristics! More to come! Enjoy! 

Wow! Let me tell you I learned 100x more than I normally do painting today! 

Why? Well, finally, the day I've longed for--today I painted a portrait study from life! I've painted my fair share of still lifes from life, and have had my hand at plain air occasionally, but never a portrait. I love painting portraits!!! I can't tell you the difference it made having the model right in front of me though. (Rather than just a small photo in my left hand.) This piece doesn't look like much, but it has potential. We had about an hour and twenty minutes from start to finish. This was my result. It's definitely not as tight and clean as the paintings I normally try to do, but it is a study, unfinished, in the works--and my first! I'm so excited for what else this class has to offer! The other students are hilarious and great to be with, and the professor is awesome! Definitely more life studies to be posted! :) Stay tuned!