I have always wanted to be able to paint or draw the people around me! My standards are very high however and I always felt that my attempts were lacking. I think the truth is I needed to learn some basic skills on how to interpret what I was seeing. I have always been drawn to artists who paint or draw portraits, fascinated at their ability to be a mirror, to reflect a persons face or expression has always intrigued me. A few years ago I started following an artist named Gwenn Seemel ... Go take a look at her work, it is AH-mazing! Gwenn has such a strong point of view and it comes through her work... And slowly it began to dawn on me, I don't need to paint like Gwenn, I need to paint like ME! I need to take the techniques I've learned painting mermaids, hula girls, beach houses & hibiscus and paint people! (I know, I know... I can hear the resounding "DUH!" from all of you! lol)
This is a piece I worked on earlier this year for an Instagram Contest I participated in (click the images to zoom in)..
So, Okay, I thought. I want to pursue this! I have had this photo of Elliott from when he was born. It is my favorite of him! He was a beefcake from the very beginning!
And here is the piece I am working on.. As you know by now, I start each canvas with a black background...
I penciled in his out line then added reds, browns & blues to fill in and get his placement where I wanted it.
There are things that I would tweak and change, but overall I am happy with how he turned out.
Elliott Miles
Acrylic on Canvas
12" x 12"
I would love to hear what you think! Please leave a comment below and stay tuned for more faces! As always, if you enjoy these insights into OVashti Art, I would be honored if you would share them with your friends.
Creatively yours,