Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Patterned paper as inspiration

My new schetchbook/art journal for the 29 Faces 2016 challenge have prove to be a great idea. The patterned paper have been a source of inspiration at different stages of the drawing/painting process. Although this is only the second face, my sketchbook have provided me direction, inspiration and freedom.

Since I first saw the paper used for this face, I knew I wanted to draw a male. Because the paper is tick and textured, and was already stretched/glued to the chipboard page, I decided to dive right in with acrylic paint without preparing it with gesso. I did a light sketch of the face first, then I decided to use a limited number of colors as part of a challenge and experimenting process. The colors were, scarlet red, yellow ochre, ultramarine blue and unbleached titanium white. From there I mixed all my colors, adjusting with the unbleached titanium white.

In the middle of the process I realized that the paper was looking like the sea and no more like blue painted wood. That motivated me even more and filled me with excitement about this page. I only added a little blue around him to make it a bit darker and make him part of the page a little bit more naturally. 

Once again, I have tones of fun experimenting here. The paper hold up beautifully and I starting to feel motivated, inspired and fearless about experimenting again. 

What are you doing to keep yourself motivated and inspired? Are you been fearless in your art or craft?


6 comments:

Tammie Lee said...

this turned out wonderful and quite realistic.

Ms Misantropia said...

I love the very human expression on his face - like the water was kind of cold, but he's about to break into a smile anyway :)

I also loved the eye in one of your previous posts - beautiful!

SusuPetal said...

Oh, to swim in such turquoise! This turned out so delicious!

DVArtist said...

This is a fabulous piece of art. Very well done.

Lora said...

Thank you all for your kind words, they are a source of support to me.

denthe said...

Great work! Very realistic with the sea surrounding him ....