Spot the difference

The observant will notice that this is the same drawing as yesterday - but not quite the same. I touched up the pastel of Kirsten from yesterday. I thought I'd post it to show the importance of highlights - I think there's a latent teacher lurking in me somewhere, ooooohhhh scary! I still like it! The picture I mean ,not the latent teacher tendencies.

Plenty of painting time today. I've been busy working on a new oil painting and a multiple person caricature but neither of them are ready to post yet.

Kirsten Dunst in colour

I fancied a portrait today. Another attempt at Kirsten Dunst. The colours are not quite the same as the photograph but I liked the effect early on and decided to keep it in the pale colours. I also wanted to keep the look sketchy as the image appears more dynamic. Sometimes when you're faced with a stunning picture copying it slavishly seems wrong, it needs an "arty" slant. Hark at me I'm going all "Art critiquey" - I always hated art history - I like the pictures but not all the waffle that goes with the descriptions and analysis. Art is subjective and personal- unless you can read my mind you don't know what I'm thinking. As a child I did lots of people in pictures but never any faces. My mother was concerned until I started doing portraits. The reason why I didn't put faces on was because I didn't think I could do them! I think I might have got over it now! So, I shall cease the waffle immediately. I did it this way because I wanted to and that's all I need to say!

To sum up - I'm very happy with this one - yes you read that correctly - I LIKE this one.

Kirsten Dunst

A quick draw of Kirsten Dunst today as drawing time has been very limited. It always is on Wednesdays. Thought I'd try some straight to ink sketches but kept making mistakes at critical stages so resorted to pencil first. Cheating? I know, but I like to post something I'm happy with! Well at least, something I won't cringe at every time I see it. Still need to practice more - now where have I heard that before? It's one thing that will never change. I'll have a go at a colour version next - try and get a good background. I can only think of "spiderman" stuff at present,have to google what she's been in.

Debbie Harry - at last!

Back to the caricatures. I finally got around to doing a young Debbie Harry. I must say that I'm quite pleased with this one. Spotted a couple of points that need touching up, but nothing that makes me want to weep. I was taken with the idea that Debbie Harry is always being photographed, what would it be like if she was the photographer - she wouldn't have any trouble with the boys smiling, at least!

The graffiti wall is a reference to a documentary I watched a while ago which mentioned they lived in a semi derelict property in New York in the early years of Blondie. Actually, it's a feeble excuse for me to practice textures - I've got a thing about brick walls and texture. It is probably a sign that I need help. Or a throwback to my upbringing in Manchester surrounded by crumbling cotton mills, most of which have now been demolished. Something that I've been mulling over as an idea for a painting - just doing the research before I start. I'm looking for a particular mill. Unfortunately the only image I've found so far is this one taken from the rear the day it was demolished in 1987! It's a great picture but I need the front - preferably intact. The building is "Times Mill" on Grimshaw Lane in Middleton. It's looking like I'll be working from memory.

Debbie Harry -waiting for paint to dry

Yes, I'm waiting for paint to dry and it's as boring as it sounds. Yes, life is non stop excitement at my house! I've used a fair bit of masking fluid and, given previous disasters, I'm not taking any chances. So I might not get today's picture up tonight, but I'll be back tomorrow. So far it's going well, but there's plenty of time to wreck it yet. What... me be negative? Heaven forbid!

The commissions going slowly. I need to get Andrew to pose for me tonight and take some picture for reference. I don't want to give any details until I've finished.

I've found another site for my pictures so I've uploaded a few of my portraits and landscapes. Had some very encouraging comments so far. Feedback a power supply for the old ego!

Sketching

No portraits today. I might start one later, once I've sorted out the children's school uniforms for tomorrow.
This is my sketch from yesterday. I decided not to crop it, I like the sketchbook frame. I drew it in Buckingham Yesterday- sitting on a pack of nappies, the ground was cold. I'm wondering whether to build it up to a painting, The bollard at the front has a lovely peeling paint I texture and the stone is seriously weathered, nice smooth flags.I see potential...mmm I think it will probably need some people. Did a couple of rough sketches of people sitting on the steps eating lunch. I had to do them subtly, people tend to get a bit self conscious when you ask them if you can draw them eating lunch. And make it too obvious and you risk hostility. Need to do a few more studies before I start.
So much happier today

Must post something, Uma Thurman?

Sometimes I spend time on a drawing and think I've got it, only to find I scan it in the computer and it just hasn't worked as well as I thought. It's the old proximity thing.

I attempted Uma Thurman, I wasn't trying for a caricature but I think I did one. I'm still trying to get to grips with the inktense pencils. Her lips are much darker than I intended. I'm not a happy girl...Very frustrated at the moment.

Having said that, I managed a nice outdoor sketch at lunchtime, might scan it in tomorrow?

I also took this lovely picture of my dog.

Matt Damon at last

I think I might have found Matt, though Arny's still lurking somewhere in the background. Am I happy with him? Pretty close to happy, and that's as good as it's gonna get. Which is a oodles better than my last attempt. You know, the more I look at Sunday's picture the more I see the Joker, it's creeping me out!

Slow day for drawing - half term is lovely but it's not condusive to productivity. I've seen lots of inspiring stuff though, took the children around the old gaol - yes it's spelt like that! It's an 18th Century building with lots of intriguing objects. Spent much of the time stopping my youngest from running off. Perhaps I shouldn't have joked about locking him in a cell!

Matt Damon - emerging

Attempt number 2! Getting there. The eyes aren't quite right yet, needs a bit more work and the left moving slightly but at least it's not as comical as yesterday's effort.

Looks again.

Hang on, do I see a bit of Arnold Schwarzenagger today? Or have I finally lost track of reality? Probably both, I definitely need to move that eye.

Pastels have to be one of my favourite mediums, if not the one! I just love the feathery effect, the way the image can be sculpted and the creamy texture which allows for smooth blending with a satin finish. Not to mention the speed with which the image is created.

Yeah, that might be it? Or maybe it's just the after effects following the inhalation of all that fixative that's the reason?

Do I thinks so? Not really!! But I have to confess to a certain light headedness following fixing.

I don't like the way my hands resemble pickled walnuts when I've finished. And I defy any preschooler to make a bigger mess on their way to the sink than me!

So it's time to head to bed. Be warned though, "I'll be back!" Oops, I think Arny's finally taking over!

Looks over shoulder.

Does anyone know where John Conner is?

Matt Damon or is it "The Joker"

Sometimes I regret committing myself to publishing the good and the bad, I don't want other people to see my mistakes. You might have guessed, I'm not at all happy with this one! It's mainly the mouth, but other bits are irritating me as well. I decided to finish it anyway and try again - I think I need to do a lot of redraws this week. Sighs heavily! I'm feeling very negative at the moment, it's just a phase I know but I must work through it. Sorry Matt, I will do you justice.

It may also be getting to grips with a new medium. This was my second attempt with the inktense pencils and they go sooooo much darker when they have water applied. So, on a lighter note, can you see the joker? I know the mouth is definitely him, it would have been good on a caricature! So red, almost clown like, maybe that's why he looks so creepy. Oh, and the tie, there should be a public health warning on the tie!

There, feeling a bit better now. I'm pleased with my abstract, so far. It's still not dry. It's so boring waiting, like watching paint dry...ha, ha, ha. Laugh, I almost started.

Kate Winslet

I think I'm in Luurve! I was experimenting with my new inktense pencils. I love the intensity of the colours, especially when the water is added and turns into a wash. Don't you just love new toys. Today's playtime resulted in this rough sketch of Kate Winslet. I copied from a newspaper photograph, loved the pose. I'm debating whether to work this up into a finished picture or find another one? It's not the most flattering pose but I quite like it, especially the open eye.

Playtime continued after recess with abstract exploring. I'm fascinated with circles, especially done with masking fluid and then painted so guess what I've been doing, go on guess! Oh yes, I've already told you. I've done the masking, now I need to do the painting. Probably won't be sufficiently dry to enable removal of the masking fluid until Sunday. The hardest part is waiting to remove the masking fluid. No the hardest part is waiting 'til the masking fluid is dry, no removing it, no waiting for drying...Aaaargh I HATE WAITING!

"I want it Now!"

John Krasinski

I have a confession to make! When asked by Reeta if it was bad that she saw John Krasinski in the  Leonardo Di Caprio portrait (see comments), my initial thought was "Who He?". After very little research my ignorance was removed. He's one of the cast of the American remake of "The Office. " Being UK based we haven't seen the American remake of "The Office." Fans of Ricky Gervais beware, their cast is much better looking! How it compares comedy wise, I know not, but they've made 81 episodes of the US version whereas Gervais did a "quit while you're ahead" stopping at a mere 14.

Anyway I managed to get my pastels out after yesterday's fiasco and did John, as promised. He still needs a little touching up but he's virtually there. As you work on a picture you develop blind spots - often you need to leave it for a while and come back. Then you can spot where it needs more work. He's got quite a lopsided face and it was tricky not to go too far with the nose, mouth and chin. Trying not to think of "The Joker" was also a problem, you know how it is, like when someone tells you not to think of elephants...

I also suspect at least one of my pictures was distorted - hope I've got the face in proportion. Sorry John if it isn't.

Oh yes, and I seem to remember when I drew Drew Barrymore (cringe) the first time in pastel, I said I wouldn't do a portrait in pastel on A4 paper again, I wish I'd remembered that when I started!

Ooops!

I did a very silly thing this morning. Forgot to check the wipers were off before starting the car. With 2 inches of snow and ice on the windscreen it did not sound good!!! I switched them off immediately and cleared the car but when I tried to use them the wiper blade pinged off! With the help of a kindly neighbour we were able to reattach it but it didn't look right... I know I shouldn't have tested them, I know, I know, I know... BUT I DID! The result was distressing but impressive - I never knew wiper blades could splinter so effectively and the bits of twisted wire... well there're art aren't they. Anyway it put paid to a lovely quiet, child free morning. Dominic had by now missed the bus and I couldn't drive him legally with the car as it was. I didn't even have the taxi fare. He could have walked ,I suppose, but 10+ miles, on a busy main road, with no footpath and lots of ice. He might arrive by lunchtime, if he arrived at all! Naaaah!

I managed to get the other 2 children to school and playgroup and headed to the garage. Colin looked at the mess - 6th person to do it to a Picasso he'd seen this week. Unfortunately I had bent the wiper arms not just the blades! He tried to bend them back but they needed replacing. After a few phonecalls the best delivery option was "we're expecting a delivery on 24th February, they might be in then!" OK so should I remain housebound for 2 weeks while we wait? Noooooooooo! Fortunately he was able to remove one of the wiper arms and replace the blade so it works over the driver's side. I then spent the afternoon trawling the internet and have found a few second hand options, but nothing new.

So I didn't get much drawing done - and I so wanted to do a pastel portrait ... Sob!

4kids on a boat

I was having a really good day today until Siobhan told me she didn't like the caricature of her and friends. She wanted a portrait!!!!! "A prophet in his home town..." comes to mind. That more or less killed my enthusiasm for this one, but I finished it. It still needs some finishing touches but it's midnight and I think it might be better served with fresh eyes in the morning.

Yesterday my "inktense" pencils arrived and the supplier had included a set of faber artist's pens because the tin was slightly scratched. Royal mail had managed to chew the parcel so the tin was dented - fortunately all pencils were fine. As I purchased the item through ebay, I didn't want to leave negative feedback as it had been packed very well. I sent him an email just to let him know what had happened, just out of courtesy, not expecting anything. Well, he's now sending me another set of pens and a sketch book! What service!

This morning I finished applying the labels to the blog. After yesterday's efforts I was pleased to see a 47% increase in traffic yesterday. Hmm methinks labels might have had something to do with it. Talking of labels I must apologise if they seem a little unwieldy, I need to figure out how to display them more usefully. I also want to import a blog template but haven't figured out where to put it.

And as Zebadee would say "Time for bed!"

4 kids on a boat

This is a work in progress. If I thought achieving a likeness with one person was bad enough, getting a likeness with 4 is more than 4 times as difficult. There's probably some mathematical equation somewhere, Leonardo Da Vinci has probably already worked it out. I'm reasonably happy with likenesses of 3 - so in the words of Meatloaf (applying Victor Borges' inflation principle) sing with me, "3 out of 4 ain't bad."

Yesterday I worked on my Royal Academy entry. I've used an entire tube of blue acrylic and had to stop until I get some more. Not used to working on such a large picture.

I'm getting reasonably confident about my abilities now and I've finally taken on board the concept that I'm never going to be 100% happy with my pictures but will always be wanting to improve. That's a good thing. Needless to say making the art is only half of the process, I need to get my work "out there" - sound like a line from X files. As a result I've been exploring promotion and marketing ideas. Consequently, I've spent far too long -brain numbingly long - applying labels to my blog retrospectively. I'm not a technophobe but it takes me a while to grasp all the elements of a new technology gadget - alright new to me. I've just been reading about twittering in sounds useful but...baby steps... I'm about 2/5th the way through but decided to stop before I lost the will to live, or at least all feeling between my ears. Now, back to the drawing. Then onto the next celebrity...

Leonardo Di Caprio?

I think I've discovered a new condition. It's called "Morphitis". It's the process by which a portrait changes from one person into another. For example, Leonardo here started off looking like Robert Redford, then Andrew enquired if it was Bill Clinton (Honestly, with such reassurance in my abilities, it's a wonder I continue). Undeterred I ploughed on and, finally, achieved a passable likeness. I realised long ago, it's better to stop some pictures early, before my boredom starts to show in the work, and I was beginning to be heartily sick of this one. It's often better to start again. The watercolour pencils are a first for me. I've used regular pencils - way back in the dark ages. I prefer bolder colours and pencils tend to be a bit insipid. I've just invested in a Derwent "Inktense" set, so we'll see how I get on with those.

I've finally started painting my Royal Academy entry. It looks pretty rubbish so far but they always do at this stage.

My creative muse has been somewhat tested this week with school's being closed due to snow - a rather pathetic 4 inches at most yesterday - but enough to cause chaos to traffic. We live on a steep hill which develops into an ice rink with the slightest snow. Being a side road it remains un-gritted until one of us goes out with a shovel. I admit to ultimate wimpishness on Monday when I watched 2 cars slide down the hill- I didn't fancy making mine the third, so all children were kept off despite no closures at the time. Only to be joined by Andrew on Tuesday. We sallied forth and, even though I had to take my eldest to school myself - we'd missed the bus. By Thursday all the schools had given up and closed.

Still the snow has provided plenty of camera Fodder, providing some very pleasing results. see below.

And lots of opportunities to play...

Lily Allen

No caricature today. I fancied a regular portrait. I've finished the painting of Lilly Allen -bar some minor tweeking and touching up, I'm not happy with the likeness but I've worked out what's wrong now, so I'll have to do it again - I seem to be saying that a lot recently. At least she's stopped looking like Debby Harry. The overall effect is quite pleasing, especially the hair and right eye. I definitely should have used masking fluid on this one, I tried white crayon but didn't spot a mark on the crayon so it has a few dirty streaks - bother!

Today we have a lovely snowy scene outside, children off school, again! Andrew is also working from home -good luck! The concept of "work" and home is one the children struggle with. Anyway, I'm off out to take some piccies and see if I can find something to work on.

Is that Debbie Harry?

I'm working on a picture of Lily Allen at the moment, but for some reason she keeps morphing into Debbie Harry. This is either some cunning plan of my subconscious telling me "YOU must do Debbie Harry" or someone has invented a Debbie Harry morphing machine which changes images at random into Debby! Resist, I must resist - OK then I'll do her next!