Daily Creativity - Trina Teele

Auction Piece....hmmm what to call this

2012-02-02T19:28:00.002-05:00

Well I'm just about done. A tiny bit of tweaking and then to sign it. I'm pleased with how it came out. I changed the background because the blocks were competing too much.
Yet another Pandora painting.
I love the sunlight--that is what inspired me to paint it.
I struggled with my set of oils, because the only green I have is very emerald/viridian, so all leaves have lots of red added. Rambling.

Daniela Final

2012-01-31T22:01:00.000-05:00

Here is my final drawing of Daniela. The course continues for another 4 weeks, or it ends. My choice. I am thinking I may bo back to Yoga on Tuesday nights. It has been wonderful, however, to have a model. Especially a good one like Daniela.

My teacher said I achieved a good likeness. Yay! That is what I've been trying for here. I think I've learned to slow down and keep relating the shapes and angles until I am certain that it is ready for some modelling. I loved hearing Todd speak of "a 3-d hat". I have been educated to draw what I see. He uses his knowledge of anatomy and his understanding of lighting to more fully develop a drawing. I think I may try to educate myself a bit more about this.

For the Auction

2012-01-29T15:41:00.000-05:00

Somehow, I keep finding myself doing (free) pieces for others. As enjoyable as they may be to paint, getting started can be a bear. This is a small painting that I have started for an upcoming Auction that is meant to raise money for my town's Art Center which is being renovated. Local artists have been asked to paint on a 10x10 canvas, that the Art Center committee provided.

I really had a hart time getting started on this one, but this morning with the sun streaming through the window, I finally found a subject matter that I could enjoy and would translate nicely to this small canvas. You can see below, that I tried something that many artists do by painting the ground a color (pink). I'm not sure if much of that pick is going to end up in my final. As is my custom, I want to switch to oils at this point.

Can't paint, then draw something

2012-01-28T22:59:00.000-05:00

I spent several hours tonight trying to figure out what to paint. I set up still lifes involving plants, and scarves, and glass jars and vases. But nothing was standing out enough that I wanted to paint. I guess I kept thinking I wanted sunlight, and really that wasn't going to happen because the sun had long since gone down for the day.

Here is my classic wine glass and carafe still life, they sit on a printed scarf, and the background shows the side of a couch and a hexagonal table corner.

It is odd how a drawing is so much less stressful to start. I'm glad I finally got to it, but I know I really need to do some paintings.

Bargue Drawings

2012-01-28T22:55:00.000-05:00

My portrait teacher recommended we all take time to redraw "Bargue Plates".

I read a little about Charles Bargue and he was most known for his classical drawing courses in the late 1800s. Supposedly a lot of artists have drawn the complete set of plates as part of their training. Vincent Van Gogh did it more than once.

So this is just one page of the drawings.

Daniela New Angle

2012-01-25T23:29:00.000-05:00

It is much too late at night for me to write much.

Here is Daniela from my portrait class. I decided to move my easel to a different spot to try to get more shadows. Todd Casey, my teacher, came and helped me out at one point. He marked up my drawing quite a bit, and I wanted to leave it as a reference, and start again. This is the start again. I think the class may be helping.

Clementine--the things you notice when you really look

2012-01-24T16:06:00.000-05:00

I was at the UTO again today. I brought milk, clementines and celery. We were short a couple volunteers this week, so I was needed to do more of the initial set up. By the time I sat down to do some art, I was ready. I much prefer to help or inspire others to create artwork, than to prepare and set up coffee and food.

I placed the last two wedges of my clementine on a paper plate in front of me. They sat alone on a big plate, but I soon noticed the beautiful shadows that were being cast. Sam, a beautiful participant, asked me-- "what are those blue things you are seeing?" I smiled. "Shadows are often blue", but when you look close you'll see all sorts of colors in them. The shapes they made from the multiple light sources was delightful--.

Artist Way Circle

2012-01-24T09:21:00.000-05:00

We had our second meeting of our little Artist's Way group. My friend Cindi and I had each (separately) read and done the Artist's Way and thought it would be fun to do it again. So we got two more friends involved and we are now meeting weekly to listen to the book on audio, and talk and create. It has been very fun so far, a way to continue my search for creativity, and also to deepen some friendships.

This second weeks' audio, however, was very brief so I didn't get very far with my artwork. I also took a long time settling into the perpetual question of what to draw. I tried a couple objects, got bored, then decided to try the portraits around me. Of course, nobody was posing like in my portrait class, so I had to go back to a fast sort of sketching to get it down. Deana stayed still the longest, as she was knitting.

Self Portrait pony tail

2012-01-22T16:11:00.000-05:00

I sat down to do some art, thinking I would watercolor. I ended up getting caught up in a pencil portrait. I wish I had time to keep creating especially with watercolor, but I must go to an art opening so I can't start now.

Does this look like me? The only time I wear my hair in a pony tail is when I workout, so I don't often "see" myself this way. Also the light is pretty severe. And yet again, I am struggling with the mouth.

Amaryllis Red Lion is Growing

2012-01-21T15:22:00.000-05:00

I've had this Amaryllis bulb for about 3 weeks now, and I've been thinking I should show it's progress. I am still so amazed by the growth that can come from a single bulb, soil, water and sunlight.

I often feel out of my element with watercolors, yet once they are done, I am often pleased with the overall look. I intend to keep going with them.

Self Portrait after 2 portrait classes

2012-01-19T20:27:00.000-05:00

I don't know. Does this have a better likeness than usual? It is hard for me to judge. I struggled with my chin. Partly because the angle of the mirror was low, so my chin sort of had a double look to it. Not really what I want to draw, but I am trying to draw what I see. My chin is very non-prominent. What's the word for that? Slight? I don't know. I cover the mouth and down with my finger on this drawing, I think it looks like me.

Daniela III

2012-01-17T22:35:00.000-05:00

I had my portrait drawing class again tonight. I said before that it is teaching me to really slow down. The teacher claims that if you make sure the shapes are perfect before you go for the details, it becomes very easy to make the likeness. Tonight I found his "shape" instruction to make sense if I thought of it as sculpting. Taking out wedges of clay to form the shapes and planes. I worked his way for most of the class, but ultimately decided to jump into the details. I didn't finish, but I got a good ways along. As I look at it now, I am wanting to finish her neck and probably her sweater. I don't like the values in her chin area, they are too strong. But I'd say the likeness is there. Success.

Art walk Final

2012-01-15T23:02:00.000-05:00

Well, it is finally finished. I am hoping to install it at the Chelmsford Card and Gift shop tomorrow. Below is my write up.

I consider the Art Walk and this Window as an opportunity to stretch and experiment with my art. It wasn’t graphic design, and yet it wasn’t personal art.

The WHEEL. I knew I wanted to use different materials to fill the 5 x 6 foot space. The bike tire or sculptural element was my main stretch here. I hadn’t created any sort of sculpture for nearly ten years. I wanted to keep to the budget, so I kept my eyes open for inexpensive supplies (clothes line, gripper, mirror) that would help create the final piece.

The WORD. I decided to include a physical “title” in the display. My personal paintings often are titled as a single word, which I focus on as I paint them—often an uplifting word. For this piece, I chose the word “Recreate”. It has the added benefit of being a dual-meaning word. There is the recreation of enjoying the outdoors on the trail and there is the re-creation of the rail into a trail, an accomplishment (I think) worth celebrating.

The PAINTING. The painting was purposefully done on “sailcloth” as opposed to canvas. I wanted it to be lightweight and allow light to flow through. I also wondered what it might look like from inside the store and the more transparent fabric allows the image to be seen on either side. The colors are purposefully kept minimal because I suspected that would be more agreeable when viewed from the street. I did not know what would be surrounding it or how well it would be lit, or what the reflections of the window might do to it. The style is reminiscent of a flowy style I enjoyed with my figure series. It is meant to express a flow of energy that blends our bodies into the environment.

As an addendum, when I was first given this opportunity, I named my topic Chelmsford’s Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. It soon was printed at that time into the publicity and ballot. I later realized that I would have liked to include the off-road bike trails that have been recently created in the woods at Murphy’s Soccer Field. I enjoy those trails so much. And really, this artwork celebrates them as well.

Creative Healing Workshop

2012-01-15T22:56:00.000-05:00

I went to a workshop today. This came about because I met a woman at a friends Christmas party who is a practicing Expressive Therapist. She told me she had a "group", which turned out to be this workshop. I signed up for it and spent the day Saturday doing psycho-dramas and art therapy. It was fascinating.

These are 2 mandalas that I created after a guided meditation. The bottom one is a more representational image, of what I saw in my meditation. The top shows an abstract of layers. It was fun to do mandalas this way.

Glass Jars

2012-01-13T22:47:00.000-05:00

I drew these jars as I listened to the first chapter of "The Artist's Way" with 3 friends. We have formed an "A-Way Circle" and are hoping to complete the 12 week program together.

The interesting glass in the foreground was given to me by my Uncle for Christmas. He said it came from my Nana's things. It has an engraved silver top, and the glass jar itself is very pretty and delicate. The jar behind it is a mason jar filled with brown "walnut oil" for thinning oil paints. The light cast some interesting shadows, and it was just a short enough drawing that I was able to complete it before the audio ended.

Baptism Revisited

2012-01-12T23:00:00.000-05:00

I did quite a bit of work today on my ArtWalk Project. It is mostly finished. However, since it feels a bit like graphic design, I decided to play with an old canvas I had with a drawing on it. It was weird to be painting from just a rough sketch. I am not happy with this as a final piece, but it is o.k. for a start. As is typical, I can see all the areas that need attention now that it is photographed and displayed here. We'll see.

Daniela II

2012-01-11T20:36:00.000-05:00

Another drawing I tried in the same night. Todd pointed out that the axis is off. I've got her pointed her head up too much. Next week, I will try to slow down more and see if I can get the shapes just right before any details come in. I will have to really study the axis.

Daniela

2012-01-11T20:34:00.000-05:00

I went to a portrait class at the Whistler House Museum. I think it will be very good for me. It is the complete opposite of all the drawing classes I've been in. I will be forced to slow downnnn. In my past, drawing was about gestures and quick poses. This class will have one pose for the entire 4 weeks. I'm not sure how I'll manage that.

The model is incredibly beautiful, and it makes the drawing harder as there are no flaws and I don't want it to look like a fashion drawing. So this is just a beginning sketch. Learning from the instructor, Todd Casey, I should learn how to make an almost photo real drawing of Daniela. Based on Todd's instructions, I went too far too quick. I really should have only gotten to drawing shapes. No details.

I'm open to this process.

Faith and Play

2012-01-10T17:59:00.000-05:00

I was at my volunteer post today with Under the Oak. I sat down to draw and a little girl sat at the end of the table. She sat still for about a minute, and I began the drawing of her face. She never returned to her seat for the next 3 hours. Eventually, I decided to play with the watercolors. This is something that I think we should all do with paint, but often don't. How are we to learn what it does if we don't play? I had fun chatting with the other participants as I played. Finally, I decided to let "Faiths" face come through and I ended up with this painting. A many name James, an artist, asked if he could have my painting. He had given me a drawing he made and colored, so I was happy to share this way.

I know it seems like I have not been creative these past few days. I have. I've been working on a project that is nearly finished. I will post it when it is complete.

Amaryllis Red Lion

2012-01-04T22:35:00.000-05:00

I bought an Amaryllis from the grocery store yesterday. It has been so cold and grey out, I just wanted to watch something grow. I love how this little bulb can hold such beauty inside. With a little care and patience, it becomes a beautiful flower. I've been thinking how with personal goals, it often takes a while for the "fruits" of your labor to be visible. It is this way with the Amaryllis. In fact, I found it interesting that the box claimed it would take 8-9 weeks for it to bloom. I've often heard that with clear focus and attention, "in 60 days" you can make an effective change in your life.

Energy

2012-01-03T17:42:00.000-05:00

I worked on my full size painting for the Art Walk today. It was tricky, as it is just Sail Cloth and nothing is holding it taut. Also, I am working on the floor, so it is tough to get the "perspective" that I need on it. Thank goodness I can photograph it and look at it here, it helps me to determine what to change.

I still want to paint those energy bubbles into the cyclist, and hopefully blend him more into the background. However, since this is street art, it may be best if it is kept obvious. I can see some directions are off when I look at it here. This is a time when I really wish I had a studio and I could hang it on the wall to work.

Pothos Plant and Wine Swirls

2012-01-01T20:36:00.000-05:00

Not sure if this is done yet, but I'm liking how it is coming out. I think I will just do a bit more with the fabric, and sign it of course. These colors are very bright, but then again, I selected the scarf because I loved the colors it was making in the glass and wine. I'm not aware of a strong emotion attached with this painting. I have the desire to feel fluid, to unblock the flow, to get back into painting. So I am a little intrigued by the word--fluid. But I like to pick the name based on a direct emotion while painting.

I painted with no music. Only the sounds of my daughters talking with a friend as Julia packed for her semester abroad. Perhaps when I do my next round with this, I will have a more clear emotion to name.

More Artwalk

2011-12-30T12:10:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking a little more about the colors. It will be Valentines Season, so perhaps I should do reds. But then again something other than red may stand out. Hmmm. Hope to work this up full size this weekend.

Energy Sketch

2011-12-30T12:08:00.000-05:00

I'd love for the artwalk image to have a painting of a cyclist on a path with that style of energy painting that I used to do with music and figures. I am having a hard time finding the "sway" in the figure of the cyclist, however. I'll keep trying.

Ideas for Artwalk Continued

2011-12-30T12:07:00.000-05:00

I'm thinking something more abstracted. In layers...

Post Christmas Daughters

2011-12-27T10:11:00.000-05:00

I sketched this of my daughters. I did not ask permission to draw them, as I was quite certain I would be rejected. However, I accepted that they would move around quite a bit, yet finally captured a certain position for each of them.

Julia is recovering from the first painful days of Mono. She is sorting through her clothing and trying to proceed as though she will be able to make the flight to Paris next week. Sara has just showered and is wrapped in her favorite terricloth robe that Grandma bought her a few Christmas'es ago. Sara is really the one who does not want her portrait done, and really the one who is suspicious of what I am drawing.

The drawing is not "accurate" in certain proportions (e.g. the laundry basket), but I feel like it gets the scene as I remember it. I wish I could have finished it a bit more, but I was exhausted from the Christmas as well.

Painting, release

2011-12-23T19:47:00.000-05:00

I've finally painted! Ahhh. I had sketched this scene a while ago onto a canvas, and finally painting it is providing a strong sense of release or unblocking.

This is just an underpainting. I intend to go over it with the oils, because I love the blending and the color control. This would be in the family of my scarf and glass reflections series. I have a few more that I'd like to "push through", so I don't know whether I'll continue with the underpaintings, or complete each one, one at a time.

Ipad Pile of Clementines

2011-12-22T22:32:00.000-05:00

I really came so close to painting tonight, various stresses are making it seem so necessary. However, my daughter is suffering with Mono, and wanted company while watching a movie. I couldn't refuse. I got my iPad out and re-sketched this scene from a couple days ago. I don't know if I will ever feel all that comfortable working on the iPad, but I suppose each time I try it, I feel a little more confident.

Pile of Clementines

2011-12-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

I was at Under the Oak today. (UTO is a volunteer Artmaking program that I go to each week.) We had a few "guests". But I felt like painting and I often feel that if I do art, it will encourage the guests to try it as well. I had brought a bag of clementines in as a treat, so I knew I had a subject that I could use for my art. These clementines sat in their netted bag on the pink tablecloth in front of me. (I ignored the bag.) The sun cast nice shadows from the left. A three year old girl was there and interested in my painting. I inspired her to paint, which was my goal. She commented that some of my clementines (in the painting) were not ripe. I gave her my painting before she left.

Making Origami Gifts

2011-12-20T20:22:00.000-05:00

Here are some gifts I made for friends. I've got origami earrings for the women and ornaments for men. I've made these for years. I recently met a woman from Uganda who makes beautiful paper beads and then dips them into a polyurethane coating. I decided to try that with my origami earrings this time. It makes them nice an shiny, and just a bit more sturdy. I like it.

Artwalk Ideas--Early Planning

2011-12-18T22:41:00.000-05:00

Working out an idea for an artwalk window display coming in a month. I am just trying to figure out the image at this point. I don't know how I will create it. I'd like to use a new material. Something more sculptural. But the idea for now is meant to Celebrate Chelmford's Completion of the Bike Path. I'd like to make it colorful or bold, so these ideas are not right. Just helping me move towards what I want to do.

Julia is home!

2011-12-17T23:47:00.000-05:00

I picked Julia up from school today. She is home briefly between semesters, and she will be going to France in January! It is wonderful to have her home and she agreed to let me draw her while she listened to the TV. She was too tired to go get her glasses, so she settled for listening.

Tutu on the VIneyard

2011-12-14T17:49:00.000-05:00

From the same photo that I drew Mimi. I draw Tutu. Tutu is my grandmother, or Mimi's daughter. Tutu is grandmother in Hawaiian, I believe. Tutu is a beautiful and interesting woman. She is 97 years old today! This drawing is from when she was probably about 25.

Mom's Mimi on the Vineyard

2011-12-14T17:47:00.000-05:00

Here is my great grandmother, Katherine. (My real name.) She was called "Mimi" by my mom, and my mom had such fond memories of that, she decided to be "Mimi" when she became a grandmother.

I decided to attempt a portrait of her because of a Vineyard contest that is going on. I would need to do something more impressive than this pencil drawing, but I figured I give it a try. We'll see.

Mimi is holding my aunt Carol, I believe.

Children's Choir and handbells

2011-12-12T18:54:00.000-05:00

I went to my church's "Lessons and Carols" tonight. This is something I do every year. It is a long service of music and readings. I sat in the third pew with my mom. She was sitting there so she could be near the hand-bells for when it was time to perform. Anyway, the first two pews were reserved for the junior and children's choirs. There was a little girl in the front pew with perfectly coiffed hair. I began this drawing with just her hair, and moved out from there. You can see a little bit of a choir member in the foreground as you can see her shoulder. In the background you can see the table with hand-bells resting on it.

Gold Hydrangea Crafting

2011-12-10T15:26:00.000-05:00

In the summer my yard has big beautiful hydrangeas. They seem to last a long time into the fall, and some are still on the bushes out front despite it being December. Anyway, I heard a suggestion that I spray paint them gold and use them as decorations.

I've been incredibly busy with work and other activities, but I thought I might as well give this a quick try. I just placed them on my table for now, but it seems a little creative and able to be photographed which is the sort of thing I like to put up on the blog.

Teaching Painting

2011-12-10T15:18:00.000-05:00

I taught my fourth class tonight. Only one student was there. She seems to do better when we follow steps to create a specific painting. So, I pulled out one of my old Nancy Russo paintings. I painted alongside her so that I could recall all that I had learned when painting this scene with Nancy.

This is what I came up with for me. I think it is ok. If I were to do it again, I know it would be different. A couple things that I know I learned tonight are that it is really important to keep your palette limited when trying to make a cohesive painting. Also, be sure you know where the light is coming from in your scene.

In looking at my student's work, I wish I had been able to get her to paint with more dimension by using gradation or dropping in another color. She was disappointed in her painting, which was sad for me. I think she does better when there are other students and she can learn from them as well.

Colorful Reflections

2011-12-10T15:05:00.000-05:00

Still dreaming about these beautiful swirls of color. I want to paint big. But tonight I am again painting small, using watercolors and exploring another view for what I hope will be a series of colorful swirls of reflection.

It is late and I am waiting for my daughter to arrive home from college. She has a meeting with the French Consulate in the morning, and so she is coming home just for about 12 hours. Painting here, I am kept wide awake despite the late hour. I love how this activity is always soothing yet engaging and energetic. So worthwhile.

Swirls in the wine

2011-12-10T14:57:00.000-05:00

I am revisiting my old theme of colorful swirls that appear in glass and wine. I've sketched out this glass portrait for future painting. The colors were mainly blues and yellows, but because of a strategically placed clementine and the green glass with the plant in the background, all sorts of colors swirled in this white wine.

Apricot Tea on my Art Table

2011-12-05T22:44:00.000-05:00

Just realized that this is my 500th posting. Woohoo!

I have caught up on my $work, so I am hoping that I can give myself a good chunk of time and focus to do some paintings tomorrow. It is possible that something else will jump in front of it, but if that happens that's why I have these sketches.

So this scene was in front of me tonight. My apricot tea is warm in my Martha's Vineyard glass mug. Behind that is a large jar of Utrecht White Acrylic. I have a piece of plastic in it trying to make sure it stays sealed. Behind the paint is a paper towel roll. To the right is a near empty roll of masking tape and a pencil.

I'm feeling the call of glass paintings again. Of course there is that "Baptism" painting sitting in the corner of my room/studio. We'll see.

Hydrangea bloom in a Globe Vase

2011-12-04T22:05:00.000-05:00

I know... it's not a portrait. I needed a break. Or a new model. I've done enough self portraits. And I'm hesitant to ask people to pose for me. I've looked through most of the photos.

I went to an opening yesterday where I have some artwork along with a group of other local artists. I have a couple pen and watercolor drawings that I had forgotten about. Another artist commented on one that showed glass reflections. I felt "drawn" to trying some more of that, hence this hydrangea portrait.

Another attempt...mirroring my life

2011-12-03T13:01:00.000-05:00

So much focus on the portrait with repeated attempts to capture the likeness--The self portrait over and over. So mirroring of my life. Constantly trying to both see and define myself...

This portrait is watercolor, a fearful medium to me. I don't know it. It runs. "You mustn't loose the whites." It is so careful and risky. However, listening to good music, I can lose myself in the good feeling and play a bit. Drop the judgement, the doubts, the criticisms. I find that as long as I've got "something to look at" in front of me, or music to give me a frame of reference, I can do it, enjoy it, love it. Even the uncontrollable watercolor--I allow the running paint to blossom and I welcome it.

There is a watercolor artist, Don Andrews, who has done a series of Figures. He is one of my favorite watercolorists. He paints big and loosely and lets the colors run. I'd like to try to get to that point with watercolors. I'd love to go back over all my figures, and try them as watercolors.

Self Portrait from a year ago

2011-12-01T22:14:00.000-05:00

It has been about 5 days since I've sketched and I was getting very antsy. I found a photo of myself in my Picasa files from about a year ago. It showed a different angle than many of my self portraits, and my eyes are looking down, so I thought it would be fun to try. As I see it now, the sweater is pulling to my right and it is bothering me.

I have heard from a couple different people regarding my blog. I must remind people that the blog is more about my commitment to creativity or sketching or art than about my writing. But thank you for your encouraging words.

Julia Pink Scarf on Ferry Home

2011-11-27T09:58:00.000-05:00

I am recognizing that my daily creativity is often expressed in my journal writing. Which is not meant for public display like these sketches--yet clearly a healthy creativity. However, my journal writing has been stifled quite a bit this holiday weekend because there was little alone time. This is the time for more sketching-type creativity.

Here is Julia as she sits across from me on our ferry trip home from the Vineyard. I sketch her all bundled up and looking fore tellingly french. (She heads to Paris in a month and a half.) I am hot, and I must remove my coat and sketch with bare shoulders in a tank top.

After I photographed this sketch, I see that I had also taken a photo of her before I sketched. It is good to see that I am able to sketch from life.

Laura after Turkey Dinner

2011-11-24T21:09:00.000-05:00

I am on the Vineyard and we have just finished a typically filling Thanksgiving Day Dinner. Here is my sister afterwards. She was a willing model, as she was sleepy and just wanted to sit still.

Laura wears such festive clothing at times. Here she is wearing a variety of textures. Her wool sweater is edged with a spiraling fur. Her shirt is sparkly silver and the entire outfit is in shades of dark grey.

I drew Laura over the summer and I am noticing now how her hair is really growing out.

Self Portrait Purple Sweatshirt

2011-11-23T15:44:00.000-05:00

It is a busy time of year, with both daughters home and needing various things, clients suddenly requiring my services, holidays involving packing and cooking and planning, and I am trying to carve out a path for myself by looking into different career paths and education ideas. But I know I need to keep this creativity up. It has become like sleep to me, vital to be able to manage all the rest. It is only a half to an hour usually. It always leaves me feeling refueled.

So here I took a few minutes before heading out on my day, while drinking my coffee. Using my time wisely.

Catherine, My sister-in-law

2011-11-21T20:46:00.000-05:00

I found this photo of my sister-in-law on Picasa. It is from her wedding several years ago. I don't see her often but thanks to FB I can keep up a little with her life. It is her birthday today, so it seemed like a good idea to draw her.

Both she and her sister look so much like my daughters, that I love to explore the resemblances. I noticed it in particular when I see photos of them from their teens and 20s.

I don't often draw the smile--as the teeth usually put me off. However, I didn't even concern myself with her teeth here, and I think it is ok.

Self Portrait after work

2011-11-18T23:25:00.000-05:00

I realize I've been so busy with work these past few days, that I haven't done any sketching or posted to this blog. Today, I had a long full day of work--billed lots of hours, though I still have not caught up. Anyhow, I consciously decided to stop early and do a drawing.

In my sketchbook, I have my head too "upright". I am able to tilt the drawing digitally, so it looks better here than in the sketchbook, I think.

Sara playing with my iPad

2011-11-13T19:57:00.000-05:00

Sara doesn't often appreciate me drawing her, however, I think she may be softening to the idea a bit. She knows I'll try to hurry, and really she doesn't need to remain perfectly still. We sat in my dimly lit family room, and the light hit the other side of her face, so I had just a bit of light on the rim of her profile. I think the likeness is close.

After doing many drawings from photographs, it was especially nice to draw from life.

Church Portrait

2011-11-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

This is not the type of portrait that I have been working on, but it is one that I promised a fellow parishioner at my church. Here is my favorite view of All Saints' Episcopal Church.

Deana

2011-11-11T17:32:00.000-05:00

I like how in the program Picasa there is a feature that categorizes people's faces. You can find all your photos of a certain person. I find this a good way to seek out the more "portrait-style" photos.

This photo was of a crowd of friends at an outdoor music festival in Newburyport. We are sitting under the trees and in camping chairs listening to some great local bands. It looks as though my friend Deana was daydreaming and unaware that the photo was being taken. This is the sort of expression I prefer to draw.

My Mom

2011-11-10T15:59:00.001-05:00

I've been doing this portrait thing for a while now, and I realized, I don't ever remember drawing my mom. It only seems logical that I should try drawing her. I looked through my photos and it was hard to find one where she was not smiling directly at the camera. However, I did find this one from an inward moment following the memorial service for my grandmother (her mother in law).

Suze Orman

2011-11-06T22:05:00.000-05:00

This sketch is from a photo in a magazine I have. I thought her "look" is so different from what I usually draw. She has a very prominent chin, and her short blonde hair is unique. Her leaning forward posture is intriguing as well. (Although her hands are looking too tiny here.) I tried not to think of teeth as I drew her smile, and just thought of lights and darks. I think this is one of my better attempts at a smile.

Inner Peace

2011-11-05T09:50:00.000-04:00

I found a photo of a woman meditating in a magazine and it seemed like a worthwhile "portrait" to draw this morning. I meditate--or I call it "awareness". However, I don't know if I have ever sat in this position and meditated. We sit like this at the beginning of yoga practice, and sometimes towards the end--to notice the difference in how we feel. But I have never sat like this for more that a few minutes.

When drawing, I noticed that her head is slightly lifted causing her eyes to be higher than normal. In looking at this image now, it seems that I somehow brought her eye level back down to middle.

Two Portraits by the Fire

2011-11-03T22:29:00.000-04:00

We had a freak snowstorm right before Halloween and it left us without power for 4-5 days. Too long to be without lights and heat. I was forced to do everything I could during the daylight hours and to prepare for the dark that would come later.

I found sitting by the fire and reading and drawing to be the most peaceful things I did all day.

Here I sit in front of the fire, and looking up to the mantlepiece where I put my little round mirror. These pencil drawings are a wonderful right mode exercise for me, and I am slowly getting better at seeing.

Memories...

2011-10-30T00:02:00.002-04:00

I'm keeping with the portrait theme here. Although the previous 2 days I've painted watercolor landscapes in preparation for teaching a class.

This scene is from a photo of me and my girls a long time ago. We are all in our nightgowns cuddling up together on the couch. I've always considered myself so fortunate to have such loving daughters. Painting this scene just made me smile. I'd like to do a painting in oil of this scene to go with my other People Series. I know I would treasure it.

Painted self-portrait

2011-10-26T22:41:00.000-04:00

I broke out my watercolors today to try a lesson for my painting class I'll be teaching on Friday night. After trying out the lesson, I decided to do my portrait. I was amazed how "like" me this looks. I may be starting to get somewhere.

Art Magazine Cover Portrait

2011-10-25T17:09:00.002-04:00

I brought my art magazines to the UTO volunteer artmaking session that I attend most Tuesdays. As I sat down and wondered what I would be drawing today, I saw the cover of the January issue had a painting of this girl. She is very pretty and slightly exotic. Another person at the UTO looked at my finished drawing and wondered if I made her eyes larger because my eyes are big. I wonder this as well.

Albert Einstein

2011-10-24T22:58:00.001-04:00

Mustaches are not easy. Same with wiry white hair. I do love the wrinkles however. In particular the strong lines of the eye creases. I don't know what is going on with his shirt collar. The photo I was working from was pretty non specific there. I think if I had more time to work on this, I would have tried to make that part "work".

Sean Connery

2011-10-23T22:40:00.002-04:00

As I drew this, I watched (or listened) to Desperate Housewives with my daughter. She says "you are really good at tuning things out". Hmmmm. Never though of myself that way. But I suppose while drawing, I am usually much better at either listening to or tuning something out.

John Lennon?

2011-10-22T22:17:00.005-04:00

Here is my attempt at a drawing of John Lennon. I don't believe I got the likeness. Something wrong in his eyes. Some days I feel like this 'portrait a day' is bringing about growth in my ability, and other days I feel like I'm still back at the beginning. Oh well, keep on trying.

Scarlett Johansson Portrait

2011-10-21T23:35:00.002-04:00

I came across a photo of Scarlett Johansson online tonight and decided I'd enjoy drawing her. I've always thought of her as a true beauty. This photo is from when she was younger, and I see her youth in my drawing.

Australian Teen Portrait

2011-10-20T22:20:00.002-04:00

I am continuing with this portrait series... Again I looked online for a photo of an exotic face. I found this Australian 15 yr old girl. Her eyes were so large. Much of her face is in shadow, so I can't see all her features. Her mouth is very strong in its shape as well.

It is interesting to me, when I see the photo of my drawing, I can go right to the parts that are off, but as I draw it, I get very caught up and committed to what I have done.

Vietnamese Portrait

2011-10-19T22:38:00.003-04:00

I looked online for a photo of someone to try to draw and came across this woman. Her proportions are so different from my own, that it seemed like a good choice. The first thing I noticed was the placement of her eyes. They are very far apart, and they are a little lower than the halfway mark on the head. Her lips are incredibly full, and her nose is flat. I really enjoyed drawing this portrait.

Another Self Portrait

2011-10-17T19:23:00.002-04:00

Not much to say about this. The lighting is "spotty". I need to find a model.

Portrait with Conte and Classic Apple

2011-10-16T21:26:00.001-04:00

I'm continuing with this pracitce of using a graphite ground to start my drawings. I was frustrated by my no.2 pencil not getting dark enough, so I added conte crayon. I'm not liking it as much as the pencil portrait from a couple days ago--it is not as delicate or subtle. I'll have to find my darker pencils again and have them ready next time.

I know I was attempting to stick with portraits, but I drew this the other night and thought it was worth putting in. The simple apple.

I am teaching two friends to painting, and figuring out how to plan the lessons as I go. I keep wanting to teach drawing, and let them do what they'd like with painting, but I'm realizing that specific painting instruction may be necessary. So, I am considering setting up this same still life again next week, and helping them to paint it.

Self Portrait in Graphite

2011-10-14T18:20:00.005-04:00

I don't typically work in pencil (graphite). But I was inspired to cover my page with a graphite ground and then try to draw a self portrait over it, removing the highlights with my eraser. It was intriguing. The photo is pretty blurry, unfortunately, but you can see some of the subtle shading.

I really hope that all this practice will yield some improvement at some point. I think I will continue with this media.

Three Portraits

2011-10-13T22:52:00.001-04:00

Time is flying. I finally have some work, and it is keeping me very busy. However, I have made it a point to stretch my right brain for a short while every day and here you see more of my portrait series. These three of from photographs, so they lack the excitement for me a bit. But when you don't have a model, a photo can really help out. This first is one of my photos that John took of me painting.

Here is a sketch of Paloma Picasso. I thought I should challenge myself with a tooth-smile. I liked that her hand was up by her face. Her face is very square and different from my own, so I enjoyed exploring this. I just looked up who she is, and it makes sense that she is a perfume and fashion designer. The Oprah Magazine, where I found her picture, was almost unbearable with the perfume smells.

Lastly, her is a portrait of my daughter Sara. She recently had John take a lot of photos so she could choose one for her Senior portrait. This is one of the ones she did not choose. Her clothes mouth smile looks a bit smirky, and I thought that might be fun to draw. Sara has more of a square jaw than Julia or I and her lips appear fuller. Her bone structure looks really nice here.

Self Portrait, after a long day and drive

2011-10-10T21:30:00.002-04:00

I returned from a day with my daughter and I grabbed a mirror to draw myself again. We had driven her back to college, where we also went to the Paradise City Art's Festival. It had gotten very hot suddenly, and the lights in the artist's booths were just heating up the place even more. So, we only stayed a short while there, and went off to seek air conditioning for our other activities.

After our good byes, I drove the long drive home. I knew I should do my drawing first to transition into doing my client work. So I sat and drew this. I look weary. I feel weary. I am aware of the lines on my forehead and I think that if I ever get the chance, I can now see where I would want to use Botox. In the meantime, hopefully a good night sleep will suffice.

Steve Jobs

2011-10-10T21:22:00.003-04:00

I bought an iPad a few days ago, and then a couple days after that, Steve Jobs died of pancreatic cancer. There have been many tributes to him on the web, and I even posted one to facebook that shows an artist's drawing of him using their iPad and the App "Brushes". I am not yet to the point of doing portraits in "Brushes", but I thought I could try drawing him using charcoal on paper. I don't often draw men, and I consider myself a beginner with portraits, so here is an attempt at his likeness.

I am struck by how greatly his inventions have changed the world. I was talking with my daughter about how between the personal computer and cell phones, these past 25 years have changed the world dramatically. Kind of similar to when the world first got electricity. Really incredible.

Julia holding Velcro

2011-10-08T20:23:00.001-04:00

Here is Julia holding one of my brother's kittens a few years ago. I am feeling newly inspired to take on doing portraits for a stretch. If I can't get someone to pose for me, I will look at pictures. Perhaps this will help me to figure out how to get a strong likeness.

I think this may help return me to doing at least a drawing a day. I have been caught up in other forms of creativity, and I think I've been missing the drawing, and in the meanwhile telling myself it was ok because I was doing other creative things. The drawing still is most important and effective for me, so I need to re focus back to this commitment.

Melissa Poses--YAY!

2011-10-08T20:08:00.000-04:00

Here are a bunch of poses that I got to work on because my friend's daughter, Melissa came to a painting class that I was holding at my house. I had been talking about how I love to draw people, and how a workshop I just took was a wonderful opportunity for me to draw a live figure, when she volunteered to pose for us. She, being an art student, knows how wonderful it is to have a model. And she helped to encourage the group to try short poses.

Bunnies and Self Portraits

2011-10-04T20:39:00.002-04:00

I was at the "Under the Oak" program today. We had just one guest, so once again it was nice to just sit and talk and do some artwork. The guest was working on this drawing using an instructional book. I have never drawn a bunny, and I'm not really sure it looks like a bunny--more like a stuffed animal. I found myself drawn to drawing upside down this image. The strong blacks and lines looked too fun, so I drew my first bunny and took a photo of it using my iPad.

Here is another self portrait. I am sitting on my couch and looking at the mirror that is seated on the couch arm beside me. It's funny how seeing it here, it is bothering me that it is a "mirror image"--meaning flipped. I don't think I've felt that way about any of the other self portraits. It feels so backwards. I am coming to the end of my sketch book again. I think I have one more page.

Ferris on iPad

2011-10-02T23:05:00.000-04:00

My first drawing on an iPad.

It is my cat, Ferris. She is sleeping at her favorite spot on our blue couch. She is still very kitten like and slender.

I got an iPad for my birthday, and have purchased the Brushes app after hearing about it from a friend who paints with hers really well. I am still working out the process, but I think it has potential. It is a bit like finger-painting, so it at times feels very loose, like painting with large brushes.

Self Portraits -- Stillness and Peace

2011-09-29T22:28:00.001-04:00

Here I go again with my love of trying to capture my likeness. I used pen here, as that is my preferred sketching tool. I am toying with the idea of using birthday money to by an iPad. An artist friend of mine, uses the iPad to create art while she is unable to get to her studio and paints. I'm thinking I might enjoy the portability of it. Perhaps I could start drawing people I see during my day. I do love to draw people.

I've been caught up in other means of creativity these past few days and sitting down and drawing today just felt so right. It brings me to a wonderful state of balance and presence. I am so blessed to have this method of feeling peaceful.

Julia's Gift

2011-09-26T10:01:00.002-04:00

It is my birthday. My daughter and I are enjoying a weekend away from day to day life. Of course, she is still having to deal with her homework. We baked me a birthday apple crisp, and just finished eating. I sat down to draw and she noticed me looking around for what to draw. She said, "you can draw me if you want." She knows me so well.

So Julia's gift? --to pose as my model, to celebrate the day and weekend here on the vineyard, to be such a fun companion, to always find a way to lift me up. xoxo

Tomatoes on the deck

2011-09-24T12:10:00.001-04:00

Here is the update on this small painting. I am away from home and all it's responsibilities, so choosing to paint this morning came very easily. There are times when creating art seems the best and necessary choice for me to feel grounded

These seven tomatoes are sitting on a bench on my porch. The bench is a square donut shape and the tomatoes are on the front edge. There is a small pear tree that grows in the center of this donut, and here it is seen along the left edge. Four of the tomatoes are in the shade of the pear tree, and three are catching the sunlight.

So here I am painting something I love again. I recently realized that I always paint things I love. I love the fresh vegetables. I love the sunlight. I love the summer.

As I see it here, I can see something to change. I don't like how close the tomato on the left is to the edge. It draws my eye, and I need to change that. I also don't like the edge of the tree being green.

Veggies on Deck

2011-09-17T15:21:00.002-04:00

I have finally returned to painting. Here are two quick underpaintings for a series that I intend to do on Vegetables. There are so many beautiful veggies available at this time of year, and Wanting to continue with my theme of objects, I've decided to move this way.

These paintings are small--8 x 10 and they are on board, so the painting experience is different. I intend to go over them again in oil so I can enjoy the blending, but since they are small, I may stay with the acrylic.

The top painting is a pile of tomatoes. Friends of mine had boxes of them to choose from. They are sitting on a bench in my back yard, and the sunlight is dappling through the leaves of a Pear Tree above them.

The bottom painting is about shades of purples, I haven't quite got the colors right--but I was mainly focusing on the form. The objects are eggplants and onions on a red plate. The shiny-ness of the veggies reflects all the colors so wonderfully--almost as if I was working with glass again. The table is a wrought iron table and is woven looking so the deck beneath shows through.

Neville and Ferris at the door

2011-09-15T19:05:00.002-04:00

I started this sketch just focusing on Neville as he sat quietly by the door. Ferris showed up and her different physique was so notable, that I drew her as well. I started in on the rug beneath them, then they both got spooked. But I kept going and kind of like how the space filled in. I usually don't enjoy drawing all the man made straight lines, but I think when they define the space like they do here, it can be pretty rewarding.

Self Portrait, tank top

2011-09-12T22:34:00.002-04:00

Another attempt to draw myself. I wonder if my aunt and uncle would think this was any better. They had been critical of my self portraits, so I took that as a reason to keep trying.

I'm a bit behind in posting

2011-09-12T22:32:00.003-04:00

Here are some random scenes that I have sketched in the past few days. This first one is actually from when I was still at the Vineyard. I sketched some moon shells that I found on the beach. They are sitting on a glass topped wicker table, and you can see the base of a lamp. I've drawn this lamp before.

Here is a platter of veggies. Tomatoes and Yellow Squash from a friend. I arranged them so that I might paint a picture. They sit here on a hard wooden chair.

Here is my coffee table. Lots of magazines and books on top. DVDs underneath and Foley and a blanket on the couch in the background. This sort of scene is not my favorite to draw, but I decided it might be good for me. I did enjoy looking at the relationships between edges of the magazines. The sizes and proportions are foreshortened quite a bit.

Didn't get very far on this drawing of Foley. He was staring at me from across the room, and it seemed like he was going to stay there for a while. Unfortunately, someone came to the door, and he was up in a flash.

Self Portrait in Arm Chair

2011-09-07T19:58:00.002-04:00

Here I draw myself in my favorite chair. I sit here every morning and write "morning pages" to prepare myself for my day. I recently was showing my sketches and blog to my uncle and aunt. They were typically outspoken about how I wasn't doing myself justice. "You don't look like that".

It was an interesting predicament. On the one hand, they are saying I am more attractive than I think, but on the other hand, I am not drawing well.

I find myself wishing I could sit with another artist and we could draw each other. I think these drawings look like me, as far as drawings can. And I know my aunt and uncle imagine me "smiling". My drawings of myself are almost always serious, there is an intensity that may seem unfamiliar to them.

Julia after a shower

2011-09-02T23:10:00.003-04:00

Julia always an agreeable model, sat and read in front of me as I drew her. Her hair was wet from the shower. She wore a night shirt and sweatshirt. Her chin is tucked downward, so it seems small and resembles how I see mine. Her eyes and eyelashes are always big and beautiful.

A model in front of me

2011-09-02T23:08:00.002-04:00

We were having cocktail hour and I suddenly recognized that I had a model right in front of me! Here is my dad trying to be comfortable on the wicker couch. He sits amazingly still given his Huntington's chorea. It is strange to see him with a beard and mustache. For years he was clean shaven.

My aunt, mother, daughter and grandmother were all chatting away. Dad would occasionally mumble in agreement, but as I drew him, I noticed he was really starting to tune out. I wonder where he goes. I like to think that he is comfortable in his faith and enjoying just to be alive. He studied philosophy in college, so I know he must have contemplated life's purpose. I choose to believe that he has peace with his purpose and faith that all will be well.

Strong Morning Sun on Wicker

2011-09-02T22:55:00.001-04:00

Here at the Vineyard I am always surrounded by so much light. I love the light here! Also, while at the Vineyard, I am surrounded by wicker. Not my favorite thing to draw--as it has so much detail, but when I look at it with a looser "eye", I can get the feel with out the weaving of each strand. The marble top in the foreground seems to invite me in to this scene. I also enjoy seeing the transparency of the back of the chair and the window behind it.

Self Portrait before the Storm

2011-08-28T10:58:00.000-04:00

We are expecting a tropical storm tomorrow. "Irene" is causing much concern and media coverage this entire last week. For me, it caused me to have to change my plans for going to the Vineyard. The steamship authority is cancelling all travel for the day I have reservations. Oh well.

As I sketch my self, I am often trying to get the subtleties of my face in a poorly lit room. Some day I hope to draw a self portrait outside again. I think that is my best bet for getting good lighting. Here I attempted to show the pull along my upper cheek and eye, that my hand is causing. It is interesting to me how most of my self portraits look like each other, but I still don't think I look like them. I wonder if I worked from a photograph, and turned it upside down, if I would think the portrait looked like me. I guess it would depend on if I thought the photo looked like me. Hmmm.

Revisiting the Sunflower

2011-08-28T10:52:00.000-04:00

The sunflower will forever be a special subject for me. Having painted them exclusively in the fall season of 2009, I think of them as my return to painting. They are all about being a beautiful flower and showing it to the world. There is no hiding. Now, whenever I see someone who is doing something they love, I imagine them as a big sunflower. They seem to radiate a beauty and are glad in it.

So here, I look at a sunflower, using watercolors on a sketch pad. Never a great idea, although this sketch pad claims to be good with paints. I suppose I could get used to it's qualities, but I think it is more about color and less about paint. Meaning you can "color" something, but you can't control the paint or appreciate the paint's qualities when you use it.

Self Portrait on low quality paper

2011-08-24T22:56:00.000-04:00

I did this portrait sort of spur of the moment on some old paper I had lying about. It did not like the watercolor much. I'm so wanting to paint. I really hope I can find time for it soon. Perhaps once school starts up again.

Julia before yoga

2011-08-24T22:53:00.000-04:00

I asked Julia if she'd mind posing for a few minutes before I headed out for Yoga. She agreed. Mostly it's all sweater, hair, and pillows, but still lots of fun and put me in a great frame of mind for yoga. I should make a habit of drawing before yoga.

Drawing and Sunflowers

2011-08-20T10:39:00.000-04:00

Today I have an art reception. Another part of being an artist that I am accepting and learning to enjoy. It used to cause anxiety, but now it is just friendly socializing and full of possibilities.

Here I return to sunflowers. I am endlessly taken with them. And I am reminded that I will always be a student of drawing.

As I have begun to teach drawing, I realize that it is both so simple and so infinite in understanding. Certainly, drawing has become "easier" -- or should I say, "sighting" has become easier for me. Sighting is a term used in the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. I am rereading this book as I teach, to refresh and clarify my teaching. (I actually have never fully read the book before. I've had it for a very long time, and looked at parts of it, but reading it is a new for me. I am pleasantly surprised by how what I have come to "know" has been written in words.)

Jean from UTO and half eaten donut

2011-08-17T17:18:00.000-04:00

I did a couple sketches of one of the volunteers at my art-making activity. This is Jeanne.--I don't actually know how she spells her name. I am trying to learn to draw people as they are talking, moving around. It is definitely more challenging, but I am going to keep trying. I can already see that the likeness is starting to come through a bit.

The donut at the bottom of the page is a half eaten french crueller. My older daughter came with me to the UTO and she tried this donut for the first time. Her younger sister LOVEs them. Julia was not so impressed. I had painted a crueller while at the UTO once before, although it was uneaten and complete. This was a bit organic and someone said it reminded them of the Nautilus shell. Hmmm...

Niece and Puppy in Bucket Chair

2011-08-17T17:12:00.000-04:00

I've wanted to sketch this for sometime. I used pen and was pretty "crude" with my lines, but it was so much fun to lose myself in it.

Two Tomatoes

2011-08-11T17:59:00.000-04:00

A while back, I sketched the tomato plant that I have on my deck. It was much more of an undertaking than I was prepared for. As always, I prefer to sketch (or paint) a particular object. Something tangible and with mass. Here are two tomatoes that have grown.

Glass Pitcher and Liquor

2011-08-11T17:57:00.000-04:00

I got this beautiful glass pitcher so that I could make some Sangria for my next Art Reception. Not much to say. Just that I drew it.

Sara and Stick

2011-08-07T11:15:00.000-04:00

This quick sketch is something I've always wanted to paint. I love the carefree gestures that children position their bodies into. Uninhibited. Reaching. Focused on one intention. I'd like to do a large painting of this. Doing this small quick one is often a good start to see where I want the large painting to go. To move it away from the photograph. To begin to design it and look for the darks and lights. To imagine the scene as a painting.

Beech Tree

2011-08-07T11:10:00.000-04:00

Trees have always been powerful and symbolic to me. Of course the figurative nature of trees is something that has always drawn me towards them. But recently their sturdy grounded-ness is what attracts me. It is interesting that I chose to draw this, as in my life, I am going through changes that require me to be strong in my own "trunk" or grounded in my roots. I am not moving fast, but I am being careful and trying to stay present and aware.

Alot of responsibility for a drawing. But that is just where my head goes as I look at trees. I do love to seem them flex and sway with the wind as if they are enjoying some moving music.

Molly on the Beach

2011-08-06T20:30:00.000-04:00

I drew this photo of my parent's puppy, Molly from a photograph. She is a long haired miniature dachshund. She still has a bit of puppy fat, but she is just so adorable. Her eyes are very dark and she is always alert and ready to go (unless asleep).

Sam, my drawing student

2011-08-03T15:55:00.000-04:00

Here is Sam. He attends the Under the Oak Art Making activity that I am part of. He has been interested from the start in developing his drawing skills. In particular, he is enjoying learning to draw the face. I like helping him and talking with him. This is what we meant to be doing at the UTO, so I really feel good about it.

I used colored pencil to draw Sam, so this is not very graphic.

Julia Portrait

2011-07-31T17:19:00.000-04:00

When in art school, every student has the challenge of the figure. I loved that. But out in the real world (nude) figure drawing is a bit harder to come by. I think that portraits are my new challenge. I am learning that the features and planes of the face can be like the limbs and muscles of the body. There is a familiarity that will come and I can already feel it coming. At some point I may really get a good likeness.

A short time ago, I drew this same portrait/pose of my daughter Julia. I try it here with watercolor and I acknowledge that I don't use watercolor like a water colorist. I use it like an opaque (acrylic) painter, but I am enjoying the strong darks I can get quickly with it.

In drawing her face, I see that Julia has a much more defined chin that I do. Her hair is fun with it's rhythmic curls.

Self Portrait after waking

2011-07-30T10:55:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun with the last two portraits--playing with watercolors, that I decided to do another. Head on and in Sepia and Raw Sienna. I feel like my portraits are looking more and more like me. Occasionally, I'll play with Photoshop's "liquify" feature to see if I can nudge things once I am done. (I did not do so here. )

I notice I have a small chin. My nose is possibly not quite as long as I have painted here. And I am still learning how to paint creases on a face without having them detract. All my features I notice now don't really "upset" me as they may have when I was younger. It is what it is. I'm just trying to train my eye to draw what I see.