Where has the time gone? I spent the last many months studying fashion illustration and flat pattern design. These both relate to my love & study of textiles as well as my young adult aspirations to be a costume designer. As a non-drawer for most of my 60 plus years I thought learning to illustrate or draw the human form would be nearly impossible - and that flat pattern making would be a breeze. Wrong on both counts. The learning process always leads me down roads unsuspected. Hidden around that blind corner - amazing jewels.
In photography my love is nature and architectural shapes. I occasionally wanted to do portraits, but the faces I wanted to shoot were either too far away or camera equipment/lighting inappropriate for the job. After countless hours learning my rudimentary drawing skills - croquis, face proportions and so on, I learn I love doing faces. They come alive for me - they grab me and take on a life of their own. I fall in love a little bit and sometimes more, with each face.
After the second instructor suggested painting as something I would love - I decided to reward myself (as if I need an excuse) with the tools to go there, and am now eagerly awaiting the arrival of my goodies from Dick Blick. A little space was freed up in my weaving studio when one loom moved to the living room (space freed up by selling the well loved baby grand) An easel of my own…exciting, scary adventure. Each new media presents new challenges.
The paintings above are by two women artists, out of hundreds, who inspire me: Green Hay by Samia Halaby and A Self Portrait by Helene Schjerfbeck. Both are known in art circles, but perhaps are not widely known in America. Check them out for a visual feast.
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