Days #28 and #29

29 Faces of May

Wow this is one month that has literally flown by! Looking back to where I was on day #1 to where I am now is amazing. This face-a-day challenge was a big one for me. I had always admired others' ability to create beautiful or interesting faces, but had long ago decided that would never be able to do that. 

It was eye-opening to see the growth in my work as I pushed through many feelings of doubt and inadequacy and kept on going. My resulting faces have surpassed my own expectations and have paved the way for many, many more to come. No longer will I be afraid to add a face to a painting. Thanks Ayala Art for hosting this challenge and helping me to grow as an artist!

Day #28 was really a fun one. My sister had challenged me to paint the entire face upside down, using my non-dominate hand [my right in this case]. I found it very freeing to work upside down finding it an interesting challenge to put in all the features with such an unusual perspective. I never turned the page around until I felt it was finished. To my surprise my finished face ended up looking like Lucille Ball! At least is does to me. 

Day #28 WIP upside down

Day #28 my "I Love Lucy"

For my final face of the challenge, I decided to go back to pen and ink with the focus on the eyes. Eyes have always fascinated me. These ones seem to say to me "What, is this all over? Really?" No, really it's just the beginning!

Day #29 - really...it's all over now?

Day #27 - FEARLESS!

29 Faces of May 

Yesterday is gone and all we have is right now, and right now my new mantra is "fearless." I hadn't planned for this face to emerge as the symbol of my own fearlessness, but that's the way art works...it becomes what we intend, but often with a slight twist. My only intent was to be mindful and let whatever face appear be what it wanted to be since I did feel somewhat drained of ideas. 

Last night I went to my very first Kirtan experience at my favorite yoga studio. We did chants and songs in a responsive format. The lights from the candles and the relaxation of the chants was just what my soul needed. The highlight of the evening was shavasana to the beautiful tones of the "singing bowls." 

Maybe that's where the face for Day #27 arose, I'm not sure. Wherever she came from I'm glad she did. Here she is.....

Day #27 Fearless

Day #26

29 Faces of May

Received news that was disturbing, but needed to be read. Sometimes it's very hard to keep going when the things you have to see are sad, hurtful, disturbing or just plain wrong. 

Today's face reflects my feelings right now. I hate when I can't really do anything to help when I really want to. Especially when it comes to family. I've seen a lot of heartache and have managed to survive. This face is for those times when I'd like to see or believe half of what I have too. . . or less...

No name today...just a face...be that as it may... 

Day #26

Day #25 Freedom

29 Faces of May

An article on Yahoo.com entitled "10 Things to Remind Yourself on a Daily Basis" caught my eye this morning. The writer described 10 things that we can all do to keep ourselves centered, balanced and on track. I decided to use one of the listings as my main theme for Day #25. It is still amazing to me how the face that emerges just seems to materialize right in front of my eyes seemingly without thought. But I know different...whether the work is conscious or subconscious or a combination of the two, it is what it supposed to be. I have been set free from my own judgements and feelings of imperfection and I have truly arrived to a place of total creative abandon. I call today's face Freedom and her prayerful pose is no accident. I really like this one! [guess I've said that before, right? ...lol]

Day #25 Freedom

Day #24 Renuka

29 Faces of May

Today I was looking at some of the other artists' work in the challenge. A lot seem to use old book pages as a background. I decided that I wanted to give that a try and do something more mixed media.

As I started my search for just the right page, I felt scattered and somewhat lost. Then I came across this quote in a magazine: "It wasn't the cancer as much as it was the threat to life. Once I learned about it, I knew I had to fight. It's important to accept it and fight." - Renuka Prasad

This pull quote was from an article about women with breast cancer around the world who have beaten the disease and are helping other women do the same. I knew immediately that this had to be my background. What made it perfect was the article had an accompanying photo of Renuka. I was instantly engrossed with superimposing this wonderful woman's face over her own quote which so aptly echoes my sentiments.

The first thing I did after gluing the paper down, was to add some paint in swirls over the words to get rid of the "paper" look. I chose to do a very sparing outline of her image to allow the quote to be readable. I really really like this one. I think it came to me today because of the meeting I'm going to in a little bit  - our cancer survivorship class.

Hope you enjoy Renuka

Day #24 Renuka

Day #23 - Gina

29 Faces of May

Today I created another pencil drawing of an imaginary face I call Gina. Her thoughtful gaze leaves me wondering what's she's thinking and who she's looking at. Maybe it's her boyfriend who is gazing back at her. Maybe she is just thinking about her life. I don't know for sure. That's what makes the mystery that sometimes surrounds a piece of art. Each viewer will have their own interpretation of it and that is one aspect that I love about being creative.

Day #23 Gina

Day #22 Mia

29 Faces of May

I decided to stay with the pencil drawing for today since I enjoyed the change of pace as in yesterday's face. Today's inspiration came from an image I took from an online "learn to draw" website.

Today I learned [again] that my skill at accurately creating an image that is supposed to be a likeness is still not mature. What I think I see and what actually ends up on my paper are not the same. I'm not saying that mine is bad, I'm just saying that I'm not giving up my day job to become a portrait artist.

I've named this one Mia as her face reminded me of Mia Farrow. Enjoy!

Day #22 Mia

Inspiration for Mia

Day #21 Raphael

29 Faces of May

Today's inspiration came from a picture of the great master painter Raphael that was on the label of a painting panel I have in my art room. It was his self-portrait from 1506! His intriguing gaze and wonderful face urged me to lay down the paint brushes and try a pencil sketch for this one.

I really enjoyed creating my version of this famous artist from the Renaissance era. With each face whether imaginary or known, I am learning more and more about proportion, foreshortening, shadows, contrast and other techniques. Raphael's self-portrait is simply amazing and I know that I have not done him justice. They don't call those guys "masters" for nothing. Their skill was amazing and their knowledge of anatomy and structure was amazing especially when you consider the era in which they lived.

So without further ado, here is my Raphael along with the inspiration image. Enjoy!

Resource image of Raphael self portrait 1506

Day #21  Raphael

Days #19 and #20

29 Faces of May

Just over halfway through this journey and feel proud of myself for sticking to it even when the face that I will have to post for the day isn't exactly what I thought it should turn out like. Thing is maybe it turns out exactly that way it should turn out to be ... the subconscious is very willful and strong. I have long ago learned to trust my inner wisdom so with that being said, here's the story for day #19.

After a very full day of family and friends, I still felt compelled to try and finish a face that I had sketched a day or so ago. My intention was for it to be a mime-type face, all whitish with a rather soulful look with a few tears dropping on his cheek. Well that good ole subconscious took over and the result is what I call my "Inner Warrior - Cancer Sucks" face. You see I had yet another conversation with someone who has a loved one fighting cancer. Having had my own fight with this horrible disease, I know how hard and lonely that road can be. I'm sure those thoughts were running through my head when I created face #19.

Day #19 - Inner Warrior - Cancer Sucks

Day #20s face is back to my somewhat thematic fascination with long-flowing hair and mermaid-type visions. Meet Jolene.

Day #20 - Jolene

Closing thoughts ... I am glad that I have taken the time to chronicle my journey through the 29 Faces of May. I've put it out there for the entire world to see and if nobody cares to look, I'm okay with it. My growth and inspiration as an artist have grown leaps and bounds. Fears I once had are ebbing. I've been brave enough to post images that I wanted to throw away. I will always love being creative if for no one else but myself.

Thanks!

Days #16, #17 and #18 ... I'm still in this....

29 Faces of May

Even though I haven't had time to post my work, I have been busy with the 29 Faces of May challenge. I knew that when I committed to taking on this task [and believe me I am slightly non-commital] that the journey would be full of all kinds of experiences.

The past few days are interesting in that I went from more whimsy, to a  sophisticated look, to yet another almost religious look.

Day #16 I've named Polly. She's a little gangily and awkward, but is having fun poolside, modeling her goggles.

Day #16 Polly

The face I dreamt up for Day #17 is rather sophisticated compared to Polly. This gal is confident and I can just see her struttin' her stuff. I thought the nose piercing added some drama, as if the hair across one eye wasn't enough. The background pattern is a simple one that I learned while doing Zentangles.

Lesson learned with this one - make sure to erase any pencil lines before painting, duh. They don't erase well after they have watercolor on them.

Haven't named this one so if anybody reading this has an idea, I'm open!

Day #17

And finally, Day #18. In this face my goal was to have her head covering be embellished with a Zentangle design to give it a lacy, fabric quality. I think I achieved that. It was also important to me that she be adorned in rich, royal colors. That being accomplished she almost takes on a Madonna-like appearance which was not my intention. Be that as it may, I really like the way this one turned out. I have named her Serenity. A fitting feeling for the end of a rather tiring week.

Day #18  Serenity

One closing thought. I am truly enjoying this journey. I had no idea where it would lead me but am having a wonderful time being creative everyday and just letting myself go wherever my mind and spirit lead me.

Day #15 - "Tweet Boy!"

29 Faces of May

This is my attempt at whimsy. My challenge to myself was to just fire in and not think about it too much and leave the boo-boos and move one, which I did. As always I learned a couple of lessons like it's really hard to put words on a very small piece of paper [I'm working on 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" so I can put them all in a journal when I'm done], and that it's OK to experiment even though the results aren't exactly what I wanted. All-in-all it was time well spent. Now off to work!

Day #15 - Tweet Boy!

Day #14 - Namaste

29 Faces of May

Tonight is my yoga class so that may be where the inspiration for this one came from for today. Ironically this face looks a bit like my yoga teacher, Laura, who I adore! She often closes our practice with this quote: "May we live like the lotus, at home in the muddy waters." I think of that phrase often as I travel through this journey of my life and it does ring true. I've always said that this may not be exactly the life I had planned for myself, but it IS MY LIFE! Namaste.

Day #14 - Namaste

Day #13 - Ginger

29 Faces of May

Today's face is the painted version of a drawing I did months ago. I really liked the drawing and at the time I was pretty amazed that I was even able to create it. Now, because of this challenge, and months later, I decided that today's the day to try and paint her. 

I had a general color scheme in mind but did change the eye color after painting for a while. Funny that I seem completely fascinated with how the long, flowing hair should look when I myself haven't had long hair in a long time. [flowing hair has been a pretty constant theme in many of my Faces of May]. Interestingly, because of chemo I didn't have any hair for many months. Maybe that why, I really don't know. Overall I'm happy with the piece and learned that I would do a couple things differently next time.

Happy Mother's Day to those of you who have had the honor of helping to shape the life of a child whether he was yours or not. 

Original pencil drawing

Day #13 - Ginger

Day #12 - The Eyes Have It

29 Faces of May

Today I was tight on time but wanted to experiment with eyes and a different medium. So I am submitting three images today, two done in oil pastel which I have no experience in, and then one in watercolor. This was an exercise in experimentation more than anything else and I [again] just enjoyed the process and freedom of letting myself go with the flow. I am happy with the results and accept them for what they are. Version three might better be entitled "I wish I had used SPF 30!" LOL Enjoy!

The eyes have it [version 1] - oil pastel

The eyes have it [version 2] - oil pastel

The eyes have it [version 3] - watercolor

Day #11 - Leira

29 Faces of May 

Today's face is a variation of a mermaid I sketched while in Hawaii last year. Since my paper is quite small for this face a day challenge, I altered the composition a bit to get her fluke included. Not sure if it was successful but it certainly gives me more ideas to work into future [BIGGER] projects. Still enjoying the process and the gift of creating something everyday that I have given myself.

Day #11 - Leira

Day #10 - Melia

29 Faces of May 

In Hawaii, Plumeria are called 'melia' which is pronounced as 'may-lee-ah.' They possess a very lovely and delicate fragrance and are often used in leis, or as a decoration tucked behind a woman's ear. Plumeria come in a multitude of color combinations including pink, yellow, white, and red or any combination of these colors. They can be large or small and have glossy, green leaves.

The plumeria's beauty is what inspired my face for today. This work is entitled, Melia, Beautiful Plumeria. I hope you find it pleasing and relaxing.

Day #10 - Melia, Beautiful Plumeria

Days #8 and #9 ... the journey continues

29 Faces of May

After feeling a bit discouraged after Day #7's strange trip down the rabbit hole, I decided to persevere and just keep moving forward. I relaxed my mind and remained focused on what I was doing and not what everyone else was doing. The resulting image is named Macy as my inspiration came from an ad for Macy's.

What I feel good about in this one is that my skills on noses has improved a bit. It helped to watch some videos on YouTube. The not-so-goods are that the nose is wider than I intended as is her face. Funny how those things don't show up until I'm finished. Photographing my work is also a great tool for "seeing" these things. Bottom line is that I did have fun with it.

Day #8 - Macy

Now on to day #9 where I as still fighting my inner demons of feeling  inadequate. Then I remembered a quote from Vincent Van Gogh that gave me the renewed energy to keep going.

"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then byall means paint, and that voice will be silenced."

"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?"

-Vincent Van Gogh

I've named Day #9's face Baby Van Gogh. In my eyes the expression is priceless and I hear his message loud and clear. I will paint and paint and silence that voice within that wants to tell me I can't. What a wonderful experience this is even with the ups and downs.

I hope you have enjoyed my journey!

Day #9 - Baby Van Gogh

Day #7 - Hmmmm where did this come from?

29 Faces of May

Okay. Today's face took me in a direction that I didn't even know was possible! I wanted to do a face with BIG eyes and well, that I accomplished. However, in the course of painting it somehow morphed from a big-eyed, stern looking samurai warrior type to some sort of creepy dude. Now it kind of looks like some sort of exotic monkey or maybe an ewok. Maybe I shouldn't listen to rock n roll while painting. 

Either way, I resisted the urge to tear it up and start over. That would not be holding to the true essence of the daily challenge so it's here for your inspection. Compared to what I've done previously it's quite a stretch but hey, it is what it is right? Bottom line is I still enjoyed the process even though it came with an unexpected result.

Now I'm gonna go bake cookies! ha, ha...  Enjoy!

Day #7 - My Big-eyed Whatcha Ma Call-it

Day #6 - Flame

 29 Faces of May

I can hardly believe I've completed 6 mini portraits! Even though faces have not been my strong point, I am learning to really enjoy the challenge of seeing what "face" will pop into my head next. I've named today's face "Flame" and I'm sure you will see why without any further explanation. I am realizing that my style is more illustrative than realistic and I'm good with that. Hope everyone is enjoying their journey. I've enjoyed looking at the many varieties of artists' works who have all joined in this fun challenge. Keep painting!

Original line drawing Day #6

"Flame" - Day #6

Day # 5 My Sister, My Mentor

 29 Faces of May

Today's challenge was issued by my sister - a very talented artist - to try and do her face. Yikes! uh...ok...sure. Rendering a face that I know and love was much harder than I thought. To date nearly all the faces I have ever attempted have been completely imaginary, minus a few self portraits. I found it hard to keep my emotions from interfering with the creative process. I'm not sure the resulting image looks anything like my sister. One thing for sure is that the love and attention I gave it are genuine. Love you sis and thanks for all that you do to help me become a better artist.

Day #5 - My Sister, My Mentor

Today my sister decided to paint ME! So I thought it was appropriate to add her rendering of me to this page of "sisters." Enjoy!

Your's Truly by my sister Penny. I love it!

Day #4 - "Peaceful Easy Feeling"

 29 Faces of May

Here's my day #4 face.  I am always amazed at the process of going from a blank square to something pretty amazing. Lessons like this have instilled a strong sense of being able to let my "inner voice" speak and lead rather than letting the  problem-solving side of my brain tell me everything that's wrong with what I'm trying to do.

Day #4

Days # 1 to #3 - 29 Faces of May Challenge

I have decided to challenge myself to draw a portrait a day for the month of May. Faces have never been my strong point so this will really a a challenge for me. I find that the more I create, the more creative I become. So, here we go!

 29 Faces of May

My very first face for May!

Day #2

Day #3