I got to the end of the day and was afraid I wouldn’t be able to sleep, as I was still haunted by a dream from the night before in which I sobbed helplessly while hearing a song listing the beautiful, complicated names of all the white horses that had been slain. Who would even do that, and why?
So I made this picture, and then yes, I did sleep.
a few anatomical issues that are just going to bug me here…oh well, it’s still my drawing for today. Although more of a painting.
To finally wrap up my month of portrait practice, here’s an homage to my father’s mother Dorothy Greenough, who was a skilled portrait artist. I grew up surrounded by her work, and she was my first art teacher. Even as a small child, she never let me rest with self-satisfaction, but always asked what I could try to make the drawing even better in some small way.
I don’t have many photos of Dottie, but here she is at home in Providence, and that’s two of my siblings on the mantelpiece.
Love and remembrance.
I gave myself Beltain Eve off so I could attend to the serious business of making sure Old Man Winter was well and properly disposed of.
This is my final “April” practice portrait. I’m so grateful to friends who sent wonderful photos of themselves and loved ones for me to practice on, I certainly know interesting folks!
I feel like I learned a lot, and got a sense of how much more there is for me to learn. But for now, it will be nice to get back to my stream-of-consciousness structure, and more flexible time – each portrait took about 3 hours, and I do have other projects that need time and attention.
As always, thank you for looking!
xox Kate
Along with practicing portraits, I’ve been trying to get a handle on a new-to-me medium, Acryla Gouache. I’m not loving it, though I do love painting, but I’m determined to keep trying. It lacks the flexibility of my usual Caran d’Ache water soluble crayons, but the colors are more opaque and clear. I only have 5 colors, so have to figure out how to organize a palette for mixing effectively. The paint dries up faster than I use it, and can’t be refreshed with water after it’s dry, so that’s an additional challenge.
This is my big brother, and I’m sorry I gave him a grey face and an extra big nose, but I spent most of the time trying to get Echo the horse and all the harness stuff to look believable!
More portrait practice. Necks are weird. If you want me to practice on you or someone you know, send me a photo!
Bubbles. Stones. Under water. Meditative practice.
