Wax Bloom

Meh.

Self Portrait VI | Acrylic on Pastelbord | 9 x 12"

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I think I’m starting to get the hang of these…I’m feeling better about the left side of the canvas, anyway. I’m getting a better handle on mixing colors as well, and seeing little tricks about getting details in like painting a fat, dark stroke and then hiding most of it with a lighter color once it dries, rather then fussing over getting a thin stroke from the beginning.

Self Portrait VI | Acrylic on Pastelbord | 9 x 12"

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I am so, so lost with this painting business and it’s really causing me to miss my pencils.

The lack of control I have over the paintbrush resulting in an inability to do anything with any sort of detail is killing me. Colors aren’t interacting with each other they way they do with colored pencil (phthalo blue + burnt umber = blue mud, not a nice cool dark), I can’t figure out how to layer colors properly so they don’t take each other over… and on and on.

It’s very much like I know exactly what I need to do to make it right… but can’t. Its been frustrating. And yet, the challenge of it has me hooked.

Self Portrait VI | Acrylic on Pastelbord | 9 x 12"

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So bearing in mind that I’ve literally no idea what the hell I’m doing when it comes to acrylic paint, I give you my forehead:

Self Portrait VI | Acrylic on Pastelbord | 9 x 12"

Apologies for the glare, it was still a bit wet when I took the photo.

I’ve no idea what sorts of techniques one might employ when working with acrylic, but I’m painting just like I did when I painted in oils. I’m mixing colors on the canvas, using wide, deliberate strokes and applying a medium (retardant and extender) liberally as I paint. It feels about right, though I can already see the rapid drying time taking some getting used to.

I like it so far though!

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And there you have it – drawing number one of 2009 in the bag!

Serra | Colored Pencil on Colourfix Paper | 9 x 12"

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A bit more polishing and it will be done…

Serra | Colored Pencil on Colourfix Paper | 9 x 12"

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Serra | Colored Pencil on Colourfix Paper | 9 x 12"

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Serra | Colored Pencil on Colourfix Paper | 9 x 12"

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Serra | Colored Pencil on Colourfix Paper | 9 x 12"

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And now what will be the first drawing of 2009 – a portrait of my mother-in-law, Serra. I have to say, after three weeks it feels really nice to be in my studio again.

Serra | Colored Pencil on Colourfix Paper | 9 x 12"

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