Remember this wild and crazy piece?
I claimed it was a painting of my sister in her sanctuary: flying down a hill on her bicycle, a portrait of her, if you will, illustrating her moment of bliss.
And it was almost lyrical to paint. Little did I know it would strike a chord with others who are also drawn to the unconventional portrait. This rendering prompted a request for wedding portraits and I gladly answered the challenge. I personally know this lucky couple so I had the advantage of recognizing their spontaneity and playfulness - some photos from the Mother also helped.
So here is my process.
Now I had to choose which board would go with each sketch. And make adjustments if needed.
When I got one sketch I thought I could work from I carefully taped it to the painted board with transfer paper beneath it. At this stage I needed to start making decisions as these marks do not erase well and I did not want a bunch of extra lines on the finished piece. I traced over as few guide lines as possible.
Then I began the real fun of bringing my subject to life. I wanted more of an impression than a perfect rendering...I really didn't want the viewer to get caught up in bike chains and seat positions and shirt buttons. Hoping for a sense of playfulness and unconventionality about the pose, I exaggerate some parts and eliminate others... no need to get all detail-y about it.
Now, the most difficult part: marinating. I let the piece sit a while. I catch a glance of it from all angles in all lights and I try to divorce myself from having created it. I look at it as if I have never seen it before. Now I make a list (or I will forget) of the parts that need changing or correcting.
Very slowly I go back in and tackle these places. This is the tedious, time consuming phase but one of the most important ones. I photograph it, lay it in a frame, turn it upside down...all new ways of seeing it.
I make the changes ... And then...voila! It's finished!
Color Fully Yours,
Cindy
