Saturday, April 16, 2011

Some journaling portraits


hi everyone.  I finally started doing some of the workshops I had signed up for. I am forever behind , it's worse when they are ongoing. It gives me an excuse to postpone working on them. Last week, I decided it was time to get to to Jodi Ohl's workshop called 'lets face it'. The above is my first page using her instruction.
I was watching American Idol, and Casey sang Nature Boy, which was going through  my head as I painted the girl, so I thought I'd write some of the lyrics down, changing it to 'girl' of course. The rest of the page is blank, as I am stumped as to what else to add, lol!


This next one is another fun portrait I did. For this one, I didn't do a sketch first, but started painting the face free lance. This looks nothing like my usual whimsy faces but I am very happy with it.
I am trying to get more creative with journaling, as it's been something I love when others do, but I have such a hard time with it. Practice makes perfect I suppose. I love the quote used. It's a reminder for me to work on what I love and stop wasting so much time!
Once I finish this post I will be working on my next face. Who knew this would be so much fun?
Maybe my renewed motivation is due to spring coming? Or the fact that it feels like time is speeding up, who knows?  With everything going on in the world, art is a refuge for me, and I know for many of you as well. It's what makes us happy. It's also a way to leave a bit of ourselves in our art.  When I paint, everything is beautiful, and time stands still. I could do this for hours, taking only short breaks to make some delicious coffee.
After the long slump I  had this is a refreshing change. Hopefully my muse will stick around longer this time, lol!

______

PS -Regarding my last post,  Thanks to everyone who mentioned stretching my watercolor paper. Of course!! How did I not know that? That's exactly what I needed to hear, so thanks to those of you kind folks who  took the time to remind me of something that should have been so obvious. The art community is filled with the best people on the planet, and I adore you all :-)

21 comments:

Magic Love Crow said...

Betty, I love the paintings you have done in your journal! Great work! Keep it going ;o) I agree, when I paint, I let myself go and I can do it for hours. Be free my friend and love what you do ;o) Take Care ;o)

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

These journaling pages are super. Thanks for sharing. It's hard sometimes to show something outside of what we "normally" do. Yay for you....it's great. The Olde Bagg, Linda

vert word is sperjoki: That's what cowboys share over sassperilla a sperjoki. Check out my latest blog to not think I've lost my mind completely.....tee hee

Marlene said...

Betty these are beautiful portraits. They are different than your usual girls, but I like them just as much.

Cameron said...

Yay, Betty! I'm so happy that you're diving right in!! The Muse appears most pleased, indeed...heehee!
These are wonderful...I find the journaling part to be the most challenging, too :) Can't wait to see what else you do!

We love you, too!!
Cam

Sueann said...

Beautiful! Enjoy the process!!
Hugs
SueAnn

apinkdreamer said...

fantastic pages!!!!!!

Diane said...

My kind of a day--painting without a thought and good coffee--I love what you've done!

Lee Pierce said...

Betty, gorgeous pages! I want to do some journaling on a regular basis but never seem to get to it. Your lovely work encourages me to get to it!

Rosemary said...

As usual I am so impressed by your work.

maddyrose said...

Betty, both of these paintings are lovely. I especially like the second one and wonder if perhaps you should do more just jumping in. I find whatever I do, doing it with a cuppa near by makes it more enjoyable. ;-D

audrey said...

Hi Pink.
I really like what you are doing with the faces. They are really nice pages and I can tell you are having fun with this. Art journals are wonderful ~ you seem to be on the right track. I have several and I'm not thrilled with mine.
I, too, seem to always get behind when I take an online class. I guess it's because we know we can go back later ~ but that always spells trouble. hahaha
Have a wonderful Sunday!!
BTW, this morning the skies are clear and the sun is shining ~ a beautiful day leaving the gloom behind.
♥ audrey

Maggie said...

Oh they are both gorgeous! I especially enjoy the second one, great colors!

Anonymous said...

Your journal paintings are so beautiful. The only painting I do is on baseboards or walls. Thank you for sharing your wonderful art.

Lauren said...

These are both so gorgeous! I am really intrigued by journaling, I will have to try it sometime :) ~Lauren

Heather said...

these are beautiful ladies, here! thanks for shairng them with us!

Theresa MacNaughton said...

These are both great, Betty! I watched Casey sing "Nature Boy" too - I loved it. Thanks for sharing these beautiful girls. Can't wait to see more! Theresa

WrightStuff said...

I love your faces an portraits, but aren't they missing something... I know... shoulder pads!!

(other readers might wonder what I'm on about! Just our little joke!).

Seriously though, your faces have such heart and expression. Really great job.

Anonymous said...

So much love to Betty! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I was suprised she went so quickly. Am so pleased she will be loved so much!

Kim Vanlandingham said...

So beautiful! Love these!

Pam of Always Artistic said...

I am loving your journal pages, I especially love the 2nd one, from your last 2 posts with journal pages. Something about her - I love the colors you chose too!