Friday, January 14, 2011

Portrait sketching...................


This is a portrait sketch I recently worked on. It's odd that I am looser, with my sketching, if I don't actually use a model. I'm finding if I just sit down at my art table and start drawing, before I know it, I have met someone new :) There might be similarities with my faces, but I find I tighten up when I'm trying to look at a model of an image. Does this happen to anyone else? I might be drawn to an image and then feel like I'm trying to copy but try to get the expression at same time. It's kind of stressful.

I guess I have to stick to whatever I feel works for me.

I now call these drawings "my girls" as there is an element of surprise each time I start drawing to see what the end result will be. Maybe I should starting naming them; that might be fun!

I still have so far to go but am just enjoying the process. I want to begin working on side and 3/4 views which I know are very difficult.

I am in LOVE with the blending stump! It's such a relaxing tool and I can lose myself in the sound of it, the feel of it while shading.

Life's little pleasures; aren't we lucky to have art in our lives?

Have a safe weekend, ahead, everyone! Enjoy your pleasures!

Love much........................Marilyn xxoo

22 comments:

Femmy said...

beautiful portrait marilyn!!
have a good weekend.
hugs femmy

Diane said...

Sometimes I like to use a photo as a reference point, but then add my own touches in--I think that's we all do--our artistic "fingerprints" come out--no one else can duplicate. I love the way your art always has a serene feel to it.
P.S. Love that blending stump too!!--it's like a subtle paintbrush.

Buffy said...

She's beautiful,and I like that you just sketch what comes out. Thats what makes her a part of you. And yes I love the blending stump too. I've had no time to paint so i've been just sketching and find it very relaxing.

Elizabeth said...

Your Girls are beautiful Marilyn!! I agree with youa bout stressful though!! Youa re really pushing yourslef to practice and the results of that practice are very evidnet- I ahve not gotten that successful at pushing myself!! IRght now I am more comfortable playing with fibers and stitching- the discipline to sketch is eluding me at the moment!!! happy WInter Hugs to you Dear Girl!!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I can't draw, so I just admire your beautiful creations, no matter HOW you make them. But of course, like any art, I agree that it's all about whatever works.

And yes, I'm glad I have art in my life. If not, I'd never have found your blog! BTW, I have NO idea what a blending stump is, but it sounds fun just to say it.

Diane said...

Your girls are just wonderful. .....most face sketches I see make the face across the area of the eyes so wide & then it tapers down drastically in the chin area. What I especially like on yours is the head is a normal shape. Not a big head with big eyes. To make a long story longer....I LOVE your faces!! They are my favorites! Have a great weekend!

Butterfly Works said...

Marilyn, I love all your art work but I especially like your girls.....as someone else said they are always so peaceful and serene......

Have a wonderful weekend....

Laura Haviland said...

Wow Marilyn,she is beautiful.
I love her..you are awesome.
Wow how you have grown in your creative talents,amazing... I admire you so much..
Thank you for your love and creative support.
Friendsip is the greatest life gift.
I love you lots and will let you know how it goes Saturday.
Doll-a-mania here I come, hahaha
Have a magical great weekend, Love ya Laura. xoxx

marilyn said...

I need to know about this blending stump thing. What is it?

Martina said...

What a beautiful portrait, dear Marilyn! You`re so talented.
Have a nice weekend!
Hugs
MARTINA oxo

Terri Kahrs said...

Marilyn, I can remember when you first started to sketch your portraits. This piece is beautiful. So serene! Happy Weekend! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Diane J. Evans said...

She could be an Amish girl, Marilyn -- what a serene look and demeanor you've given to her. Nice job!

Diane

~*~Patty S said...

You and your girls are amazing, thank you for sharing your art with us!

I have to tell you each time I've come to visit lately and find that lovely snow lined road...it's just so welcoming...I enjoy all of your blog headers...this one makes me think of Europe.

Wishing you and yours a nice cozy weekend M!
oxo

Createology said...

Marilyn your art is so free and wonderful. I love your style and the fact that you are enjoying the process. I shall have to buy a blending stump to "hear" and feel it. I have never drawn or used one. Happy weekend to you my dear...

Anjas-Artefaktotum said...

Your Girls are gorgeous, your art work is every time inspiring.
Have a nice sunday,
Anja

Sugar Lump Studios said...

I always love seeing your art Marilyn...one day I want to learn how to draw! :) Hope you have been staying warm (we keep getting a little snow here, there and everywhere)! Happy Sunday!

Yvonne said...

Love your girl and yes, naming them would be a fun thing to do, Marilyn!

Anonymous said...

Simply sketching faces makes me seize up Marilyn. Wonderful drawings always, you make it seem so easy. xox Corrine

Peggy Beck said...

Marilyn I find each new face just facinating. They each seem to have their own personalities and you are getting better and better all the time. I love her eyes in this one. Mystical. Keep enjoying dear friend.

jgr said...

How great that you just sit down and draw!! I always use reference but maybe I'll try it your way just for a change, thank you for the inspiration!

Nan said...

I really enjoy your style of painting. Your girls all have wonderful character. i usually look at a photo but wish I could just draw a face from my thin air. Something to try!

Sandy said...

Wow what a beautiful portait.
Absolutely brilliant.