I am trying to find my personal painting style. And it's a process.
That's too kind.
It's a struggle.
But the other day I finished this painting...
...and it felt kind of right. It's in the space I want to be in. Not quite there, but getting closer. Let's take a peek at the evolution, shall we?
I started with a canvas that I painted this summer (read about it here).
I started to paint in a figure.
Call me crazy, but I love the painting right at this point (above). There's something about the eyes and the sketchy nature of the brush strokes. I sort of wish I had stopped right here. Because one step forward (below)...
...and it's all sorts of hideous.
But I kept going...
...trying to make it look like the magazine image (below).
But in the end, she looks like a person with her head on weirdly. She doesn't look at all like she's looking over her shoulder.
Total fail.
I let the painting sit for a few days. Time always help offer perspective.
And then I decided to abandon the magazine picture and try to use my imagination to pull the painting into something non-hideous. She got a haircut and her head put on correctly. Plus, a new background with a fun border.
Better. But she's pretty boring.
Okay, I like the background and her outfit is more fun, but she just feels so vanilla and boring. I don't want to just do "pretty girl on a flowery background" -- I want to tell a story and make a statement with my art! I started by erasing her pouty lips...
...and then one thing led to another and it became this:
Now this is a painting that makes me happy. The painting feels integrated. It tells a story. It makes a statement. I want to continue in this direction and see where it takes me!
Have you discovered your painting style? How did you do it?
Thanks for stopping by!
