A Progression: First Realism/Ear Shot

So much of what I paint has little to do with my conscious mind. Truly. 

I often wish I could say I had set out specific intentions to do something

when really it's a journey I need to take and I am led there, by a power greater than I.

As normal, I started out to paint a background that would hold one of my whimsy characters.

I was using my new  Liquitex spray paints, and while I should have been 

greatly inspired by all the wonderful colors. I seemed to be traveling no-where fast. 

I was in a bummer of a mood playing with color again and again.

Nothing. 

So then I changed my painting around, seeing if anything was hidden among the 

background... and there it was the image of a FACE.

I quickly outlined it.

This however wasn't a whimsy face, this was a REAL face. 

I freaked, I don't paint realism. I don't even know HOW to paint

realism.

But remember I didn't decide this, so I went to one of my art groups on facebook 

and spouted my fears. 

I was astonished by the numerous comments of just pushing forward and going

for it. 

I needed to find a face with a matching angle, something to look at.

After scouring the internet and coming up empty. I took a shot of myself.

And yes, I really took the picture myself!

I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but today I took on the challenge. 

I came home from work, had a snack and with hunger off my mind; I set fourth. 

Now the color isn't exact, but all I had to look at was the iPhone photo I took of myself. 

With nothing more than courage, faith a few hours (and some intuition). 

I had created a respectable likeness.

I am honestly proud of how this turned out. 

Believe-you-me, I wanted to paint hair OVER the ear a million times.

But I knew I could do it ... and I gotta say, I'm anxious to do some more realism!

I never thought in 9 months of painting I'd be where I am right now. I am so thankful

to have connected with my artist self again. 

I am also blessed to have such great support, from the artists I've met and my friends/family in general :)

Another thing I like about this is is that in the real picture, I am smiling, rather obnoxiously.

The bit of color from the background right where my mouth is vibrant

as if I am laughing about something wonderful.