This was an experiment. I was using techniques I learned from Pauline Agnew in her Open Studio last year. She is having another one this weekend, so I thought I would get warmed up.
I created what I feel is my best painting, during her Open Studio last year. You can see it, and read more here. I didn’t name the painting then, but I have always thought of her as my African Queen.
Today’s piece is on paper. Just a dollar store children’s drawing pad. I wanted the freedom to make a mess, and I know I would treat watercolor paper too carefully. Precious commodity.
I started with a brush and watercolor, layering. Then I switched to acrylics, moving paint with twigs, Q-tips and more brushes. I sponged and splattered paint as well. These were the same tools I had used for the 4 x 4’s (yesterday).
This was first very linear, leaning towards a landscape. But it never quite formed. For about an hour, I was ready to call this trash, but then the left eye jumped out at me. While painting I saw her hair all around her, wild as if she had pulled at it while crying. On screen, it looks a bit more masculine, sharp edges, square jaw. I added a digital mat, to see if I would like it more.
Heartbreak. Mixed media on paper. Digital mat © 2014 Sheila Delgado
Heartbreak. Mixed media on paper. 7 x 6.5 in. © 2014 Sheila Delgado
What do you see?
I am thinking this could still be a contender for submission to LOVE SAYINGS. Broken hearts are part of love and romance too!
I started 3 more pieces, just to keep from wasting paint. Excited to see where they lead me.
Have a great night, and happy painting everyone! Check out today’s paintings.
Wow, you’ve done it again! Blown me away! This painting is full of WHY ME! Life is not fair! Can’t I just have some peaceful pleasure! And sorrow. It’s really brilliant Sheila. Frame it! I don’t see why you can’t use it in the love challenge, love isn’t all roses, there are lots of thorns to contend with.
Well done with this, I love it. it’s marvelous. I can’t say it well enough! 🙂
Thanks so much Sylvie! WOW! You made my day friend, so glad you like it! Thank you 🙂
The worry of a thousand sorrows here.
Some of my friends have mentioned that this is scary to look at…painful maybe.
The worry of a thousand sorrows caught here.
Susan… that might be the perfect name… Sorrow. thanks for stopping by!
I sat and studied this painting yesterday, but I’ve been so busy trying to catch up that I couldn’t get my thoughts together well enough to express them. Picasso came to mind… and the Silent Scream by Munch. There is so much emotion in the eyes…and so much shock, I think, in the mouth, just wanting to say why? There is so much depth and feeling that I never would have seen at first glance. It really is the kind of painting that draws you in to analyze it. An amazing painting, Sheila. It makes me think of a love lost.
Thanks for spending so much time with this piece Karin. I am so honored by your observations, Thank you. I have to say, I didn’t struggle with this piece, it just needed a little coaxing. I was worried about it being so dark, but I think that is fitting… the depth of despair. I am so glad you enjoyed it Karin.
Ouch…heartbreak and pain.
Everyone has one of those stories don’t they Carol.
I took Pauline’s e-courses, too, and totally enjoyed them and learned a lot.
She does look heart-broken!
I found Pauline through you Miss Lucy! That was an awesome day!
Me, too!! I definitely see the emotion in this painting. “Heartbreak” is an excellent title. Immediately when you said you were trying the same technique from Pauline’s class…I knew which painting you were referring to from last year!!! That is my all time ultimate FAVORITE painting that you submitted for the challenge last time!!! Seriously, please send me a facebook message to let me know how much it would cost to have you make last year’s image into note cards for me!! 🙂 and/or can you make a print of it for me to frame? a 5 x 7 or and 8 x 10?? I will be awaiting at facebook 🙂 Have fun with Day #9, Sheila.
P.S. Is Pauline demonstrating the ‘twig’ technique in her upcoming open studio?
I will see if I can find that video for you Joan. She does have some posted on her site. I am not sure what she has planned this time. You can sign up though. Basically it is a short video you watch, and then you put that into practice during the weekend. On your own schedule.
Joan, you just made my WEEK! I will certainly let you know. Happy painting to you Joan!! 🙂
I see a lot of emotion and passion in this painting.
Thanks for taking a look Jim 🙂