Friday, December 7, 2012

Faces in Wax, Trying New and Being a Beginner

Swimmer (detail)
encaustic on birch 12x24

Here's one of the complete swimmers from this post.  She is finally done.  I've been working on my getting the faces better - new colors, new thoughts.  That in itself takes time.  When I say that, what it really means is slowing down and taking the time in a more methodical way.  Its easy to put paint on a painting - but it takes thoughtfulness to put paint on a painting in a way that brings life straight from the brush to the surface on which you work.  It doesn't matter what the subject matter is - but I find there is a huge difference in the works where it seems as if the artist is one with the brush and each stroke is added lovingly to complete the picture. 
I'm going to be away from my wax studio for a couple of weeks.  Instead of just shutting down, like I have in the past, I'm actually going to embark on a new journey - even if for only a couple of weeks.  As, I said, I am going to work on my faces and practice while I am away.  I'm also, going to attempt a run at water soluble oil paints.  I'm really looking forward to it... going in with a little apprehension, in that as much fun as it is to be a beginner, its not fun either.  I figured the more practice I get in mixing colors and painting faces - the better.  If any of you have great tips and tricks for working with water soluble oil paints - do share, really.  I need all the help I can get.  I'll be here next week and show you what I've been up to.  Paint on!

38 comments:

  1. Your finished swimmer is beautiful. Is she someone you know? Being a beginner can be fun and intimidating at the same time. Enjoy this next step on your artistic journey. It is always ok to make mistakes and as a beginner it's expected. I don't think there is anything more exciting than learning something new. I can't wait to see what you do this week.

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  2. Your swimmer is so beautiful, her expression says she loves to swim...Happy PPF!

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  3. Your swimmer is fabulous! Can't wait to see your faces in the water soluble oil paints! Happy PPF!

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  4. Wonderful post and marvelous creation ~ enjoy your two week ~ (A Creative Harbor) ~ aka 'artmusedog' ^_^

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  5. She is beautiful! I DID like her before but comparing the two, she was more quirky before and now she looks much more realistic. I like the light on her face, and the full pink cheeks give her a real feeling of youth and energy. She is great! Can't wait to see what you come up with in a different medium. Happy PPF!

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  6. LOVE your swimmer- you've really infused her with vibrance and life- gorgeous!
    I've been curious about water soluble oils as well- look forward to seeing what you do with them!
    Happy PPF,
    Stephanie

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  7. Full of tenderness. I like the look and the skin you've accomplished, beautiful portrait.

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  8. This is awesome Marji! She has such an open friendliness in her expression. I want to know her. You brought her to life. "It takes thoughtfulness to put paint on a painting in a way that brings life straight from the brush to the surface on which you work" - such a perfect statement. I would say the same thing for photography. It takes thoughtfulness to compose an image that connects with the viewer. Wonderful perspective. I always love visiting here. Happy PPF!

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  9. I always love the way encaustics look. She is so beautiful and I love the expression on her face. There is so much "life" in her face. I've always wanted to try encaustics and your swimmer inspiring even more. Looking forward to seeing some water soluble oils too!

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  10. I love this paintig in wax so much, Marji! Great! I'm looking forward to see your next paintings and trys with watersoluble oil paints.

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  11. Oh wow- your finished swimmer is stunning!!! She has such beautiful expressive eyes. Happy PPF and thanks for visiting my blog:)

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  12. Love this fresh and vibrant face, great job with shadows and light, too!

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  13. you do amazing things with wax. i can't wait to see what you do with the water soluble oils!

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  14. I love my new water soluble oils and am enjoying experimenting with them. Loving your swimmer with her rosy cheeks. Happy PPF, Annette x

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  15. Your swimmer is amazing!
    So very beautiful!
    Wish you lived closer so that you could be a member of WaxCentric here! :)
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  16. Your painting is so good and so well done. I love what you wrote about new colors and new thoughts. It is so true. Good luck with oil paintings, good luck with your journey.Thank you so much for sharing your art, it is very, very inspirational and stimulating. Happy PPF!!!!

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  17. Lovely job with your swimmer! I've never used water soluble oil paints, but it sounds like fun. Enjoy yourself and let go of the apprehension!

    Happy PPF!

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  18. this is so good...and all the best on the new 'journey'!

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  19. This is strikingly good. The skin tone stands out so well. Have a good trip away.

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  20. Love her smile, the whole painting is awesome! Good luck with water soluble paints, I often have wondered about them.

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  21. She is just perfect! I admire your vivacity, your perseverance and your energy- so you go girl!

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  22. This is really great. Love it. Good luck on your journey. Happy PPF!

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  23. What a gorgeous face! It's like she's shining. Wonderful!

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  24. This art work is amazing. I wish you luck and learning with the new project. I love reaching out and trying new avenues. Remember to have fun. Blessings, Janet PPF

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  25. Marji, your post is not only a beautiful art work, it is also educational. Thanks for what you wrote about applying the paint lovingly. Let us know how you like the water soluble oils. I have not learned how to use them yet. I probably need to take the time off and just practice, practice, practice.

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  26. Your painting is wonderful, such rich tones!

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  27. This really is good. I think you have mastered the paints from looking at this. HPPF

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  28. Your style is so rich with depth and texture! Always amazing your work!Enjoy your art diversion!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  29. never tried watersoluble oil points marji. Your work is very beautiful. You are brave. Keep it up!

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  30. Wow! This is a beautiful painting - beautifully modelled forms and lovely expression.

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  31. Her smile says ...she is going to go miles and even further :)

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  32. This is so amazing!! The wax gives such richness to this piece! Good for you for trying new things. I have never had the patience to paint portraits. I have tried it and get too frustrated! lol Looking forward to seeing what is next for you!
    Happy PPF!!

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  33. You painting is stunning. She just glows! I love it. Have fun trying your new techniques, I don't have advice about the medium you've chosen, but I bet you will be able to create some amazing portraits. I look forward to seeing your progress next week x

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  34. I love how your swimmer has turned out, she is so expressive and has such a happy demeanor. Good luck with the water soluble oil paints, Its fun to try new techniques. I have been thinking about trying this medium so I will look forward to seeing how you get on :)

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  35. She is beautiful! She looks so alive, I almost don't recognize her from the other painting. I've used watersoluble oil paints in the past but I didn't like them. I probably didn't use them in the right way. I used them the way I used acrylics, and that's not how it works. I also got a real headache while using them, so the love with them was very short-lived. Hope your experience will be better!

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  36. She is captivating... you are so talented! How I'd love to see a full gallery of your works!

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  37. That is a marvelous painting - the wax gives it an ethereal feeling. I think the whole effect is just beautiful!

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