Spent some time in the studio today. This is the beginning of my self portrait, Sinead O'Levin. With energy low, I was only able to complete the sketch but was thankful to be painting at all. This is a 16"x20" oil on canvas. There is absolutely no significance to the red paint mixed with the charcoal used for drawing. I usually start in red because I just darn feel like it. In college they usually had you start in umbers or siennas. I use red because I can. My plan for this piece is to knock it out with big brush strokes and no fussing around in one day. I hope to do that one day next week when I come back to the studio. It takes a while to warm up when you aren't painting everyday so it might take me two days to complete. This isn't about creating a masterpiece. It is just about the act of putting paint on the canvas. That simple.Being that I now look like the Taco Bell dog, all skin and eyes, I find showering very unfulfilling. When one does not have any hair to shampoo or shave there isn't much to do in the shower. I've now taken to the habit of buffing my feet and elbows. So much so I think I'm wearing off the skin in those areas. However, don't think I get ready any faster in the morning. Oh no! Now I painstakingly apply very smokey looking eye makeup to make up for the missing hair.
Speaking of hair, I bought a blonde wig. Yup, her name is Pamela. I'm much more fond of the scarf but it seems other folks feel more comfortable with the wig. I think it helps them relax. So, in certain situations you just might see Pamela out and about. Keep your eyes open for that because she really doesn't get out much.
I want to send a special thanks out to Joe P. from www.photojoe.com . He is an unbelievable photographer and just a heck of a nice guy. Check out his site and enjoy the music there too. Ooh, don't forget his blog because it is always worth reading.
One last thing is my playlist for painting. Check out or download Christina Aguilera's "Fighter" and "Beautiful", India Arie's "I Am Not My Hair" and "This Too Shall Pass" and finally Melissa Etheridge's "I Run for Life". It really goes with the painting!
3 comments:
Hey!!! So great to see you back and painting. The portrait looks like it will be.....hmmmmm, I don't know. Strong? Honest?
I do hope you are feeling better
:-)
Wow, that's fabulous! Great job-your anatomy is wonderful! I can't wait to see the progress (but take your time and don't waste too much energy!). :o)
That's funny what you say about "Pamela." My mother, who had breast cancer last year, had a wig made out of her OWN hair! Yep, her real hair, with some synthetic mixed in. It's amazing what they can do nowadays, although I always thought she looked cutest in those little summer hats with the flowers on the front. :o) I'll have to scan the picture of her--She and Dad sitting with their bald heads (Dad shaved his head to support her) with their Pug Benny on their lap. It's really cute. :o)
I hope you are handling the chemo well, and that all is going okay! Keep us posted!
Jen
Oh, I meant to ask too... the name of the piece, Sinead O'Levin? Is there significance behind that? (I assume your "real" name is Lori!). I'd love to hear- titles of art always fascinate me, especially if they stump me LOL! :o)
Jen
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