Hello everyone! First and foremost, I would like to say that my photography skills suck a lot, especially when I try to take photos of my work and the entire process of my work. But I will really try my very best to improve that skill of mine. I would also love to hear your comments as it would help me grow.
Anyway, just like what the short description of this blog post and blog title say, this post features one of the commission works I was able to work with for year 2020. As what you can observe, I always prefer nature over portrait. I just agreed to work on this portrait because it was a request of my lovely friend Ate Jam. She told me she would send it to her mom as a birthday present to her since at that time her birthday was approaching.
Materials Used:
- Graphite Pencil and Eraser
- Printed Copy of the Portrait
- Canvas Cloth
- Acrylic Paints
- Flat brush, Round Brush, Line Brush
The first thing that I did was not print out the image that I would be painting. This made it easier for me to sketch the image rather than using my tablet to check my work from time to time if I had been doing a good job.
After sketching, I added details on the face and hair. This would later allow me to visualize as to how I would layer the paints on the canvas.
It was pretty hard for me at the moment I was sketching because I had not been constantly practicing. At this moment, it felt like my strokes are pretty rough.
I then prepared the paints that I would be using. I prefer to use liquitex but it was not available on art store. I also find it a chore to buy paints online as it might not reach our address. Or worse, it might arrive in a bad condition.
I used a yellow paint for the base of my background. I really want to do this commission quick because the paint dries easily, although the acrylic paints of Art Ranger is not that opaque.
I also wanted to use flat brush more often because it gives this certain texture on my work and certain feeling for me as an artist.
I then mixed the yellow base color with light blue or baby blue acrylic before the base color dries. I wanted to give this pastel like feeling so give a soft texture.
And then I proceeded by painting the clothes blue. I made sure though that I wasn't putting a thick layer so that could still work it with other hues of blue and then add some white for accents or some sort.
And then I went over with the hair. I made it flat black first but later on you would see some progress on my work.
I then tried making the clothes brighter by mixing a small amount of white on the already painted blue clothes.
I started painting the face with yellow ochre, a little bit of red and white to create flesh tone.
I avoided painting on the rim of her eyeglasses. I also added some yellow ochre and brown on the hair.
And the finish product? Well, it is the first image of this blog. I really am thankful that the one who commissioned this artwork and the lady behind this painting loved this work of mine.
I do hope I would get more commissioned works not just from my friends but even to strangers. I would also love to learn more about acrylic painting as I try to practice harder and learn from other artists as well.
I learned that in painting -- sketching, mixing colors, and applying paint on the medium are just the basic things. What matters most is how a person perceives the subject.
As always, thank you for reading and have a great day ahead. Oh! Stay safe as well.
Lots of love,
Johanna Gail
She loves to work as an art teacher during summer -- sharing her expertise in art to young minds. She also loves to tutor students and make learning worthwhile. On the other hand, she works as a young leader in various organizations such as the Young Centrists Union. She also volunteers in one of the chapters of JCI or Junior Chamber International.
She always dreamed of creating her dream art studio and wish to inspire young minds to be more creative.