How I started My Version of Portraiture
Good morning Steemians! This is how I do my portraiture, graphite: black and white with a mix of colored pencils (usually with flowers for women). I would love to share how I formed my own style in portraiture! Perhaps this could help anyone reading this to find their own way of art making.
I enjoy seeing what a challenge commissioned art can be. You get to draw people and see how different facial features are hard to draw or a challenge to draw.
I used graphite pencils and colored pencils on this one. The paper is water color paper so it is highly textured.
I used Fabriano water color paper, staedtler pencils and Mitsubishi uni no.888 colored pencils for this. I enjoyed drawing this, she is beautiful with a solemn expression.
I drew the flowers out of the inspiration I got from her look and facial expression.
It is exciting to see what ideas come out when you're pressured for time and the challenge of making your art look its best!
Many Artists Struggle to Find what is Unique
I believe artists, not just in art but in music are in constant search of an original concept or style which stands out. That is good if you find one. It is something that expresses who you are, something that can be a trademark. This does not easily come to you though. Some take much time, much thinking and wait for the chance to find the time and opportunity to find that uniqueness. To me, finding your own style doesn't have to be so extra ordinary, it just has to be an expression of you. Your style is your own even if it resembles other art forms of other people. There's also the message behind every art and the reason for making it. More important is the emotions and expression of your art.
I developed my art style this way: Most commissions I receive are portraits for women, why? Many guys give them as gifts to their special someones. Somewhere along the way this also influenced my art making.
Developing your own style:
(2) It is something you like very much
(3) You are comfortable in repeating that certain art style
I first started with flowers as my inspiration. This is my first portrait in mixed media.
self portrait 2013
I took roses from our garden and took pics with it! The outcome just made me inspired to draw myself with the flower.
The pencil strokes here are still a bit rough since I was totally new to art that time. Same with the colored pencils. This is an experiment, an exploration, so it is alright.
untitled
Graphite and colored pencils
9" x 12"
2013
Reference
This is that moment. five or six years ago!
Here they are in a vase!
Connect your art style to something you love
I love flowers! They're lovely, a symbol of affection, a great way to brighten up mood or gloom in a room. Flowers are the epitome of beauty, they're nature's gift! It may have took me a while to realize it but I definitely do! So in my portrature, I make them with flowers.
Here's a work in progress shot I was able to save
You can see the strokes are rough
This process is step by step. My GOAL was to draw myself with the flower. So I started with black and white for the face since, at that time, was the easiest to do. Then I made the flower in color since flowers are best that way, in color (their purpose is to bring color and cheer).
It was a failed attempt to make it look like me. But at least I tried. I learned!
looking back I enjoy seeing this again!
TODAY
These are some art I have made over the years.
Even in crafts, flowers are my main option!
This is supposed to be a table decor. Crepe paper flowers in a small glass container with water, jelly balls and sand with sea shells. I made this 2014
Idea for roses, a caricature
This is made of oil pastels on felt paper!
this is a good combination, it's not messy and very fast to work with! try it!
It started with the flowers in our garden
Plus amazing inspiration
You can create a better output. This is dear 
When I try out new medium, like this for example, ballpen art, I draw flowers.
Good friends again!
Just explore! See what you can bring!
I know some people may do a similar style with mine but at least this idea and sentiment for art came from me genuinely. So I will not be turned off or disappointed if I found someone with the same art style. I will be content and proud of myself with my experience and art process. My journey!
Thank you very much for stopping by!
I hope you continue your art journey!
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