Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Learning Experience

I know that it has been awhile since I posted last, but I will give no excuses or apologies!  The summer is flying by with practices, games, social events, attempts at resuming a regular exercise program, yard work,, some very basic house work and that paying job occasionally!  I have decided that the posting to the blog is just not high on the list right now. Sorry!  Oops! An apology snuck in there!! In all honesty, while I try to do it all, I can't.

Wait.  Did I just say that?!

It's true.  I don't have the energy, enough hours or the desire to try to cram it all in.  Soooo.  The blog is going to suffer from even more infrequent posts for a while.

With that being said, I have continued to try to work on my mixed media canvas here and there.

I'm chalking this one up to a learning experience.

It started with an idea to add color to the background.

It didn't work.  So I tried to fix it.  That didn't work either.  So, now I have a background that is WAAAY too dark.

Believe it or not, I'm still contemplating on trying to fix it.  The problem is, I'm not sure HOW.  


But despite the mess I've made of the background, I'm having a bit more fun playing with some pastels. I haven't touched pastels since I was a freshman in college.

I'm afraid to say this.....but that was a loooong time ago.



So far, the girl looks NOTHING like my picture reference!  LOL! And, I'm ok with that since I don't think she is turning out badly.  And, since she looks nothing like the reference, I can have another go at it and  NO ONE will be the wiser that I used the same picture!! BWHAHAHAAA!!

Actually, there is a slight resemblance. Like those age progression pictures.  Maybe once I figure out the shading technique with the pastels, I'll do the second attempt....showing the "younger" girl next!! And if I'm REALLY adventurous, I could try to "age" her some more, as she might look even later in life.

Snort....

Yeah.  I need to just get this one done first!! LOL!!

Any suggestions on how to fix the background is welcomed.  I'm going to walk away from this for a day or so and focus on the never ending laundry!

'Till then....it might not be what was expected, but lessons and fun can still be had with it!! 



6 comments:

Sylvia said...

Starla, I find your comments on your background much like what I used to do and maybe still would if I were working on a canvas. Leave it alone for awhile and work on the girl, usually it will come to you, but until then it will drive you crazy. As for the background being to dark, why do you think that? You can make it not llok so dark by using stand out or bright or really contrasting colors on your gal! I hope that helps. Not being my project I can't see for you. Have a wonderful Wednesday, don't fret about not posting, I think most everyone is feeling the same way this summer! Just have fun with what you do!

Glenda said...

I have never worked on canvas and think this looks great..but if you are not happy with it....walk away...I'm so anxious to see the finished project.
I totally understand about your summer being so busy. With those boys, I don't know how you have a moment to breathe. Just post when you can and I will see you then!

Kathy/NorthCarolina said...

You are making the wise choice...those kiddoes will be grown and gone before you blink twice. Make memories...you will never regret it. The blog will wait.

I have some people use gesso to lighten up a too dark background....

Melody (lacyquilter) said...

This is awesome, Starla. I've used a very watered down gesso to lighten backgrounds without completely covering them up.

Gail Dixon said...

I think you're off to a wonderful start. But if you are unhappy with it, taking a break usually refreshes the mind and when you return with your fresh perspective it'll work out great. Give it time. I think your girl is beautiful and I wouldn't worry about it looking just like the reference pic. It's your own unique creation! Embrace it. :)

kaiandkristi said...

Amazing! Honestly, it's so good to hear you say that you can't do it all, because from the outside it looks like you do it all SO well! I feel that way right now though with my 2 young boys. In fact, though I love a clean house, a saying always comes to mind while I'm trying to keep it clean: "Trying to clean with children is like trying to shovel in a snowstorm." It truly feels that way sometimes! ;-) Good luck with all the great stuff going on right now!