PPF: "Just Be You"

"Just Be You"

16 x 20 Gallery wrapped canvas

Happy PPF! I had so much fun at last week's charity Auction and just read that our group donated more than $400 to help support the victims of Sandy Hook. Yay, us! Not only was I happy to contribute an item, but I was thrilled to have won one as well. Thanks again to Kristin & Eva for making it all possible.

This week I was able to finish off a large project that I had in the works, this 16 x 20 canvas with deep (1.5 inch) sides. She is entitled, "Just Be You" and has the words, "I Dare You" scribbled on the front. Here it is in it's entirety:

I Dare You

She was created on a heavily collaged background (using both vintage and new materials) and then drawn in with my non-dominant hand for the shape of the head, similar to some of the drawings I played with during 29 Faces. From there I quickly sketched in the features and then dry brushed several types of acrylics and acrylic Gouache to the surface for depth and detail. I'm still trying to be looser with my drawings for a "grungier" look and feel:

Cheek color applied with fingers. A single Swarovski Crystal earring on the left ear.

Final details include the use of color rich oil pastels, Stickles Glitter and iridescent stars on the surface.

Stickles Glitter applied to the hair

Here is a shot of the deep sides, which also serve to balance the bold magenta color on the surface:

Sides created with pigment rich oil pastels and varnish

Lastly, the words that issue a challenge:

I also wanted to share with you the gorgeous oil painting that I bid on for the Auction. It was created by the talented Gloria J. Zucaro and I am thrilled to have it. She even was kind enough to frame it for me:

Thank you Gloria, I love it! And thank you for stopping by today. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone is up to this week . . . .

Kristin xo