Week 8 - Oh how far I have come…
Death by portraits 💀
So I may have left something out in Week 3…
I think it was actually an accident and I just missed it when prepping for the blog post… Or maybe I was so embarassed I conveniently forgot about one of the tasks from that week.
I have no idea at this point.
In week 3 of the Mastery Program, I was tasked with creating a portrait in through blocking in with charcoal, keeping in mind the idea that portraits are just a combination of multiple plane shifts, like a cardboard box.
She started off well.
Looking promising…
I chose a photo reference of Rihanna (because why not, she’s gorgeous) and gave it a go.
I don’t think there’s a need to talk about the next stages of this absolute abomination of a portrait.
She’s scary, not beautiful, and poor Rihanna would probably sue my ass if she was to ever see it.
Brace yourselves…
I KNOW.
I was mortified, and shoved her in box, never to look at again until I reached this week, week 8.
Now, this week I have to do it again.
But not just another charcoal portrait, I have to do it from LIFE…
POOR TOM.
To prep myself, and because I was just too ashamed to move on without atleast trying one more time, I decided to give Rihanna another go before I offended my boyfriend with his own monstrosity.
So she’s a little bit better… but why on earth does she look like she needs to go to rehab?
That hair 🙈
45 minutes later, I decided to go through the motions of the life drawing task and just accept that it was for learning’s sake - not beat myself up about it.
At least it will give Tom and I something to laugh at after (or cry)
I didn’t bother setting up a camera to film the process like I usually do. I told myself, this is just practice and no one is going to see it.
…but wait.
Next thing you know, it actually looks like the person I was drawing. There is identifiable form, value and realistic features!
I couldn’t believe it.
The secret is simple. Just get out of your own head.
As soon as I decided no one was going to see what I was doing, and fully removed judgement, I could really fall into my right brain and put to use all of the skills I am learning.
Apparently it’s always great to draw someone you care about and you love because it comes through in the drawing…
(He may have a grumpy face after being forced to sit still for 80 mins, but at least he knows I love him 😆)
My first portrait that I was actually proud of, let alone was happy with.
Even my phone recognised it as a face!
I was so shocked because only 2 hours ago I had completely insulted Rihanna with her portrait, and then just because I relaxed, took the pressure off and just allowed myself to enjoy the process… I created this.
I still keep his grumpy face up on the wall in my studio to remind me of what I can achieve when I just let the pressure go.
I now understand why an artist needs a muse.
Love can cause our body’s levels of serotonin peak. Serotonin allows you to experience a calmer and focused mind. A muse can make it easier to complete a piece of art 💞
I finished the last task of the week a few weeks later - a portrait painting from life, Alla Prima.
Alla prima means wet-on-wet, finishing the painting in one sitting.
I bribed Tom again, and this time I was much more confident going in.
Even though there’s a lot of form that could be refined, I did my best in the time we had, and it’s hard trying to complete a whole portrait in one sitting, where the model is alive…
So I’m happy with it.
Couldn’t convince him to put it up in his office though 😆
Week 8 was eventful, but I ended the week with a stronger confidence, and self belief that I could take into the next part of the Mastery Program.
Grateful for my model ❤️ and my ability to persevere even when I am feeling hopeless…
Portraits are becoming way less scary.
Until next week… ✨
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