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So, Today's theme is Shades of Pink, which of course made me drag out one of my dolls. Since I didn't have a computer---I thought painting from a doll was better than making it up...
I worked on sketchbook paper---because I haven't done any watercolor portraits, and I look at my watercolors as a
LEARNING EXPERIENCE!
You can't grow, unless you give yourself permission to learn!
I hope you can see my faint sketch---I wanted the subject to look like a real person,
so I thickened her arms and neck, Barbie tends to be 8 foot tall and skinny!
She is one of my vintage (OLD) favorites.
Her gown is white, but I figured I could go pink without any big issues.
Palette:
Thalo Purple
Prussian Blue
VanDyke Brown
Burnt Sienna
Lemon Yellow
Winsor Red
Alizarian Crimson
I worked mostly with synthetic 1/4", 5/8", 3/4" flats and a very small round at the end for detail. Most of my brushes are so old, I can't see the brand names on them. Basically I use good quality synthetics originally designed for acrylics and craft painting. I like a brush that doesn't go limp, so the stiffer acrylic brushes are fine.
I did the background (Prussian Blue, VanDyke Brown and a touch of crimson) lightly first ---I tried to use Alizarian crimson in all my color mixtures---to go with the shades theme. At this point, I knew the white hair wasn't going to look real,
so I planned on blonde.
This is basically after the first layers of color. And here is where my memories started to take over.
I was 15 again, at my first formal---awkward, ( I was never a girly girl) so dressing up was a challenge.) I loved clothes, but more from a design point, rather than wearing them.
This dress is far more sumptuous than anything I ever had...I tried to do the lace on the bodice. Then, the face became an issue---she wasn't happy---probably because of feeling awkward.
This photo was of wet paint.
I later added some yellow/pink in the dress to go with the hair. Thalo purple, VanDyke Brown, and the Alizarion Crimson were mixed for the darker shadows.
I finally had to walk away---wait until the saturated and muddy paper dried. Sketchbook paper does have an end point! I eventually dry-brushed in some of the details
and then walked away.
IF I do a portrait again---I will use some fabulous paper---that I can rework, when I get into trouble.
I did manage to rework her mouth.
I still love the memories represented here: the rustle of the fabrics, the heavy colognes everyone wore, the sticky hair, the heat of the room mixed with teen angst---all rolled up into one portrait.
Do you remember your first formal event?
Disclaimer: Any products I am using are not a recommendation, but only for reference for the reader's use. I am in no way affiliated with any of the companies or products, or have I received compensation or products.
My painting projects will be posted on Pinterest, Flickr and Facebook with the hashtag
LINK: #WorldWatercolorMonth
Don't forget the above supports art materials for children...
take a peek.
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Tuesdays At Our Home
Make it Pretty Monday
Celebrate Your Story
Talk of the Town
Thank you for your cooperation,
Sandi
