November 16th

Here is the collaborative painting I am doing with Peter Sibrin. So far we've had two sessions. Now that most the canvas is covered we're gonna start suggesting figures out of our automatic painting. I think last night after staring at it for twenty minutes I saw a woman, an owl (or perhaps a fox) and some crazy cartoon face.

Its really interesting working with another artist. Pete works primarily from his subconscious, where as I almost always work from sketches and observation. This definitely took me out of my comfort zone at first. At least Pete was a great guide. Also this is Pete's first painting in oil! He's definitely converted from acrylics, but hasn't adjusted to the odors yet from the paint thinners, mediums and oils.

I noticed differences in our routines. I believe Pete paints more frequently than I do but when I paint, I paint for a longer amount of time. Probably stems from having to pump out paintings for class on a regular basis while dealing with my procrastination.

It definitely helps to have someone to motivate you. He motivates me to paint almost daily and I usually attempt to keep him painting until very late at night... actually, very early in the morning.

November 15th

Almost finished with Liam's portrait. Just have to do a background and a few finishing touches. Definitely need to get a good photograph of this when it is complete. One that gives a better representation of the colors.

November 11th

Spent most of the evening working on a portrait of an internet acquaintance. Seems entirely peculiar to spend so much time studying the face of a person I've never met before, but alas, he replied to my request of subjects, thus he is painted.

I chose the first photograph I ever saw of him; not only was it the most familiar, but the facial expression interested me. Not to mention, as Liam describes, he is "sexy and regal" in this photograph.
I did a bit of work on his shirt and the paper mache horse (not pictured) after this photograph was taken, but that will have to be documented at another time. I am leaving his eyes, lips and piercings for when the face has dried and I am less likely to smear the canvas with my clumsiness. It is so nice to have the luxury of time now that I have graduated. No more rushing and last minute uh-ohs.

I also worked a bit on a portrait on my old high school boyfriend, Pernell. I am not too happy with it at this moment and contemplating using a different photograph. The photo I decided on was taken at night with a difficult orange haze to it. Additionally, I started on a background of Eric Prine's portrait; I still need to sketch and create an underpainting for that one.

So I don't forget, here is the list of portraits I promised to produce:
Liam McNeeley
Pernell Fowler
Eric Prine
Eric Aichele
Clint Severns
Camille Abramson

Certainly I will receive plenty of much needed practice painting facial hair with these portraits (minus Camille).

Sadly, I will not continue on Bryan's portrait that I began purely to occupy myself while waiting for responses to my offer. I won't go into details, just personal reasons restrain me from wanting to finish it.
This is the quick underpainting I completed in my refurbished phonebook sketchbook I made. I found it fitting because the page prior contained a doodle we did on a pizza box when he came to visit me in Savannah, GA. Ironically, the backdrop behind him displays the great obstacle which cursed our budding relationship; distance. Perhaps once issues are illuminated, I will work once more on it. It's a pity I feel must dismiss this one since so many have taken a liking to it (myself included, but I consider myself bias). I suppose I should do another phonebook portrait to make those admirers happy.

Lastly, I have grown tired of receiving the advice to set up a website and just might get motivated to do so (its hard to want to do that in your free time when it is your job). Can anyone recommend good hosts?