Posts Tagged 'painting'



Meow!

I meant to get this on here this weekend. Its funny how free time gets filled so very quickly. The weather finally cooperated so  I delivered Dakota and cleaned up my studio. I have started work on a kitty. This is one of the smallest ones I have done in a while. Will have to see if this goes faster due to the size and if I am able to keep the detail at a smaller scale. Here’s the initial sketch.

cat sketch

"P.G.", sketch ©2012 alecia goodman to present

Am I there yet?

I had a number of comments that the negative space was too much due to the way Dakota was laying. The customer had some concerns too. So here is the latest update, hoping I have hit the mark. I didn’t want to include too much and kept it monochrome so the colors would not take away from Dakota.

drawing dog portrait

"Dakota", portrait update ©2012 alecia goodman to present

Popularity, Wallflowers, and Beauty…

pastel painting dog

"Dakota", portrait update ©2012 alecia goodman to present

“Popularity” Illustration Friday’s topic this week. I know this post is truly stretching to fit the parameters, but I just finished this beautiful portrait and wanted to share it (We’ll have to see if the client agrees). Popularity I think this is possibly every preteen, teenage boy’s and girl’s challenge. Always feeling that they are the wallflower and trying to make it into the spotlight. I think with age comes the wisdom to realize popularity is not truly that important, its the beauty inside that matters. Being comfortable with yourself and liking yourself, I think is a challenge for everyone at any age. Dakota is a beautiful dog, I am hoping that I just provided a glimpse of her personality and the beauty it holds.

Coming to Life

It always starts with a blank page and then an idea. Always a bit sketchy at first you never know where the drawing will lead you or what you will learn. It is always a challenge, and I welcome that. It keeps things exciting. I am sure when Frankenstein came to life the Doctor was amazed, possibly a little shocked. I am always amazed at what other artists create and more often than not what I can create with just a pencil or a pastel.

Here is my latest update of Dakota… she really is coming to life. Hoping the client is happy with its direction too. I am trying to keep it from going to white since she is somewhat white, but also touched with champagne coloring. I know its not quite right just yet. Hoping my next update sheds some light on the colors.

dog drawing portrait

"Dakota", portrait update ©2012 alecia goodman to present

Dakota,Sushi, and Groceries….

I am having a wonderful day… finished grocery shopping, and had sushi for lunch YUM! I was able to work on Dakota this afternoon which I am really excited about. So here’s update 2.

dog drawing

"Dakota", second portrait update ©2012 alecia goodman to present

Keep Moving “Forward”…. IF

dog portrait drawing

"Dakota", first portrait update ©2012 alecia goodman to present

Illustration Friday’s topic this week is “Forward”. Ever since I saw the Disney film, “Meet the Robinson’s“, I have really liked that motto “Keep Moving Forward”. I was a little nervous about the new portrait I started this weekend, Dakota. The portrait is a bit complicated and challenging as it will end up hanging next to her sister “Grace”. First I had to get sizing correct and approved. The paper had to be the same, which I found after searching since Grace had been done a bit ago. Luckily everything seems to be working so far. Hoping I will be able to finish the portrait this week, but we’ll see just how far I can get… especially since Dakota has a lot of fur.

Finding Grace ©2010 alecia goodman

Here are the initial sketches and beginning of the drawing for Dakota.

sketch dog portrait

"Dakota", sketches ©2012 alecia goodman to present

A Light Goes Out, With a TWIRL.

Boxer portrait

"Zeus", final portrait update ©2012 alecia goodman to present

I know its a bit of a stretch for Illustration Friday’s “Twirl”… Still if I think about the idea twirl, I think of how many times I have twirled pencils to continually create a sharp point. I overcame a lighting issue in my studio. Frustrating how reliant I am on bulbs etc. This beautiful dog, Zeus is now completed… YEAH!!! Of course I am still awaiting approval from the client. Let me know what you think everyone.

The portrait was approved… Now I am definitely “TWIRLING” in a happy dance.

Almost There…The Sistine Chapel

As I get closer on this portrait to the finish, I keep thinking, I wonder how Michelangelo felt as he tackled the Sistine Chapel. My current portrait is an 11″ x 14″ pastel drawing (no where near the level of difficulty or scope of Michelangelo, a master). His canvas was a ceiling of an entire chapel (take a virtual tour). I just imagine his relief and wonder at what he was able to accomplish. It would be interesting to ask him questions at the beginning, middle and the end… how much would those answers of changed. Just a thought.

Here is my update of Zeus. He is coming together beautifully. I am still tackling his wrinkles, so much detail in blacks and grays. Its a challenge and yes, at times I get a bit nervous (am I doing it right?)… I think the end results will speak for themselves. Hoping to deliver by Wednesday of next week.

blog board boxer drawing

Zeus update 1-11-12 ©2012 alecia goodman to present

Horsing around with Airborne

final portrait horse

Horsing Around with Airborne ©2011 alecia goodman

I was asked to do a caricature of a horse (but not to stray too far from the original picture). I was a bit surprised as this was outside of my forte. I found it to be very challenging, but I loved the end result.

Looking Below The Surface – Detective IF

painting of wood

Shadows Of Wood ©2010 alecia goodman

I was wondering how many of us really look under the surface to what’s inside; Illustration Friday’s topic this week is “detective”… so I thought about it and thought the obvious things like Sherlock Holmes, magnifying glass etc., but then I thought about what a detective does and bingo I had it. This is something I have been dealing with quite a bit as an artist. People tend to judge books by their covers and this applies to people and even approaches to art or concepts. I know its not easy when someone walks into your life looking like they are poor, homeless, or maybe just common etc. In reality each of us reflect our inner gifts in different ways… Still I do think its funny, the stereotypes of an artist – some people don’t think I am an artist because well I am not weird enough, not covered with ink, have punk hair or anything else they believe I should have… but If you got to know me, by being a detective and looking under the surface, you would be surprised and realize most if not all of those things don’t matter. What matter’s is me, (my art) and yes, I am an artist.


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