... iiis liiiike a melodyyyyyyy, as the song says. That's how I felt about the girl in my reference photo who is very special to Dominique Eichi. Such sparkly eyes, such a big mesmerizing smile, such amazing cafe-au-lait tone to her skin...However, three weeks had passed and I hadn't worked up the courage/inspiration to paint a landscape for Dominique's book -- I know she wanted trees and I was going to do it, oh yes I was. But after a busy-basket (thank you, Adebanji) several weeks it wasn't happening. So at the 13th hour, I decided to go with my usual preferred area -- people/figurative, and out come the acrylics (so I can mail it soon) and I have the book flat on the table and can't really see the proportions well but I've promised it will be FedExed tomorrow... okay, enough with the excuses. So I'm calling this a study for a later oil version and am honoring the expectation to post this, even if I have barely touched the tip of the iceberg regarding my subject's beauty and feel this portrayal of her is well below my expectations for myself.
While I'm here, fellow Flying Moleskin members, please remember that I revised my theme to be No Theme, just put something in my book that is what you're in the mood to do. Do what you feel you do well or that is your forte' or that is your current comfort zone. You can stretch yourself some other time on your own paper! Just kidding but I hope you know what I'm saying... do what moves you that day or even what just sounds fun. Thanks! And now to think up a dream idea for Dana...
I love it.......... and I 'm not prejudiced NAy !
ReplyDeleteYou picked that smile she is so famous for. THANK YOU Camille
I want to tell you that in the back of my mind I had wished my theme was portraits when it came your way and that you would pick a pic of Tiffany. ( thank you God for putting that bug in Camille head) Really this is what I wanted.
Am very grateful you did not get stretched on this paper.
Dominique, I'm excited. I just looked at my original sketch photo and decided I'll try it again in oil with a Carolee Clark-ish colorful Fauvish twist. Maybe I can convey the spirit I get from her photo that way and it will be an entirely different looking image. Anyway, I have high hopes for it, stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteSadly I watched the mailman leave my house, with the usual bills and such, as usual, nothing fun. A couple of hours later a different mailman came flying through the neighborhood with this beautiful moleskin for me today! Camille, your portrait of Dominique's daughter is lovely and layered with your signature style of a myriad of subtle colors. What a precious gift this is for Dominique!
ReplyDeleteCamille, this is terrific! I have seen pictures of Tiffany from Dominique and her travels in Europe and visit with Banji...and this is great. You captured a liveliness and sparkle that is so-o-o engaging.
ReplyDeleteYou did capture her joie de vivre, Camille! She's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about pressure! I'm heading to the post office today..sorry I'm late gang.
Aaah the apple of Dominique's eye and a living jewel to behold, Tiffany! You did what a true artist does Camille, go with your gut feeling, following your passion which leads to your finest work. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly what you mean, Camille. I experienced the same thing with James' book and that's part of the reason why it took me sooooo long to get off the blocks and then getting trapped in the busy basket. I tried to get in the zone of drawing animals and it just didn't happen. I did so much research on wildlife artists and I managed to come up with 3 that really inspired me. (Terry Donahue, Bob Kuhn and David Rankin)-I searched these from loads of others and the reason why I gained the confidence to get these Llamas going was because, even though these people paint a different subject matter from what I am normally comfortable with, I was able to see something in their drawings of animals that I could relate to in my sketches of people, and I really enjoyed after so much stress of research, the joy of some new subject matter. I learned I could take this on, without reverting to too much detail and somehow it worked, but it was a tough challenge. So I understand what you must have gone through and it ain't easy at all. We all have areas where we are comfortable, but venturing into something new may well be a great learning process for us, and it is the process that is more important than the product.
ReplyDeleteTHEN BACK TO THE PORTRAIT OF TIFFANY- It's lovely! I'm sure Dominique would love it.
Camille, I think you grabbed her likeness, I can even see Dominque in her eyes...wonderful!
ReplyDeleteFellow moleskiners..I too am revising my theme to "no theme" just to make it easier on everyone!
Camille, you talking about your painting is almost as fun as the painting itself! Dominique's daughter is beautiful and you've definitely captured her loveliness! This will surely be treasured!
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's easy to put things off when it's not in our comfort zone. My theme is only a suggestion, so feel free to paint/draw whatever your heart desires...(Are you listening James?) ;)
Great portrait of Tiffany and good for you, you took the liberty to paint what you love and what you are comfortable with.
ReplyDeleteBut between you and me, you are a rabble.LOL.
Thanks to everyone, and Irit -- a rabble? I'll have to look that word up because it's a new one on me.
ReplyDeleteWell, I started a new painting of Tiffany today and it looks very different from this. I'll give it another day or two and then will put it on my blog. Or maybe on this one, too if that's okay with Dominique.
You really caught her, Camille. I'm not surprised that Dominique loves it so much. Well done.
ReplyDeleteGreat work, Camille! Portrait radiates personality!
ReplyDeleteCamille , I had to chuckle, as you usually make me do, while reading about your moments of anxiety regarding this beautiful portrait. I love all your portraits and even this quickly done one which looks so fresh. Dominique's daughter is a beautiful young lady, and you definitely captured her look.
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