Monday, November 29, 2010

Pink Scarf and Pigtails - Michelle Burnett

Pink Scarf and Pigtails
colored pencil

This is for the wonderful Liz Holm for her theme: "portraits". I was at the rodeo several years ago and had my camera ready to take action shots of the bull and bronco riders for art reference photos, but I saw this girl working at the concessions. I admired her pigtails and scarf and thought that would make a more interesting subject for a painting. (By the way, every year the rodeo has one day dedicated to breast cancer awareness called "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" and everyone is supposed to wear pink, thus the reason for the pink scarf.)

I chose to draw this time because I've had a lot of "hurry up and wait" moments lately that are better for drawing. I drew the initial sketch while I was sitting in the waiting room at Jiffy Lube while my car got serviced!

I would like to spend more time on this because I love to work on portraits and I see a few things that need tweaking, but I will fuss with it forever if I don't stop so I think I'm going to send it on its way to Camille just in case she's got nothing else to do :) . Then I can get to work on her sketchbook next!

8 comments:

  1. I love your drawing, Michelle! She's lovely, and the pink theme couldn't be more perfect!. I'm a breast cancer survivor and celebrated my "5-year-clear" mark this October. Thank you so much!! Excellent portrait!

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  2. Beautiful drawing Michelle. I can see how this piece touches a special spot in Liz's heart. My wife too, has fought her way through cancer, and Liz, you go girl. I am so happy for you.

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  3. Now that is using your spare time beautifully.
    (what happens when you are at the dentist waiting room !?!?)
    Love those eyes !

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  4. You did such a beautiful job with this, Michelle - well done!

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  5. I don't remember if I've told you this before but the style in your drawings remind me of Chris Van Allsburg's children's book illustrations. I used to love to read those to my girls so I could stare at the pictures. Something about the softness of the detail -- so nice!

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  6. Beautifully done, Michelle! This colored pencil portrait is soft and delicate yet showing a character of strength!

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  7. I agree with everyone else, what a sensitive eye and hand you have, just wonderful!

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  8. I love that very intense look! Great rendition Michelle!

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