A change in direction

For quite a while now I have been wanting to move my painting into a different direction, one that I loved as an art student; figure studies. I've had this one planned for quite a while now, and I finally got to start it recently.

I started by laying down the tonal values first and you can see the progress below.  It is quite challenging but it is slowly getting there. I will post more photos as I do some more work on it.

Putting pen to paper

Sometimes it is nice to take a break from painting and just draw without any plan in mind.  The drawing above is done in my sketchbook with ball point pens, gel pens and highlighters. And it started off as a weird doodle. I usually draw like this when I am sick or unable to sleep, and while watching TV.  They are a wonderful distraction from everything around me.

I had so much fun doing the hair in the above drawing and that led to the doodle below. I think I got a bit carried away, but it was so much fun. This one was done with my sharpies.

Drawing doodles is almost like a form of meditation, I find that I get ideas for other drawings and paintings while doing these doodles.  

Lady with the Blue Wrap

Lady with the Blue Wrap

Acrylic on Masonite

400 x 600mm

NOT FOR SALE

It has been a while since I posted.  After painting the portraits for the 30 Paintings in 30 Days project, I decided to tackle something a little different to my usual work and I really enjoyed it.  The trick about painting something like this is that you need a model to work from.  As an everyday person who is also an artist, it is not that easy to find someone to model for you.  As an art student I was lucky enough to do life drawing and we had models who would pose for us.

This painting has reminded me how I loved figure drawing and painting.  So keep watching this space, I am going to venture into this field a bit more.

I almost forgot to share the collage below.  It shows the painting through the different stages from beginning to end.

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Summary

30 Paintings in 30 Days Collage

I remember starting this challenge at the beginning of January, wondering if I would be able to paint 30 paintings. I am a procrastinator and often put off what I need to do.  Working full time and painting in my spare time can be difficult, so this was a challenge that would test me in ways I had yet to encounter.

I chose the toughest subject for this kind of challenge. Portraits!! Now that it is over, I am glad I did. I can see improvement in my work and it has been very rewarding to see all these faces come to life on the little 6x6" boards.  Painting on this small size was a challenge but I have adapted and will certainly be doing more paintings on this size board.

Thank you so much to Leslie Saeta for creating this platform for artists from all over the world. I have also started listening to her weekly online radio show, you can listen to her shows here at www.blogtalkradio.com/artistshelpingartists.  If you want to save the audio file, look for the download link just below the player. She gives excellent advice to artists on many issues.

One thing I have learned is that as artists, we are all so different in our mediums, styles and subject choices, yet most of us have the same fears when it comes to our work. The best thing an artist can do is to keep on painting and creating. Your own style will start to show through the more you work.  Don't try and paint like somebody else, just paint!

Some people have asked me what am I going to do now that the challenge is over.  Well, carry on painting of course! But first I need to go grocery shopping, and give my house a good clean. Then I will work on some orders that I got through this challenge.

Please go and have a look at the collages of all the other artists who took part in the 30 in 30 challenge, Looking back at thirty paintings

Until next time
                Vanessa xx

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 30

Daphne

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

SOLD

Finally my No.30 is complete.  It has been quite an amazing journey and it is now over.

No.30 is my late Aunty Daphne who was also an artist and she was very good at painting flowers in watercolour. She had a delicate painting style.  She is still missed by all her family!

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 29

The Hotdog Man

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

This was supposed to be my No.30 but I need to tweak my last painting, so this one has jumped the gun a bit.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 28

The Waitress

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

The waitress is my 28th painting in the 30 in 30 challenge.  I cannot believe that we have come this far. This has been an awesome experience so far.


This painting allowed me to have some fun with warm colours. Using yellow as the background colour is certainly a first for me. Loads of fun!

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 27

Janine

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

SOLD

I have painted my youngest sister for my 27th painting in the 30 in 30 challenge. I might need to tweak one or two little things but my eyes would no longer focus on the small details.  I was also afraid that I might mess it up right now if I fiddle too much. Trying to paint detail on a 15 x 15cm board is not that easy, but I have grown to love painting on this small scale.

Janine is a very creative woman and loves decorating her home with things that she has created herself.  She loves to bake for her family and is a really great wife and mother. She has her own blog http://inspiringmakes.blogspot.com/. Go and have a look for yourself.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 26

 

The Eccentric

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

I like to try and see how quickly I can paint a likeness of somebody, so every now and then I try one of these.  I find that I am getting better at it now.  I scratched through all my photos that could make nice paintings and saved them on my tablet for future reference.  This was one of them and I must say that I am happy with the outcome.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 25

Self Portrait - Serious

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6") 

NOT FOR SALE

So for No. 25 I have another self portrait.  I always used to print out the photos that I wanted to paint, but I have moved with the times and I now own a lovely Samsung Galaxy Tablet with a 10" screen and it has made my life so much easier.  I wanted to do something different today, so I took a photo of myself, with the tablet, and Voila!  This is so much fun!

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 24

Smiling Boy

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6") 

SOLD

Here is my 24th painting in the 30 in 30 challenge. This young boy is the little brother of the boy in the white cap who I painted a few days ago.  I hope that his mom will be happy with this little painting.

This post is backdated for the purpose of the 30 in 30 challenge.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 23

Lindiwe

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6") 

NOT FOR SALE

Here is my 23nd painting in the 30 in 30 challenge. I took the photo of Lindiwe and I thought this would make a lovely painting. I often use photographs as a frame of reference or a source of inspiration. Portraits are not always that easy and sometimes I don't want to aim at a perfect likeness, but more of an idea of the person.  Sometimes I am surprised by the outcome.  If I know the person I often find that even if I change what is in the photo, I am still met with the actual person on my canvas/board.

I had a lot of fun with the colours in this painting, what I thought was unusual turned out right and I just love the way her skin tone developed.

This post is backdated for the purpose of the 30 in 30 challenge.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 22

Boy with White Cap

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6") 

SOLD

Here is my 22nd painting in the 30 in 30 challenge. I started this painting before my last one but had to make a correction and so decided to leave it a day.  I am also not happy with the shirt. Sometimes painting the way it looks in the photo is not right, so I will most probably still change it.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 21

Mom

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6") 

NOT FOR SALE

I started another painting but have to do corrections on it and tonight I was just not in the mood for it.  So I decided to do a quick painting of my Mom. Now I am sure that I could sit and fiddle with the painting and get more detail and probably overwork the piece, but that was not what I set out to do.  I am happy with the result. (Unfortunately I had to take the photo indoors with lights, so the photo is not the best)





So Mommy, you are No 21 in my 30 in 30 challenge! Love you lots! xxx

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 20

The Farmer

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6") 

After a weekend of painting like crazy and catching up I felt like doing something a little different.  This one was a lot of fun. My father visited the Farmers' market near Port Elizabeth and came across this farmer. He thought that this farmer would make an interesting subject for my 30 in 30.  The farmer agreed to have his photo taken and here you have it, my 20th painting.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 19

Little Angel

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6") 

SOLD

Here is my 19th painting for the 30 in 30 challenge. 

A friend of mine sent me a photo of her late grandson to paint for this challenge. I've been working on this painting a little bit every day so that it would be just right.  This painting was painted in a very different way to the others. I worked in thin layers of paint to get the smooth finish.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 18

Charl

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6") 

SOLD

Here is my 18th painting for the 30 in 30 challenge.  The gentleman in the painting ordered the portrait from me, so it has a home to go to already.  Yippee!

Painting every day is definitely a good way to improve your painting skills, something that I will try and keep up with in future.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 17

Harvey

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6") 

NOT FOR SALE

This is my 17th painting in the 30 in 30 challenge. I have printed out quite a few photographs that I would like to paint, and this is one of them.  This is my son who is now all of 21 (and a half).  He is my youngest and it is not easy to accept that he is all grown up.

This painting was nice to paint, it went fairly quickly and I am pleased with the result.  I find that I am getting used to working on the small size now. However, I probably need to buy some more fine brushes.

This post is backdated for the purpose of the 30 in 30 challenge.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 16

Self Portrait

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

It is Saturday and I am playing catch up with the challenge.  This one was quite challenging because of the small scale, but again, a lot of fun.

This post is backdated for the purpose of the 30 in 30 challenge.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 15

Jacques

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

 

Wow, we are halfway through the challenge. I can't believe it!

 

Tonight's painting went a lot easier.  I was going through all my photos and selected several to use for the next few days.  This one is of my son-in-law, Jacques, who is an loving husband and a patient and loving father.  I took the photo of the painting by desk lamp so the colours aren't quite right.

 

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge and see all the wonderful paintings by artists from all around the world, please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 14

Little Spider Girl

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

 

I almost named this painting 'Exhaustion' because that is how I feel right now, exhausted.  This painting is clearly unfinished (in my eyes), but I was tired and I knew that if I worked on it anymore I would just mess it up. So in the spirit of the '30 paintings in 30 days' challenge, I am posting my painting as it is.  

 

This painting is of my little granddaughter, Leila, in one of her favourite outfits, her Spiderman suit.

Working full time and doing this challenge is a tougher that I could have imagined, but I love it!  I could have chosen an easier theme for myself, but then there would've been no challenge in it for me.  So I am the maker of my own punishment.  But I am enjoying it every step of the way.

I will post this painting again later when it is completed.

 

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 13

Lukas the Driver

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

No13 of my 30 paintings in 30 days. Gosh, are we really this far into the challenge already?  It is definitely a personal challenge more than anything else.  Each painting brings with it new challenges, and there is no way that I can not feel like painting. It is funny how knowing that I have to paint gets me going.

I think this is an excellent project and even though I work full time and have to use my spare time to take part, it is worth every brush stroke.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 12

The Drummer

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

Wow, so much light! I have never done a painting with so much light before. It is something different. That is what I like about this challenge, I am finding different types of portraits to do and I am loving it. It is going to be interesting at the end of the 30 day challenge to see how my painting style has been affected.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 11

The Gumboot Dancer

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

I have been painting like crazy to make sure I don't get behind on my 30 in 30 challenge.  This is the Gumboot dancer, he is one of a group of men who perform at the Brightwater Commons in Randburg.  He was singing and dancing when I took his photo.  I painted on the rough side of the masonite board for extra texture, I think it lent itself well to the subject matter.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 10

BMX Dude

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

I was looking through my photographs trying to find something different to paint for this challenge and I found a photo that I had taken of a guy who does tricks on his bmx bike at Bright Water Commons in Randburg.  I tried to work as quick as I could and it worked out very well.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 9

Dad

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

NOT FOR SALE

This is my 9th painting for the 30 in 30 challenge.  I decided to do a painting of my Dad. Not the easiest thing to do.  My eyes will not relay what I see on the photo to the paintbrush. Too much info interfering with objectivity.  Anyway, here it is. I had to stop or I would just keep painting, feeling that it is not good enough.

I have never painted so many portraits in such a short space of time, it is exhausting and quite stressful, but somehow absolutely rewarding. I still find the small size quite challenging.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 8

The Broom Seller

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

Today's painting went a lot faster than the rest.  It was inspired by a photograph sent to me by my father.  This Xhosa woman spends all day in the sun selling her brooms, so she makes her own sun screen which she applies to her face and when it dries it leaves a white chalky substance on her skin.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 7

The Driver

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

NOT FOR SALE

Being back at work full time has made it a bit trickier to keep up with my 30 in 30 challenge.  So I am a day or two behind. This is my 7th entry for this challenge and let me tell you, it was one of those paintings that would not work out.  I was eventually falling asleep while painting last night and really felt like giving up, but this morning I woke up early and attempted damage control, and luckily, what was muddy cleared up.  Thank goodness.  I realised one thing, it is all about lighting! I chose the wrong photograph to work from as far as lighting was concerned.

As I get further into this challenge I wonder to myself, WHY did I decide to do portraits?? I could've gone with anything else and my task would've been a lot easier. But then, this is a CHALLENGE, and taking the easy road would've defeated the object. Since we each set our own boundaries within this challenge I have to be true to myself. Wow, I need to stop waffling now!

Please note: I am backdating this post for the purpose of the challenge.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 6

Beaded Girl

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

I returned to work today after our Christmas Holidays. So now my painting is confined to evenings and weekends.  I don't know if I will be able to keep up the pace. I will have to do a lot of work on the weekend to keep to my goal of having 30 paintings by the end of the month.

This painting had it's own challenges, mostly I am still struggling with the small size.  I am also still taking too long to finish the painting, but at least today was a bit quicker than most days.  Anyway, it is now after 11pm and I need my sleep.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 5

Mama

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6"

NOT FOR SALE

Tomorrow I go back to work after my two week break. I will miss being able to choose when to sit and paint.  From tomorrow I will have to use my spare time just for painting. Maybe I will try and do one more painting today so that I can have a headstart on this week.

This challenge is starting to feel a bit tougher than I imagined.  But hey, I think it will be worth every minute in the end.

When I paint on Masonite or hardboard, I usually use the smooth side, but every now and then I like to use the rough side as it adds quite a bit of texture.  It may look okay in real life, but it does not photograph very well.  So here is my entry for Day 5, "Mama".  This wonderful woman works in our office and has worked for our company for almost 25 years (I could be out by a few years).  She makes our tea and coffee every day and she is lovingly called "Mama" by all.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 4

Xhosa Woman

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

I am a bit late with my 4th entry for the 30 Paintings in 30 Days challenge because I spent the day with my family since it was my daughter's 28th birthday. It seems like just the other day that I gave birth to her.  Now I don't want to get behind in my challenge, so I better move on to the next painting.

The inspiration for this portrait is an old photograph taken by my parents many years ago, most probably in the late 1950's or early 1960's in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

To find out more about the 30 in 30 challenge please visit http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 3

Jess

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6") 

NOT FOR SALE

 

My word, what have I signed my self up for? This is quite a commitment.   But hey, at the end of it I will have done 30 paintings.  Today's painting is of my daughter, Jessica.  Once again I took too long on the piece, I really need to set a time limit so that I don't overwork the painting.  I am starting to get used to the small size and am enjoying it.

Only 27 more to go!  Don't forget to go to http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/ to see the paintings of all the other artists taking part in this challenge.

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 2

Madiba

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6") 

For Sale - $90.00

Okay, so here is my second painting for the 30 in 30 on Leslie Saeta's blog. It is so exciting to be taking part in this project with around 300 other artists from all around the world.

This painting is called Madiba, in memory of Nelson Mandela.  I painted this one in a shorter time than the first one.  Let's see how the next one goes.

Till next time
Vanessa

30 Paintings in 30 Days - No. 1

Leila

Acrylic on board

15x15cm (6x6")

NOT FOR SALE

Happy New Year to all of you!  A few weeks ago I found out about a 30 day art challenge held by Leslie Saeta.  30 Paintings in 30 Days!  After much thought I decided to join the challenge.  It is quite a commitment and I think it is just what I need right now to challenge me. There are over 200 artists taking part in the challenge, so this feels really exciting!


I have decided on a theme for my 30 days and my theme is portraits.  I will be working on 15 x 15cm (6 x 6") boards. Before I went home to my beloved Port Elizabeth for Christmas, I purchased board, had it cut and primed them all so that it will be all systems go this month. I arrived back in Johannesburg yesterday and I am all geared up for this challenge.

My first portrait is of my granddaughter, Leila.  I painted it just before going on Holiday so that I would have an entry ready for today. The first challenge I encountered was the size.  I am used to working on much larger pieces, so painting this small took a bit of getting used to.  I also found that I am taking too long to complete the painting.  I need to speed up or I could spend hours overworking the piece.

Anyway, the ice has been broken....one down...29 to go!