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Monday, November 09, 2009

Little Book of Faces

For several days I've been considering what to put in the little 4x4" modified accordion style book that I showed how to make here. Finally I realized that I wanted to fill it with little paintings of faces; lovingly rendered and realistically drawn. Here is my progress so far.

First of all the cover. I decided to start by painting the first face on the cover. I am going to get out my yearbook when I run out of inspiration. Some of these faces are from models; some free drawn from my imagination.

This is from my imagination and how I usually draw. Directly on the paper and blended. Boring to me because it looks so typical of my work. I like to surprise myself, not do things that I always do.

I like this one better. It was drawn from a photograph but looks nothing like the child. I love my black outlines. I am a coloring book girl.

Copied from a magazine but not painted over it. I like her mean, threatening look. Which usually covers up for a thin skin.

This is my favorite I think of the ones I've done so far. She looks cold and self-contained. It's a winter look.

I glued down tissue on some of these for added texture under the paint. I always like to start with something. But it takes time for the glue to dry, etc. so I don't always.

I pretty much draw the image with my brush and black paint and then adjust the color. Back and forth, color and outline.

I love head gear, hats, costumey things that crown the skull. They look regal and mysterious.

You would think these were done quickly but that isn't the case. I dibble and dabble.

The last step is a thick coat of gloss gel that I smear on with a finger to avoid brush strokes.

I was watching Project Runway reruns all day and think I channeled Koji (a model) in the one above. Without the bangs of course. The writing across two pages reads, "watching Project Runway".


Painted over a ticket to the Alhambra in Spain which I found in a folder by my drawing table.

Ack. Another face from my imagination.

Painted over a gold gesso base.

Last one, painted over printed tissue paper.

I have a friend in Arizona whose Birthday is tomorrow. She has never been to Voodoo Donuts but was always curious so today she'll be receiving this in the mail.

The zombie has a pretzel stake through its heart, the maple bar has crispy bacon on top, there is a fruit loops donut and that green and white one is a total mystery but so glitchy and weird that I had to include it. Don't forget to smell the donuts! xo

31 comments:

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

I'm in awe of your Faces Book. Thank you for sharing this. You made my day. Really. ♥

anna maria said...

I think it was great idea to fill your little book with a series of faces. They are all unique and interesting.
Thanks for the final gel coat tip, I'll have to try that, since I never did like those brush strokes.

sharon said...

lovely faces, judy! have used tissue as a texturizing element on backgrounds before, but never on the subject...love it! must try.

Lorelei said...

Thank you for sharing your many faces... I wish I could draw them. Your work is an inspiration. Keep sharing your books.

Pat said...

You've inspired me to try faces...something I've never thought to attempt before. Yours are gorgeous--each and every one.

Ocean Lotus said...

i love these, they seem to have the Judy style my fav is the butterfly one...

Kim Mailhot said...

Amazing faces, brought into Judy's world and then into ours. Love 'em !
Those are some fancy donuts you got there!A really sweet and glitchy gift ! ;)

Lynn Cohen said...

You make the faces look so easy. Can you tell what paints you use?

those donuts look totally disgusting. Is that the idea?
A non kosher maple bar. OY VEY!!
LOL

Beverly Ash Gilbert said...

Judy,
What a wonderful book! Absolutely LOVE the 'observer's' hair - what a gorgeous glow of color!

Mixed Media Martyr said...

Your little book of faces is so, so beautiful!

Kate Robertson said...

I love this, all the different faces are wonderful especially with your comments about them. This would be a great idea for someone like me working on painting faces. I may have to see if I have a journal that will work or better yet make one. The gel medium tip with your fingers is great tip.

Thanks for sharing this.

And so it goes... said...

What a great idea, the little book of faces... Thanks a zillion for the wonderful inspiration, much needed today!

Bridgette Guerzon Mills said...

how fun!
love the texture of the cover material. do you have to gesso the fabric before you paint on it? doesn't look like you did. But wanted to make sure. I am getting the itch to incorporate more fabric into my work. I think it's because i've been takin a sewing class and I just love fabric.

Jill said...

love love love the faces - amazing what you find just cruising blogs

heather noye said...

while i'm just not sure about those donuts ;-) i LOVE your face book!!! So beautiful!

peggy said...

Your faces are absolutely wonderful, oh for your talent and your nice too. Peggy who is awe of you

Chris said...

You are so great at painting faces, they all look wonderful. What a grand little book!

lynne h said...

judy, this is what i'm talkin' about... i come here and am instantly consumed with the need to CREATE! i mean this is on top of the normal creation consumption... last time it was dolls, this time i feel like i can't waste another second before i go make one of these books and fill it with faces!!!!

i trust you're having a fabulous time at this very second... : )

xo

lynne

Cherie said...

The mystery doughnut is a mushroom from the Mario's World video games. It gives you one extra life. lol

And I love your faces too!

Tara's Art Camp said...

Your work is always so inspirational. I can't wait to try an accordian book of my own. Lovely.

Lorri Scott said...

Judy,

Your faces are fun and amazing. I love them!

Rusted Wings said...

love your little book of faces....just lovely!!

Roberta said...

Judy, I LOVE LOVE this book of faces! What a cool idea...I hope you know you have inspired me to start one of my very own :-) I love how unique they are, and I love that the backgrounds are different too.
Thanks for sharing this with us...LOVE it so much!

Hope you are enjoying the Pogo :-)

All the best,
Roberta

Laura said...

you make it all look so easy. You inspire me, I can do it! Thanks

jenica said...

this made my day. i just love the way your mind works.

xoxo

dewatobay said...

Unbelievable that each is so unique. If I could get one face down, that would be it!

Karen Cole said...

I just want to rub my hand over every page AND that cover......whoa....each face is so compelling....

Lynda Howells said...

oh..never heard of Voddoo Doughnuts..we need them over here in London. they look amazing. I digress, l was actually going to say your faces book was great. i also love the fact, like me, you make your own journals. To me it is part of the act of journalling.lynda

prutsels said...

I really favor the faces from your imagination, but they are all fantastic.

Lynda Lehmann said...

All your little faces are very beautiful!

femminismo said...

Wonderful, gorgeous faces. This little book is a genuine treasure. I think I like the last one best. She is beautiful.