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Friday, September 26, 2008

Draw what you see



I took six oil painting lessons a couple of years ago and the one thing the instructor drilled into us all was 'draw what you see'.

All well and good if you're drawing landscapes or (proper!) portraits but when you specialise in giraffe-necked, bobble-headed, giant-eyed flirts, it's not so easy to find an appropriate model to sit for you.

So I either make something up completely or wind up using several images as inspiration.

Here's the mix I used as reference/inspiration for this piece (still untitled, finally finished and about to go in the Across the Universe and Back Again exhibition)



1. Zooey Deschanel - I adored the pose and the side pony.


2. Flowers - loved these colours.


Sure, there are better pictures of Zooey Decshanel and prettier pictures of flowers, but as I'm not drawing them line for line, I just need to find something that sets of that little spark of inspiration and this time, these were the ones that did it.

On the other hand, the make-it-up-completely option frequently works just as well. I created this little sweetheart last night about 3am (insomnia is great for art!).



She's worked out pretty well - I'm just a little unsure about the lips. She may be a bit too pouty for my liking. I haven't decided yet if it makes her look too pretentious!

xxx scarlett

6 comments:

Sabbio said...

This is really interesting to see your inspirational process. And your miss Green is really beautiful and no she's not pretentious :)

Jo Fong said...

Hi Scarlett,

I've been stalking your blog for a while and you've inspired me to start my own Etsy shop! I really love your work and will be coming to the exhibition opening.
Do we need to RSVP anywhere or just show up?

And that flower girl has an extra sweet expression that I absolutely adore!

Kelly said...

Isn't it amazing what you can do in the wee hours of the morning when you're brains not quite switched on?

I love her pouty lips! She doesn't look at all pretentious...but definitely saucy!

My Charlie Girl said...

i made a slight 'awww' when i seen her.... she is awesome... she is sexy !!! I LOVE HER !! are you tired today? hehe

Honor said...

Hey, I adore this piece! Thanks for sharing your process. The lips on your second one are pouty, but I think she's got spunk!

Orgo Cosmetics said...

Wow, that's amazing! You're so talented. I remember my art teacher always instructing us to "draw what we see" and that things are basically just shades of light and dark.