Chalk Flowers: The Smearing Truth

The snow has gone and mud is here, but flowers won't be out for a few weeks yet in North Pole. During this drab time of year, we just have to get down and dirty and smear a few of our own flowers.  Surprisingly, this rather messy, fingers-in-the-chalk method results in a delicate and lovely painting.

For inspiration, we looked at paintings by Georgia O'Keeffe, who captured the beautiful forms and intense colors of flowers in her work.

Red Poppy, by Georgia O'Keeffe

To start, we tore some paper to make an oval shaped stencil, chalked the outside edges,

placed the chalked stencil over the paper, and smeared the chalk into the center with our fingers.

Viola!  A bloom appeared.

After doing several blooms we tore a vase shape, chalked those edges, and smeared more chalk to make a vase on the paper.

Next, we added a few stems,

and leaves to make a nice composition.

To finish up, a coating of fixative was sprayed on the painting to keep the chalk from smearing more, and a backing paper was added.

Our artists have smeared up some beautiful paintings to be proud of:

Amy

Gretchen

Hailey

Madyson

Melody

Next week, our final lesson, will be a barrel of fun!  Stay tuned for more details, coming soon.

Anniversary Caricature - Final Version

This is the final version of the anniversary caricature that I've posted about twice before this week to show the work in progress.  

The painting was done in ink and chalk pastels, with the composition based on several reference photos and other information provided by the customer.  

I enjoy working on commissions, knowing that my work will go directly to someone who will appreciate it and provide a special place for it in their home.  They are indeed a cute couple and hopefully this will bring them sweet memories of their wedding day.

Anniversary Caricature - Sketch 2

This is the second sketch for the anniversary caricature I mentioned in my last post.  I made a photocopy so I could try the chalk coloring, though chalk does not do well on copy paper.  Pastel paper or something with a tooth will look much better.  There are a few changes I plan to make in the final drawing, including a little more work on the bride's train, plus adding some contours to faces and the gown, and maybe making the ribbons trail back a little so the children's names read a little better.