Last year I did this canvas:
It's kind of a hot mess. Last weekend I decided to paint it over and try again.
This is as far as I got last weekend. I knew something was off, but I wasn't quite sure what.
Then last Tuesday night I decided it was the jaw. And the shoulder was too far away. And I didn't like the mouth. And the right eye was weird and droopy. And she was just creepy and without a story. So I set out on another re-do. The first step was cleaning up all my mistakes – correcting the proportions and the features.
And then something new just started to emerge.
And here's the final (for now) version:
I'm calling it "On Her Wedding Day." I kind of like the metaphor of the strips of paper (like bars on a cage or something) underneath the painting of a bride. Here's a close-up where you can really see the texture of the paper underneath:
I'm trying to ignore the fact that she looks vaguely like Kim Kardashian. I think it's something about the pouty mouth and the severe brows. Regardless, she looks hopeful to me. And yet I feel like the painting hints at the possibility of a sinister future. The scroll work in the back — like a wrought iron gate. A passage into something. But also a wall. And her blueness — is she a ghost?
Here's what I wrote on the original canvas: "Even though he had broken her heart and shattered her trust, she still believed in happily ever after. She still had hope." Interestingly, I think that story still works with this new figure.
I hope you enjoyed seeing the process!
Thanks for stopping by!
I love how you rework your work. I loved the first one even with its imperfections…I think it was the saying you used… This current one is lovely… i think it is her smile on her face. She is great…
I love how you rework your work. I loved the first one even with its imperfections…I think it was the saying you used… This current one is lovely… i think it is her smile on her face. She is great…
I love how you rework your work. I loved the first one even with its imperfections…I think it was the saying you used… This current one is lovely… i think it is her smile on her face. She is great…
I love how you rework your work. I loved the first one even with its imperfections…I think it was the saying you used… This current one is lovely… i think it is her smile on her face. She is great…
I love how you rework your work. I loved the first one even with its imperfections…I think it was the saying you used… This current one is lovely… i think it is her smile on her face. She is great…
What a difference ..,, you can really see how your drawing lessons have changed your “face making”. I think the final second lady is great, she appears to have a secret in her eyes…that she is sharing with the viewer…but the original painting I also liked also. I am glad you took a photo of it…so that when you did your remodel you still have a copy of the original to reflect back upon. I recycle my artwork all the time and so many times I forgot to snap a photo before pulling out the gesso. Thanks for all the step by step images…know that takes times on your part but what a wonderful visual for those of us peeking over your shoulder.
What a difference ..,, you can really see how your drawing lessons have changed your “face making”. I think the final second lady is great, she appears to have a secret in her eyes…that she is sharing with the viewer…but the original painting I also liked also. I am glad you took a photo of it…so that when you did your remodel you still have a copy of the original to reflect back upon. I recycle my artwork all the time and so many times I forgot to snap a photo before pulling out the gesso. Thanks for all the step by step images…know that takes times on your part but what a wonderful visual for those of us peeking over your shoulder.
What a difference ..,, you can really see how your drawing lessons have changed your “face making”. I think the final second lady is great, she appears to have a secret in her eyes…that she is sharing with the viewer…but the original painting I also liked also. I am glad you took a photo of it…so that when you did your remodel you still have a copy of the original to reflect back upon. I recycle my artwork all the time and so many times I forgot to snap a photo before pulling out the gesso. Thanks for all the step by step images…know that takes times on your part but what a wonderful visual for those of us peeking over your shoulder.
What a difference ..,, you can really see how your drawing lessons have changed your “face making”. I think the final second lady is great, she appears to have a secret in her eyes…that she is sharing with the viewer…but the original painting I also liked also. I am glad you took a photo of it…so that when you did your remodel you still have a copy of the original to reflect back upon. I recycle my artwork all the time and so many times I forgot to snap a photo before pulling out the gesso. Thanks for all the step by step images…know that takes times on your part but what a wonderful visual for those of us peeking over your shoulder.
What a difference ..,, you can really see how your drawing lessons have changed your “face making”. I think the final second lady is great, she appears to have a secret in her eyes…that she is sharing with the viewer…but the original painting I also liked also. I am glad you took a photo of it…so that when you did your remodel you still have a copy of the original to reflect back upon. I recycle my artwork all the time and so many times I forgot to snap a photo before pulling out the gesso. Thanks for all the step by step images…know that takes times on your part but what a wonderful visual for those of us peeking over your shoulder.
Love your reworked lady and all those process pics. The texture beneath her is fantastic.
Love your reworked lady and all those process pics. The texture beneath her is fantastic.
Love your reworked lady and all those process pics. The texture beneath her is fantastic.
Love your reworked lady and all those process pics. The texture beneath her is fantastic.
Love your reworked lady and all those process pics. The texture beneath her is fantastic.
It’s amazing how your technique has changed! I loved the color of the blonde/fire-orange hair & I love the face of the “blue lady.” Thanks so much for sharing.
It’s amazing how your technique has changed! I loved the color of the blonde/fire-orange hair & I love the face of the “blue lady.” Thanks so much for sharing.
It’s amazing how your technique has changed! I loved the color of the blonde/fire-orange hair & I love the face of the “blue lady.” Thanks so much for sharing.
It’s amazing how your technique has changed! I loved the color of the blonde/fire-orange hair & I love the face of the “blue lady.” Thanks so much for sharing.
It’s amazing how your technique has changed! I loved the color of the blonde/fire-orange hair & I love the face of the “blue lady.” Thanks so much for sharing.
Julie, you are fearless!! I love seeing your process and I really love how you come back to something and totally change it. I happen to really like the first painting. And the transformation to the final is stunning. I agree with Ann, she looks so real that she does look like she knows something that she’s not telling. Thank you for bringing us along on your journey!!
Julie, you are fearless!! I love seeing your process and I really love how you come back to something and totally change it. I happen to really like the first painting. And the transformation to the final is stunning. I agree with Ann, she looks so real that she does look like she knows something that she’s not telling. Thank you for bringing us along on your journey!!
Julie, you are fearless!! I love seeing your process and I really love how you come back to something and totally change it. I happen to really like the first painting. And the transformation to the final is stunning. I agree with Ann, she looks so real that she does look like she knows something that she’s not telling. Thank you for bringing us along on your journey!!
Julie, you are fearless!! I love seeing your process and I really love how you come back to something and totally change it. I happen to really like the first painting. And the transformation to the final is stunning. I agree with Ann, she looks so real that she does look like she knows something that she’s not telling. Thank you for bringing us along on your journey!!
Julie, you are fearless!! I love seeing your process and I really love how you come back to something and totally change it. I happen to really like the first painting. And the transformation to the final is stunning. I agree with Ann, she looks so real that she does look like she knows something that she’s not telling. Thank you for bringing us along on your journey!!
Wow i’ve never seen a picture reworked so many times. lol. I have to say i like the 6th picture from the top. I think you had a good version there but then in the 7th picture you had messed with her mouth or something and it was off……I also like the blue girl at the end. Great work.
Wow i’ve never seen a picture reworked so many times. lol. I have to say i like the 6th picture from the top. I think you had a good version there but then in the 7th picture you had messed with her mouth or something and it was off……I also like the blue girl at the end. Great work.
Wow i’ve never seen a picture reworked so many times. lol. I have to say i like the 6th picture from the top. I think you had a good version there but then in the 7th picture you had messed with her mouth or something and it was off……I also like the blue girl at the end. Great work.
Wow i’ve never seen a picture reworked so many times. lol. I have to say i like the 6th picture from the top. I think you had a good version there but then in the 7th picture you had messed with her mouth or something and it was off……I also like the blue girl at the end. Great work.
Wow i’ve never seen a picture reworked so many times. lol. I have to say i like the 6th picture from the top. I think you had a good version there but then in the 7th picture you had messed with her mouth or something and it was off……I also like the blue girl at the end. Great work.
It’s always fun to see your process Julie!
Totally thought ghost like with the blue and she’s got a secret…is it sinister…I’m not sure?
It’s always fun to see your process Julie!
Totally thought ghost like with the blue and she’s got a secret…is it sinister…I’m not sure?
It’s always fun to see your process Julie!
Totally thought ghost like with the blue and she’s got a secret…is it sinister…I’m not sure?
It’s always fun to see your process Julie!
Totally thought ghost like with the blue and she’s got a secret…is it sinister…I’m not sure?
It’s always fun to see your process Julie!
Totally thought ghost like with the blue and she’s got a secret…is it sinister…I’m not sure?
I struggle with the faces I draw or paint – love seeing the “process” of working this painting. I am slowly learning that I can fix (redo) something that isn’t quite right and not trash it (or at least not always!)
I struggle with the faces I draw or paint – love seeing the “process” of working this painting. I am slowly learning that I can fix (redo) something that isn’t quite right and not trash it (or at least not always!)
I struggle with the faces I draw or paint – love seeing the “process” of working this painting. I am slowly learning that I can fix (redo) something that isn’t quite right and not trash it (or at least not always!)
I struggle with the faces I draw or paint – love seeing the “process” of working this painting. I am slowly learning that I can fix (redo) something that isn’t quite right and not trash it (or at least not always!)
I struggle with the faces I draw or paint – love seeing the “process” of working this painting. I am slowly learning that I can fix (redo) something that isn’t quite right and not trash it (or at least not always!)
I am glad you changed her eyes …she had freaky eyes at first…great thing about canvasssssessss …just paint over them and start over !!!!!!
I am glad you changed her eyes …she had freaky eyes at first…great thing about canvasssssessss …just paint over them and start over !!!!!!
I am glad you changed her eyes …she had freaky eyes at first…great thing about canvasssssessss …just paint over them and start over !!!!!!
I am glad you changed her eyes …she had freaky eyes at first…great thing about canvasssssessss …just paint over them and start over !!!!!!
I am glad you changed her eyes …she had freaky eyes at first…great thing about canvasssssessss …just paint over them and start over !!!!!!
Love the final version!
PS: Also love seeing you on TV on Scrapbook Soup! You’re a wonderful teacher!
Love the final version!
PS: Also love seeing you on TV on Scrapbook Soup! You’re a wonderful teacher!
Love the final version!
PS: Also love seeing you on TV on Scrapbook Soup! You’re a wonderful teacher!
Love the final version!
PS: Also love seeing you on TV on Scrapbook Soup! You’re a wonderful teacher!
Love the final version!
PS: Also love seeing you on TV on Scrapbook Soup! You’re a wonderful teacher!
This was such an interesting journey! It is amazing to me that not only do you have the courage to paint over with such fearlessness, but also that there is never a piece-meal feeling to your finished work. The texture of the background is really cool. As for this young woman’s story? It would be a fun exercise to use this painting as a creative writing prompt. 🙂
This was such an interesting journey! It is amazing to me that not only do you have the courage to paint over with such fearlessness, but also that there is never a piece-meal feeling to your finished work. The texture of the background is really cool. As for this young woman’s story? It would be a fun exercise to use this painting as a creative writing prompt. 🙂
This was such an interesting journey! It is amazing to me that not only do you have the courage to paint over with such fearlessness, but also that there is never a piece-meal feeling to your finished work. The texture of the background is really cool. As for this young woman’s story? It would be a fun exercise to use this painting as a creative writing prompt. 🙂
This was such an interesting journey! It is amazing to me that not only do you have the courage to paint over with such fearlessness, but also that there is never a piece-meal feeling to your finished work. The texture of the background is really cool. As for this young woman’s story? It would be a fun exercise to use this painting as a creative writing prompt. 🙂
This was such an interesting journey! It is amazing to me that not only do you have the courage to paint over with such fearlessness, but also that there is never a piece-meal feeling to your finished work. The texture of the background is really cool. As for this young woman’s story? It would be a fun exercise to use this painting as a creative writing prompt. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your process! I really liked the color of the first ones hair but like the blue hair too! Seeing your process will help me as I really struggle with face tones. I can draw the picture fine and then ruin it when I try to paint it. You are awesome for so freely sharing your work with us!
Thank you for sharing your process! I really liked the color of the first ones hair but like the blue hair too! Seeing your process will help me as I really struggle with face tones. I can draw the picture fine and then ruin it when I try to paint it. You are awesome for so freely sharing your work with us!
Thank you for sharing your process! I really liked the color of the first ones hair but like the blue hair too! Seeing your process will help me as I really struggle with face tones. I can draw the picture fine and then ruin it when I try to paint it. You are awesome for so freely sharing your work with us!
Thank you for sharing your process! I really liked the color of the first ones hair but like the blue hair too! Seeing your process will help me as I really struggle with face tones. I can draw the picture fine and then ruin it when I try to paint it. You are awesome for so freely sharing your work with us!
Thank you for sharing your process! I really liked the color of the first ones hair but like the blue hair too! Seeing your process will help me as I really struggle with face tones. I can draw the picture fine and then ruin it when I try to paint it. You are awesome for so freely sharing your work with us!
… she reminds me of Julia Roberts
in *both* paintings. =-)
… she reminds me of Julia Roberts
in *both* paintings. =-)
… she reminds me of Julia Roberts
in *both* paintings. =-)
… she reminds me of Julia Roberts
in *both* paintings. =-)
… she reminds me of Julia Roberts
in *both* paintings. =-)
I have to agree with one commenter about her looking like Julia Roberts. I got a little chuckle about your critique of the first new face. She looks a little haunted with all the blue in the new. Thanks, you are inspiring.
I have to agree with one commenter about her looking like Julia Roberts. I got a little chuckle about your critique of the first new face. She looks a little haunted with all the blue in the new. Thanks, you are inspiring.
I have to agree with one commenter about her looking like Julia Roberts. I got a little chuckle about your critique of the first new face. She looks a little haunted with all the blue in the new. Thanks, you are inspiring.
I have to agree with one commenter about her looking like Julia Roberts. I got a little chuckle about your critique of the first new face. She looks a little haunted with all the blue in the new. Thanks, you are inspiring.
I have to agree with one commenter about her looking like Julia Roberts. I got a little chuckle about your critique of the first new face. She looks a little haunted with all the blue in the new. Thanks, you are inspiring.
ONG was going through this and wondering if I would be able to comment as her face was a bit wierd (ok a lot wierd) and very scarey and then thankfully you saw it too and turned it into the blue bride, with a beautiful face … pheweeee … love the blue bride
ONG was going through this and wondering if I would be able to comment as her face was a bit wierd (ok a lot wierd) and very scarey and then thankfully you saw it too and turned it into the blue bride, with a beautiful face … pheweeee … love the blue bride
ONG was going through this and wondering if I would be able to comment as her face was a bit wierd (ok a lot wierd) and very scarey and then thankfully you saw it too and turned it into the blue bride, with a beautiful face … pheweeee … love the blue bride
ONG was going through this and wondering if I would be able to comment as her face was a bit wierd (ok a lot wierd) and very scarey and then thankfully you saw it too and turned it into the blue bride, with a beautiful face … pheweeee … love the blue bride
ONG was going through this and wondering if I would be able to comment as her face was a bit wierd (ok a lot wierd) and very scarey and then thankfully you saw it too and turned it into the blue bride, with a beautiful face … pheweeee … love the blue bride
for ONG try OMG . . doh!!!
for ONG try OMG . . doh!!!
for ONG try OMG . . doh!!!
for ONG try OMG . . doh!!!
for ONG try OMG . . doh!!!
Love the blue bride! Love her expression and love that she is blue. That scrollwork in the background is perfect!
Love the blue bride! Love her expression and love that she is blue. That scrollwork in the background is perfect!
Love the blue bride! Love her expression and love that she is blue. That scrollwork in the background is perfect!
Love the blue bride! Love her expression and love that she is blue. That scrollwork in the background is perfect!
Love the blue bride! Love her expression and love that she is blue. That scrollwork in the background is perfect!
Love it! What a wonderful way to show us how you do these. Thanks! She turned out beautiful.
Love it! What a wonderful way to show us how you do these. Thanks! She turned out beautiful.
Love it! What a wonderful way to show us how you do these. Thanks! She turned out beautiful.
Love it! What a wonderful way to show us how you do these. Thanks! She turned out beautiful.
Love it! What a wonderful way to show us how you do these. Thanks! She turned out beautiful.
love seeing your processes. Great stuff, very interesting. Thanks so much for taking the time to share!
love seeing your processes. Great stuff, very interesting. Thanks so much for taking the time to share!
love seeing your processes. Great stuff, very interesting. Thanks so much for taking the time to share!
love seeing your processes. Great stuff, very interesting. Thanks so much for taking the time to share!
love seeing your processes. Great stuff, very interesting. Thanks so much for taking the time to share!
It’s great – I think she looks like she has a secret and is about to laugh because she knows it and the rest of the world doesn’t. Fabulous!
You encourage me so much – I’ve been wanting to draw better the last few years and I’ve started an online class but sure wish I could work with a real teacher for a while.
Have a fab day!
Deb
It’s great – I think she looks like she has a secret and is about to laugh because she knows it and the rest of the world doesn’t. Fabulous!
You encourage me so much – I’ve been wanting to draw better the last few years and I’ve started an online class but sure wish I could work with a real teacher for a while.
Have a fab day!
Deb
It’s great – I think she looks like she has a secret and is about to laugh because she knows it and the rest of the world doesn’t. Fabulous!
You encourage me so much – I’ve been wanting to draw better the last few years and I’ve started an online class but sure wish I could work with a real teacher for a while.
Have a fab day!
Deb
It’s great – I think she looks like she has a secret and is about to laugh because she knows it and the rest of the world doesn’t. Fabulous!
You encourage me so much – I’ve been wanting to draw better the last few years and I’ve started an online class but sure wish I could work with a real teacher for a while.
Have a fab day!
Deb
It’s great – I think she looks like she has a secret and is about to laugh because she knows it and the rest of the world doesn’t. Fabulous!
You encourage me so much – I’ve been wanting to draw better the last few years and I’ve started an online class but sure wish I could work with a real teacher for a while.
Have a fab day!
Deb
All I can say is WOW and GORGEOUS!!! Really WOW!!
All I can say is WOW and GORGEOUS!!! Really WOW!!
All I can say is WOW and GORGEOUS!!! Really WOW!!
All I can say is WOW and GORGEOUS!!! Really WOW!!
All I can say is WOW and GORGEOUS!!! Really WOW!!