Yori

Remember that new series I've been thinking of making? Well, I had no idea what to do or what to focus on, but then I started sketching, just letting it take me wherever it needed to go. And, out of nowhere, faces started showing up in my sketches. I found myself looking at people and thinking of ways of drawing that nose, those eyes, the shape of the mouth...

I've never been too good at drawing faces, at least not very confident, but I thought that maybe this is why I needed to explore this. I also started using only primary colors for these, because it is so much easier to find the right colors for the shadows.

I've always enjoyed painting on wood more that painting on canvas because wood gives you more support and has less texture than canvas, so it lets you work more on the finer details, also it is a good support for collage. And since I always have cigar boxes laying around (not because I smoked the cigars, but because I like to buy the boxes for my projects) I thought of making my new series of portraits on the back of cigar boxes. If you ever want to try this, I suggest applying many layers of gesso before you start any painting, because this wood is sometimes very thirsty, for the lack of a better term, and can suck up all your paint (believe me, I know)

So here is the first finished portrait on a cigar box, her name is Yori (It means "blonde" or "light colored" in Yaqui, a native language in Mexico) it may not be a series yet, but it's a start! let me know what you think :)

Comments

[Cyndi Philkill]

Rosa - I love this portrait. I too have tons of cigar boxes. My husband owned a cigar shop and he made sure I got all the cool boxes. I have been using them in my assemblages for years but never thought of them as a painting "canvas" before.

This woman looks amused and a bit devilish in her expression. I am wondering what the two little figures on her shoulder are whispering in her ear? Is is something fun or naughty or nice?

I say, keep going with these portraits. Seems a though you are really on to something. I am excited to see what comes out next!!

[kathyL]

You how partial I am right now to portraits! Way to go...It took you long enough to come around....

k

[Haley]

Just a tip... I know a girl who gets FREE cigar boxes by dumpster diving outside a specialty cigar and wine shop. Sometimes, they are just sitting on the ground outside.

But that's off topic. I think this is great and would like to see what else comes out of it. You're not kidding about the wood being thirsty either. You've got to seal or prime the wood first or your painting just fades away!

Cheers

[Undaunted]

This is great! I never know which I like more - your projects or your photography of them! You are one clever lady!