This little girl has the most crazy beautiful blue eyes and I really wanted them to be the focus of the painting.
Every portrait I do takes a few weeks. I paint a different layer every day (sometimes twice a day depending on the time I have) and then sand each layer down slightly. I scratch away paint, I do some glazing, I layer on some ephemera....and then I sand it all down and restart the process. The result is a very textured, weathered, interesting portrait. I never know what they will look like until I am finished....i.e. I don't have a plan when I start.
This girl's family has recently moved to Philly for 2 years while her dad goes to business school so I included a Liberty Bell to signify that time in her life.
A closeup of some of the texture and distressing:
Some old transportation tickets wrapped around the side (this painting was on a 2.5" gallery canvas):
Scratching away of the paint and some layers peeking through:
Some stamps and old papers:
My little portrait business is always the busiest around the holidays. I have a few more to finish and ship before Christmas. If anyone needs me I'll be up late at night in the painting studio for the next month! You can see more of my work on my painting website if interested.
That's it! I demand you to host a workshop. Ok, just kidding. I won't demand anything, but I'm going to keep hounding you. It's a really amazing piece.
ReplyDeleteYOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI can't even think of anything else to say.
You're uber talented! You should teach (if you already don't) art classes. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful - good job!
ReplyDeleteYou're so talented!
ReplyDeleteA.Mazing & gorgeous! You are truly blessed! =)
ReplyDeleteSooo Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! One day I am getting one of these made for both my girls. You are so talented!
ReplyDeleteThat is the most beautiful picture. You did a great job. I envy your artistic ability. If only I could paint!
ReplyDeleteamazing work! You are so talented!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful, I went to your portrait site and they are all beautiful:)
ReplyDeleteYou are very talented to say the least!
Stunning! I wish I had your talent!
ReplyDeleteI am starting a special little savings for a project of my girls. I'm not sure how long it will take but it's worth every single penny saved.
ReplyDeleteYou have an amazing God given ability (in multiple venues) and I am so glad and thankful you share it with us here on your blog.
Thank you :)
Tay looks awesome! Knew those eyes from the first photo. What a special gift! For Gpa and Gma Francois to add to the collection?
ReplyDeleteOh dear, that is completely wonderful. You are so talented!
ReplyDeleteHey! I know that kid! My parents are going to love it! It will look great next to the ones of Jackson and Christi. You really captured who Tay is in this portrait. She looks so thoughtful and sweet and she really is! Good work again, Ash!
ReplyDeleteYou are very talented. I can draw people, but I can't paint very well. I can't do much of anything anymore with 3 small children:) In time I guess. sigh....I love looking at your work.
ReplyDeletewow Ashley, very cool! You have a wonderful talent!
ReplyDeletewow! YOUR WORK IS AMAZING! I love to paint with different media, mostly free hand. But I've always found it diffucult to draw/paint faces. I love your details, the layering, all of it. Great job!
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