Sunday 14 August 2011

Sunkissed

It's funny the way the Muse pulls you sometimes. I had in mind a sunkissed maiden, but a visit to an exhibition by Chris Prout and my Mum suggesting I try more landscapes, had me thinking of playing with the sun-dappled hills of Tuscany landscape for IA's 'sunkissed' challenge this week. I searched through photographs and paintings looking for inspiration. I even made a few sketches, but nothing spoke to me. Yet I persisted. I really wanted to paint something soaked in sunshine.

In desperation, I picked up an older unfinished painting and began to introduce light - but she wasn't having any of it and became Amy Winehouse instead (you can see her at Friday's post). I splodged papers with bright colours and let them dry. Layered up some more. "A flower!" thought I. So I painted one atop of my sunshine shades in a thick, rich red, but it seemed most uncomfortable on the page so I splatted the lush colour onto a sketchbook page and resurveyed the remnants...

I slept on it... I painted a white wash over the top... then washed it off... Eventually I thought I'd just sketch a face over the top in charcoal for Sunday Sketches. Then, finally, this sun-kissed Asian Princess emerged. But she wasn't going to be happy just being a humble charcoal sketch. She wanted jewels and light, texture, fabric and richness. She asked and so she received...

Then I had to write about her. Normally the words just flow, but once again I was struggling with where to begin. Words flowed through the keyboard OK, but they just didn't reflect her creation. Then, when it was way past bedtime and the computer was asleep, I turned at last to good old paper and pen to make the magic flow.

Strange how so much effort went into one piece. I knew it (or indeed 'she') was in there. I just didn't pay attention to intuition. 'She' was calling me all week. I should have listened!

35 comments:

  1. Oh this is really beautiful Lisa! I am glad she called :)

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  2. She's beautiful, so glad you heard her....

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  3. Lisa, she is absolutely beautiful...it is interesting to hear the struggle of an artist that I believe just sits down and art just happens as you want it ...you are so good and thanks for sharing. Yep, Amy Winehouse and yes, tragic - all reflected in your piece. Again, excellent.
    cheers, dana

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  4. Oh--stunning--loving these faces of yours with the layers of color--gives them a wonderful story.

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  5. Oh wow, totally stunning, this has to be one of my total favourites. xx

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  6. Wow...a deep presence to her..and sense of etherealness within her spirit...this color-explosion is most blissful...she is mega-awesome!! I am loving what you are sharing...beautiful spellbinding work my friend!! wow!!! Loved the last one..now this open too...amazing!
    victoria

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  7. oh wow...this painting is incredible - the colours are just perfect - so alive and vibrant! The white accents just make the whole thing 'pop' - I really love this piece!

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  8. This is very cool, really do love everything about it!

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  9. sounds like you had fun with this beautiful, textured piece!

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  10. my oh my, this is stunning,, just amazing, I'm going to go look at it again,,

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  11. Lisa,
    I am glad you answered the call - she's a stunning beauty in all of her layers! The jewels and the illusion of light here are amazing!!!!Her eyes are beautiful shade, too - i am admiring the color palette....just amazing! well done!!!!
    thanks for joining in today!!! Hope you are enjoying your Sunday!

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  12. Love this painting ~ follow your heart and do what you love ~ thanks for sharing the process ~ namaste, (Carol ~ Share the Creative Journey)

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  13. Love her! The muse is with you, my friend!

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  14. This is a gorgeous painting...basking in sunshine and so much depth! Love it! POP ART MINIS

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  15. Gorgeous how you made her come to life in both paint and words. She truly had a mind of her own, that's for sure. So much fun visiting your blog. I ALWAYS get inspired.

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  16. She is beautiful and was worth coaxing out of the canvas!

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  17. She is enchanted and alluring. Your post had me following every twist and turn, I love the process and dimension that it adds. A great piece, so beautiful. Your art and stories inspire me to try to find my artistic self more. Thank you so much for sharing!

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  18. she's gorgeous!love all the speckles that surrounds her

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  19. Lisa, Another gorgeous inspired girlie! Stunningly beautiful!!! I have done something similar to her in the way of color and yes I struggled as well. I feel like I'm behind a block wall and my girlie is somewhere on the other side of it - sometimes she is so hard to see!
    Jessi xox

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  20. Your work just continues to get more exciting Lisa...I am in love with this sunkissed maiden!
    ♥♥♥

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  21. wow wowww!! This sun kissed princess is incredible and tells such a wonderful story of the twists and turns she took to getting here..makes her all the more special.Just beautiful BEAUTIFUL colours and love the wee sparkling jewels :)x

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  22. Oh she is gorgeous Lisa, beautiful colours and I love all the layers. I could look at her for ages. Thanks for sharing her process of emerging, inspiring!
    Lee:)

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  23. Great piece of art.
    Your muse was working for you this time.


    Hugs,
    PENNY

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  24. your struggle to find her was worth it! She's gorgeous!

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  25. Gosh, she is so beautiful. The colors are so rich and vibrant, and the "jewels" are fabulous. I'm glad that you listened to her.

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  26. Lisa! Lisa!
    This piece is so blooming beautiful, girl!!!!
    I LOVE it very, very much!!

    The twists and turns of her coming to life show in her gorgeous texture and depth...the colors you've chosen...the serene gaze in her turquoise eyes! Just amazing?

    Ever feel like trading...I'd happily welcome this girl to my home...heehee!

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  27. She is a goddess! Her eyes match the jewels in her hair, so lovely. The entire painting reminds me of India, so to me, she's an Indian goddess. I love the translucent layers of color over her face and neck. This is one of my favorites of all your paintings!

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  28. She is beautiful ! I love her jewels.
    Maybe the resistance and struggle is part of getting to the beauty ? It kind of is in people, right ? So why not painted goddesses ?
    Happy Monday, Talented Oe !

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  29. I'm glad you found your way to this one. She's lovely!

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  30. Was it Michelangelo who said he just chipped away at the rock to reveal the sculpture that was already there (or somesuch!) Reading about your creative process just reminded me of that!

    This is beautiful Lisa - she is every inch the princess! Those colours are bursting off the page - I agree the touches of white are inspired. Lovely lovely work! x

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  31. Wow, her gorgeous eyes really pop, even surrounded by all those amazing colors and textures!! I'm glad you didn't give up on your vision.

    Btw, your continuation of my pirate proposing story made me grin!! Have a fantastic week. :D

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  32. This is a stunning vibrant passionate painting & she is gorgeous. I love the painting and it was great that you shared the process and story behind her creation.

    Truly your work goes from strength to strength and I think your intuition is indeed shining through and showing your unique style. Fab!

    Kat Xx

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  33. There! This beautiful girl was just waiting for you to help her make an appearance. She's lovely.
    Wonderful layers.

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  34. I love this one Lisa! Gorgeousness.

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Thank you for your comments - I always love to hear what you think :)

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