Monday, September 9, 2013

More Faces and Lessons

I'm participating in Shimelle's Learn Something New Everyday class, creating a journal with a daily lesson learned. I'm also using the journal as a way to practice drawing and painting faces.  My lesson for Sept. 5 was "Follow your muse, even if she doesn't follow your original plan." The lesson came about as I was creating this face.  I actually started with the following Richard Avedon photograph of Audrey Hepburn as my reference:
I started by drawing the constrained face in a circle, and she immediately made me think of images I have seen of women wearing head scarves. So, I went with that. And I really like what I created, which led me to my lesson!
I have on other lesson to share, which I'm posting even though I don't like the face much because I like they story that goes with it.
I painted this face back on September 2, and I can already see how much better my faces have become since then! Anyway, the lesson is "Don't judge too fast . . . people (and dogs) are not always the way the first appear." I learned the lesson while volunteering at the Humane Society.  Clara and I walked one of the new dogs, and he seemed perfectly nice, but nothing special. But when we took him into the play yard, he blossomed.  He loved to play fetch and run about. Then we tested him to see if he knew any commands.  When we said, "sit," he dropped, rolled over, and waited in down position! He did this over and over again! He had clearly been taught this trick, and it totally melted our hearts. Thus, my lesson for the day.
Have you learned anything new lately? Do either of these lessons resonate with you?

24 comments:

Erika said...

T love to see your muse is a very delightful joy. I love too the colors and her face, which is looking silent and strong in one.
Hugs
Erika

scrappyjacky said...

I love that first face....my immediate thought was that you were drawing a Muslim woman.....it was then interesting to read what your actual inspiration was.

Anne said...

Your drawings are so interesting, they are very good. xxx

Karen said...

Both lessons resonate with me. I don't think you should be too critical of the second face. (I'd be quite happy with it had I drawn it!) But I agree, your faces get better and better.

Sian said...

As I started to scroll down I thought it was Audrey as a nun, until she was completely revealed, so I can see where you got the headscarf reference from. Like Karen I'd be quite happy if I'd drawn that too

Melissa said...

I think your faces are great & I can see improvement each time you post something new. I like how you went with your muse and added the scarf!

Missus Wookie said...

Agreeing with all those who say they can see improvements and enjoy seeing what you create. :)

ComfyMom~Stacey said...

I love the faces! The way the image of Audry has that black background it looks very nun-like at first glance, rather than face in a mirror. I like what you did with it.

Sheena said...

How artistic you are xxx

Sandie said...

I love this new slant on LSNED. A great way to practice and learn x

ForgedinPaper said...

Great angle for LSNED. I never joined this year but I may steal your idea for next year. Faces are looking good. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the month.

Carola Bartz said...

Rinda, I love the face of the woman with the head scarf!! It's wonderful. I admire you for all those lessons and painting - I have the feeling that my time is so limited at the moment. I wanted to participate in the 29 Faces, and on September 5th or so I remembered it for the first time - and then forgot it again. So, I guess I'm not doing it. Sigh, I had wanted to.
My lesson learned - don't put too much on your plate! Ha!

Linda said...

I really love your faces Rinda, and that you are using them for LSNED! I'm not doing LSNED this year as we are off over your way on Saturday for our big road trip round California! Thinking about it now, I really should have done it, as I it would be a great slant on a travel journal:)

helena said...

2 great lessons and I love the direction the 1st face took - nicely multicultural

~*~Patty S said...

Your sweet Muse lady really speaks to me with her head covering and words...

when I let my Muse lead me with no expectations of the outcome I am always pleasantly surprised and happy :)
oxo

Abi said...

Your second lesson is wonderful and I can really see the improvement in your faces. It will be lovely to have this journal to look back on see your progress.

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

It's been really cool to witness the progression of your faces, Rinda. Just fantastic!

Love the bit you shared about the dog doing tricks. I often wonder if Lucky can do any tricks that we haven't discovered. He's really good with "sit" but beyond that we haven't figured out any other tricks.

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

It's been all about the faces, old and new, here this evening too. So cool to see the progression of yours and I love that Audrey shot. I have it here in a glossy coffee table book.

GlorV1 said...

Great faces Rinda. You are really getting into it. That's great.
gloria

Wilma Simmons (Empress Wu Designs) said...

Very thoughtful faces and lessons - thank you.

alexa said...

These sound like fun classes, Rinda, and your faces are indeed blossoming, I am always amazed how much it fit into your day!

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

Love these faces … yet there is something about the round, constrained and simple face that you wrapped in a head dress that sings to me.

Or maybe your muse is trying to get my attention!

Sunny said...

Isn't it great to see how we are progressing. I like both your faces and the stories that go with them.

Anonymous said...

I'm very slowly catching up on reading your blog and am looking forward to seeing more faces. I really like that first one.