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The Body


You can barely see it in the last post, so here's a clearer picture of  what I've been working on in my new art studio... not that it hasn't come with little stop your heart stress moments.  The first time I attempted this piece, now referred to as The Body, was mutually as terrifying as it was exhilarating. It was the first full hand drawing I'd ever attempted, and everything was going smoothly until the moment I decided to incorporate oil paint, also the first in my artwork experiences. My grandmother was an award-winning artist, but now, without her wealth of knowledge and go-to advise, this is really a learning/teach yourself process.
The drawing was done and exactly how I wanted it, the hair and tights were painted, and the final stages involved adding skin and the completion of the tattoos.  I didn't go in naively, I understood that it would inevitably boil down to the dynamics of trial and error, so I inhaled deeply and began creating my palette. In retrospect, cans of paint thinner are taunting me.
A day later and I was sitting on the floor, sobbing like a five-year-old, because the oils were too thick, the colors too dark, and the all hours invested in the initial tattooing were suddenly futile. My painting was ruined, and I was about to scrap my original and start from scratch. I called Alex. I called my mom. And the funny thing is that as sad as they were for my loss, their reactions were too calm to be real. I'd just lost one of my favorite pieces, and it felt like an absolute travesty, and yet they were both seemingly unruffled by the frenzied declaration that I was now having a showdown with another piece of blank paper that already seemed to be winning. No Charlie Sheen connotations required.
But here's the thing. I was looking at it in the wrong light. They believed in me... so I swallowed hard and got down and dirty, and literally back to the drawing board. I muscled through every repetitive step, finished the work, and she might be even better than the original.
So here she is, The Body.  Hope you like it! 

Comments

what a beautiful art studio you have! and of course, beautiful work!
I'm a writer working on my first novel. I totally relate to the kind of stress that brings you to tears.

Your work is awesome.

Love these pictures. Fantastic shoes.
Following you :)
ediot said…
what a fantastic place- i wish i had a studio for when i do my work as well.. instead i am laying on the floor.
Thanks for sharing these photos, i am so happy to be able to take part in your work. you are very talented.
xx
Daisy said…
Oh gosh, how very fantastic !!
AKB said…
I love your artwork! (And the boots that you're wearing) It looks like you have decent light in the studio. Score!
Jen said…
Oh, it's so lovely! Do the words have a special meaning to you?
I adore your shoes! And of course your artwork is stunning!

x
www.lostinthehaze.com
NATIE said…
wow bella, really love the paint!!
and your shoes are amazing!!
xoxo
http://lejournaldeprada.blogspot.com
;)
HOPE YOU FOLLOW ME!
Sweet said…
you are so talented in so many ways...a gifted artist indeed...

Kisses
Sweet
PensandLens
@mistytewest
Anonymous said…
Your blog is so amazing and I really admire your writing and your art is so beautiful! You are really talented!
Barbara said…
WoW!! You are really, really tallanted!
It looks amazing!!
Have a look at my blog,it would be great to hear what you think :D
xxBarbara
SC said…
Waw honeyyy! Love your style!
DEF following back !


xxxx
Jessica said…
Oh Bella you have such a great heart! I love the strong passion you have. You are so multi-talented. Great work with this new piece. xoxo
beautiful work, I love your all white painting outfit..
ps. and I love your blog too!!

xo
Anonymous said…
absolutely beautiful!
im now a follower, check mine out?
http://ohyesohmy-streetstalker.blogspot.com/
x
yiqin; said…
You're so talented <3
hrgottlieb said…
I wonder if your readers would benefit from a good resource for lollipop fundraising ideas? There are tons of different lollipop fundraisers to consider. Most lollipop fundraising programs include free shipping.
Izzy said…
Love the photos, great art work! Hope you visit back :) http://swampedinflowers.blogspot.com/
Anonymous said…
beautiful painting!
love your studio!
xoxo
Alex said…
I love it so much, baby. And all these pictures make me want to be there in the studio, tackling you to the ground lovingly, and kissing you all over!

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