This Frida has blue eyes. I hesitated for just a moment before painting them blue and then I thought, WWFD? (What would Frida Do) Well I’m pretty sure she’d paint them whatever color she wanted to;-) So if you hesitate before adding something to your art, ask yourself, WWFD, and then go for it!
Creating ‘Frida’ inspired work makes you consider the elements you add and how they will tell your story.
Here I used elements found in her work in a new way. I love the little hand earring, but I’m a ‘doer’ so for me the hand had to be doing something.
I’m busy getting ready to head to CA next week to teach at CREATE. I hope to see some of you there:-) I will be doing a book signing June 2nd at 4:30 so be sure to stop by and say hi!
Also Artful Gathering will begin right after I get home on June 6th! This is the only new online workshop for 2012, so if you’re at all interested don’t delay in signing up as registration will close 2 weeks after class opens on the 6th. Many have asked if they can just purchase the DVD and what is on the DVD. The DVD is only available for class attendees and it is the complete set of videos from the workshop! So even if the time of Artful Gathering doesn’t work for you, you can join and download printed materials and get the DVD to go through the workshop when it’s convenient for you.
I used the symbolism for flight in the form of an airplane as it’s a meaningful part of our life. I’ve been keeping a sketchbook of my drawings and then transferring them to watercolor paper to paint as well.
I actually went back to my original sketch and added the bird eyebrow so I may paint another one of this sketch later. I love to revisit and reuse my sketches multiple ways.
Try revisiting and exploring your artwork further. It’s a great way to keep in the creative process and to see your work develop more fully.
One of the things I’ve been focusing on with my ‘Finding Frida’ series is trying to let myself be inspired by her work and imagery but still retain the look of my own work. I want to add elements that reflect aspects of my life.
As you can see, I’ve added an airplane to the final painting which symbolizes many things in my life and that of my family.
To merely re-paint her art is fine-it’s great practice, but to add bits of yourself and your life into it takes you to an even more artistic place. Reach deep inside of yourself and pour that out onto the canvas. Don’t be afraid, it’s what makes your art your own.
In case you’re wondering, all of this series is done on 8 1/2 x 11 hand torn, 90lb Fabriano Hot Press watercolor paper. I’ve used acrylics and Conte Crayon, water-soluble graphite pencil or charcoal. Some may reappear later on larger substrates, but I wanted to keep thins doable as I work my way to Finding My Inner Frida.
Frida Kahlo has inspired so many of us in one way or another. Her determination to create art even while her body failed her is proof that we all can find time to create no matter what our circumstances are, but it’s up to us to make it happen.
Here’s some Frida inspired journal pages from years past
I have been participating in a month long challenge on Facebook issued by Gritty Jane. When I saw her post I just could not resist joining in even though I’m honestly up to my eyebrows in work. But, I’ve come to find out that the busier I am the more I need to squeeze in a little art time that is just for me. Creating art just because I love to do so.
This piece was done last year. It’s always fun to look back at old work and see how you’ve grown and how your art has evolved. That’s what is fun about art journaling-it’s a record of your art growth.
And you can use old work to inspire new work.
So I encourage you to channel your ‘Inner Frida’ and make art, even if you don’t have time for it-especially if you don’t have time for it!!