Back to Basics

Between work and my online Misty Mawn class I was taking, I haven't been up for air in a while.  I haven't really made any "finished" pieces, mostly just working on going back to the basics and learning things in a different way, as I've been entirely self-taught. It's been wonderful just to get to watch her work so much... Getting out of my comfort zone and trying new things, or trying things differently is very good for me. I still have much work to do in the class, although it's technically over.  She's leaving the site up for a year, which I'll need if I want to actually accomplish all the homework assignments. I'll post a couple of pictures of sketches I did for the class, just to prove I haven't been a total sloth!

FYI, I ran out of room for the skeleton's feet, and when I came home from work the next day my significant other had taped brightly colored clown shoes to the bottom. He was quite amused with himself...

This is from a picture of me holding my nephew - there's something a little off with my nose...

I can't believe I haven't posted yet this month. I started an online class with Misty Mawn that's been absorbing my time, although I haven't done anything yet that's post-worthy.  Learning from her is really a wonderful experience on many levels, for anyone who has thought about taking a class from her. I think everyone in the class would agree that as we're learning new art skills and techniques, we're also learning things about ourselves.  Online classes can also be such a supportive environment, as the other students really help and encourage each other.

The class started with portraits, with an assignment being a number of self-portraits. It made me think of this piece I made a while back, which had a lot of meaning for me. It's hard to see from the picture, but there is a soldered birdcage in front of her face with an old key hanging from it.