Art It Friday – Bitten By The Portrait Bug

I’ve been well and truly bitten by the painting faces bug! It surprises me as I never thought I would be drawn (no pun intended) to portraiture as I’ve pretty much avoided it up to now, even though it is a massive trend in the mixed media world as you know. I’ve never been good with faces and have appalling face blindness that has lead to some squirmingly embarrassing moments I can tell you! But all of a sudden portraiture fascinates me.

Last week I shared with you my first attempt at painting a face and boosted by the fact that it didn’t turn out nearly half as bad as I thought it would I gave it another go and I’ld like to share the results with you today.

The first portrait to share is another go at realistic faces.

A male face done in acrylic paints

I didn’t start with a drawing this time, I just painted. I got a little lost around the eyes and nose but overall I’m happy with the attempt. He was painted with Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paints using Burnt Sienna, Raw Sienna, Titanium White and Dioxazine Purple.

The next attempt was a go at a whimsical face.

Art Journal page with a whimsical face

I was aiming for a sad face with a bit of cute character but I don’t think I quite got it. So more work needed here too!

So they are my arty shares for the week.

Now over to you!
Do you fancy joining in on this portraiture journey? I’ve got a linky below so link up your face paintings, drawings etc.

It can be any type of face, realistic, stylised, whimisical and you can use any materials you like, pencil, paint, pastels etc., just as long as it is your own work, i.e not a commercially available stencil or stamp.

Don’t forget to link directly to the blog post or picture in your gallery!

What do you reckon? Are you up to for it? I do hopes so! Let’s have some face fun! Meet you here next Friday for some more.

Catch you later Face-Artinators!

Kim

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Kim Dellow

Kim Dellow is an artist–designer–film-maker living the creative life in London, UK. She's a freelance creative for the craft industry and others, and she loves to share her art-ventures on her blog.

This Post Has 12 Comments

  1. massofhair

    Your purple man is quite wonderful Kim, i am not confident yet to colour my faces with paint, still on pencils. Your whimsical girl is so very pretty i love her tiny lips and i have also been doing the writing as a way of adding clothes and shadows, not as good as yours…

    Off to see how i can link up 🙂 xxx

    1. Kim Dellow

      Thanks, I can't wait to see more of yours. It will be fun if we get a range of different styles, there are just so many ways to draw faces isn't there?

      I really enjoyed doing the purple one, it was really organic and I didn't draw it, just painted light and shade, I actually found it easier than when I try with pencil. Although I lost the plot a bit around the eyes and bottled it! Maybe you should have a go with paint? You never know you might be surprised? Kx

    1. Kim Dellow

      Thank you Clare and thanks for linking, your art work is beautiful. I love your beautiful girl and I love her hair colour! that would the colour I would have my hair if I could! Gorgeous. Kx

  2. Deborah Wainwright

    Love this idea Kim. I love drawing and painting faces and it always fascinates me who emerges. They have a life of their own and trust me it becomes addictive lol xx

    1. Kim Dellow

      I'm so happy you linked up, it will be fun if we can share over the next few weeks. I think you are right, I had not thought of it like that but it is a bit of a discovery when the person comes into being on the page isn't it? Thanks Kx

  3. misteejay

    Looks like you are enjoying your 'journey' Kim. Two very different styles from you this post.
    Toni xx

  4. Inky and Quirky

    Thank you Kim for allowing us to showcase our face drawings and encouraging more people to try drawing as its sooo much fun to see what comes out of the pencil everytime!
    I'll do a blog post later to highlight your wonderful idea to encourage even more people to create stunning faces 😉
    Big hugs
    Donna xxx

    1. Kim Dellow

      Hey Donna, thanks so much for dropping by and linking up your gorgeous art. Your door hanger is fabulous and such a fun idea!
      It would be wonderful if you do get the chance to spread the word, Thanks! It is so inspiring to see everyone's lovely faces!
      Kx

  5. Julie Ann Lee

    Hi Kim! I found this blog post via Mo's (MassofHair's) blog and it's really inspired me to link up! I love that you are sharing your portrait journey. I've always loved drawing faces, but I've only recently started to include them on mixed media work, as I was worried that they would not be technically good enough.. Just seeing all the lively, vibrant and individual faces on mixed media lately has been inspiring and spurred me on! I can't wait to join in now! I hope to link up soon. xx

    1. Kim Dellow

      Hiya Julie Ann Lee, I'm so glad you popped by. It is amazing seeing all the faces in mixed media work at the moment isn't it? So lovely and so very inspiring as you say. I'm really looking forward to your link and to see your work. Have fun creating! Kx

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