Tea Party (and a big share on charcoal)-Lori

In anticipation for Daily Art 2011, I was inspired to pick up the charcoal and begin a series of the same portrait, something I have never done before, because I lack the discipline, skill, and sometimes patience to see a piece through. I love the immediate satisfaction and earthiness of charcoal, it's like sculpting with your hands. Molding the face with your hands is deeply satisfying and so easy to change if it's not working. I am often too easily satisfied early on with a piece , and don't always have the know how to take a piece to the next level, nor is my eye the most discriminating of eyes. I just love Art, not unlike how a small child loves to create, it really brings out those deep and early memories of the satisfaction of art making, however, I am trying to grow, and so, I must push through, dig deep, and challenge myself. I really do art for pleasure and as long as I'm creating I am generally pleased.

I don't remember the last time I played this medium, but did I say... how much I love charcoal! It is like a long lost friend, the kind that you could pick up exactly were you left off and seem as if no time has lapsed. Charcoal is very forgiving, immediate, comfy, and nourishing for the soul. I really like the way it feels in my hands and the freedom it brings. I feel like I can make a million mistakes and it will still love and forgive me, for it is that kind of friend. It trusts and believes in me and we all need more friends and things we can feel this level of comfort with. If you have not played with charcoal I would suggest you run out and buy a box, take a class and let go! WARNING: you do have to like to get messy, it is not a clean endeavor. If you don't like to finger paint...well this might not be for you.

With this series I sort of became obsessed to see how far I could take it to realism and it still looks very little like the subject. The first two in the series were done quickly in about 20 minutes, this last one took me all day, with many breaks and a few photos, to really take a look. I must have erased the entire face 10 times, but that is what makes charcoal so great...erase away and redo. Drawing is about seeing and I learned that through doing a series and taking a deeper look the face evolves like magic. For me a great piece is still like a bit of magic! If anyone knows of a great portrait teacher I am ready for some lessons, so please let me know.

Charcoal Drawing
#3 in series...any many more to photo realism.

I hope you all find time to create some magic soon.