Hi all! Happy Friday. This week has been rough! I got sick, then Grace got sick...now Chris is sick. Ugh! It's such a domino effect! My throat is still killing me but I made myself paint yesterday. I couldn't stand it! Once I got Grace all cozy in her bed with toast and O.J., I armed myself with a strong cup of tea and got to work...

As many of you know I am taking Jeanne Oliver's course, Studying Under the Masters and one of our assignments was to study one of Matisse's works. I chose this piece, entitled - "The Idol" 1906.

{via}

The intense colors, patterns and contrast attracted me to this piece, mostly because they are completely out of my comfort zone. I really wanted to push myself. The painterly brush strokes and somewhat unfinished elements to this work also made me nervous BUT I went for it anyway. I had started this work several days ago and was itching to finish it!

Here are some shots of my progress. (I had to keep reminding myself that the goal here was to learn from his techniques and NOT create a perfect replica. I'm not an art forger, after all! lol.)

Just like Matisse, I executed my first sketch using charcoal and then did an under painting using Raw Umber.  My chosen substrate is a Blick Birch Panel.

I blocked in the colors and tried not to think too much. Thinking while painting is over rated, in my opinion, too many icky, critical thoughts come up and inhibit the process. Trust me, I had many moments when I almost gave up!

As you can see, my scale was a bit off. So I decided to use a little artistic license, and add a bouquet of flowers in her hands. I'm sure Matisse wouldn't mind. ;)

This was such a wonderful experience. It really got me using bold colors and much looser brush strokes. I found the freedom of not making everything so refined very inspiring. I felt like I was painting with emotion and not logic.

Doing this piece inspired me to create my own little Matisse portrait. I was able to complete this in one sitting...which is SO not like me. I could go back and add more detail but I'm not sure I will. Leaving it a bit raw and primitive feels good.

So far this e-course has blown my mind! It's always a good sign that my creativity is flowing when I start actually composing paintings in my head...(like all the time). It's a little distracting but it fills my heart with such joy.

They say life begins on the edge of your comfort zone and so far...I think that might completely true.

Have a beautiful weekend. Stay healthy!

xo,

Ivy