Let’s talk portraiture

Every day at any given time we encounter faces; faces on TV, newspapers, photographs around our home, our family, friends, colleagues, best friends, our room mates, even our pets have faces. How we see them and how we perceive how interesting they are is a matter of artistic vision. Do you look for pretty faces, young faces, faces with interesting features, or maybe you find decorative elements interesting?

When I choose a face to draw or paint I look for unusual interest points, like an unusual nose, a fanciful hairdo or just the love I feel for my child that moves me to create.

I’ve recently completed yet another drawing challenge: drawing one face each day for thirty consecutive days. As part of an artistic community we do this 3-4 times each year. And each year we’re presented with new muses and new leading artists who demonstrate their methods and techniques of portraiture. I always find it a wonderful challenge because it forces you to show up and create each and every day and at the same time it hones your unique creative language.

Challenges are also a great way to start up your creative process, which not only provides an outlet but also creates neurological pathways that give bursts of endorphins into the brain. So, a win-win proposition. Join a group of artists and try your hand at portrait drawing or painting and see where that takes you.