Wednesday, June 07, 2006

portrait for illustration friday
















Ink and marker pens on craft paper

This is an attempt at a portrait, drawn from a hazy photo, of the little girl I sponsor through Plan International. She's 4 years old and lives in Burkino Faso. When I was drawing it and colouring it in, I just went with an intuition about the colours, not really sure why I chose them. I was a little alarmed when I finished the drawing because it's very ambiguous, she could be a child or an adult, she could even be mistaken for a he. I'm not sure what I was trying to portray either, which is perhaps not the best starting point for a portrait, but there you go.

9 comments:

AscenderRisesAbove said...

Interesting illustration; raises a lot of questions; blue lips; one torquise bead...

Jaimie said...

this is a very strong painting. I really like the asymmetry of his features. who is it? info please!
(blogger is finally working, I haven't been able to comment all day)

Melissa Connolly said...

Hi Tammy,
I wanted to thank you for all of your encouraging comments on my blog. I've really enjoyed looking at yours too, and this week's "Portrait" is intriguing! I love the colors and proportions. I've noticed that you have lots of kitty-inspired art too, which you know I'm partial to. :-)
All the best,
Melissa

Anonymous said...

i love your style, it seems very free and intuitive :)

Caroline B. said...

Hey Tammy! How are you doing? Thanks for popping by! I've been unable to blog for the past weeks and I sure missed it! You have been productive like always though. It is so inspiring to surf your blog and watch your work. To me, this portrait looks like a shaman woman seeing through your soul. It is very meditative and strong. I too, have a little boy I sponsor, maybe I will draw him, to feel more connected to him. It is a very good idea! Thanks!

arvindh said...

It is great that you do this work. It is the responsibility of people privileged like us to do our bit to the less fortunate. Great job!

CRISTOSOVA said...

It is true, it is a little ambiguous, but it is also quite intense. And I like the color blue on her lips. I suppose sometimes art is just that: an unexplainable notion of the moment. I think its great that you sponsor this kid!

Alexiev said...

Que lindo trabajo muy gestual... y muy linda paleta de colores... This is beautiful. Very plastic...
I love...
Best regards...
Saludos desde Buenos Aires...

HARDWAX said...

I love this little girls face, the immediacey of the work, raw, beautiful and real!

I tried to comment last week, could not access your comment page as well as others.