Artfest 2011 Part IV ~ Drawing Pretty Girls

Sunny Carvalho is such a delight and sweet as can be. She welcomed me like a sister and even procured me a name badge when one was not included in my welcome packet. This may have been due to the fact that I signed up for the event so late.

smiling Sunny just before class began

 On Friday Sunny taught us how to draw beautiful girl faces. I am impressed that Sunny can draw her faces so accurately without the use of rulers or a grid, something I have taken to an almost painstaking level.

original drawing from Sunny's journal

I think the most helpful technique I learned has to do with how to get that marvelous almond shape to my eyes. The solution was so simple I had to slap my forehead and say "of course, why didn't I think of that."

Sunny demonstrates a painted background technique

Sunny explained two of her approaches to faces. One approach has a more realistic look while still being folk art and the other results in a more whimsical look to the doll. The second approach is one that has eluded me until now.

a very cute student drawing

I'll be applying what I learned in Sunny's classes and move forward with my art in eager anticipation of what I'll create next.

a few more beautiful student drawings

Some of the photos shared in this post are examples of the work created by my fellow classmates. Although we learned from the same instructor, all represent a wonderfully diverse range of styles.

Artfest 2011 Part II ~ Spirit Dolls

Day 1 of Artfest was spent with Robert Smith learning how to create spirit dolls using wire and hog gut. We were given simple instructions for twisting and bending the wire to making a few simple shapes and off we went.

my spirit doll in progress

This was the first time I had ever worked with wire so my lack of creativity was evident when I set about to straight copy an example that was provided by Robert. The example I copied was actually created by Melissa Manley, his lovely girlfriend and artist with a degree in metal working. No wonder I was compelled to copy. Haha!

the lovely gals of Spirit Dolls class

I was amazed at what the other 12 gals in the class with me were able to dream up and create during the time we had. Some had more experience than others but most were able to produce something rather cool looking by the time class was over.

examples of what can be made with wire and hog gut

The top photo shows and example of a doll Robert created which is the top middle. The two pieces on either side of it were created by students in the class.  They are impressive aren't they? One gal even created a mermaid which turned out really wonderfully.

extra hog gut anyone?

At the end of class, Robert still had some extra intestine which he handed out liberally. He was determined not to fly back home with it. Thanks Robert for your time. I truly enjoyed the experience. Although I love the effect the hog gut creates, the next time I try this I may opt for using tissue paper instead.