Prepping for a Painting

Portrait of African Model, Carmen Solomons

I'm setting up to do another painting. 

It'll probably be a long one...meaning it'll take awhile to finish.. I guess we'll see.

I feel like I'm always SO serious and stoic about painting! It’s kind of funny, but I guess I’m just like that. I feel a little odd talking about my process, my paintings, my aspirations, but I think it’ll help me flush out some of my ideas.

As you know, I'm enciente or "pregnant."  My art school is closed for the summer and being almost 7 months pregnant, I spend my days at home cleaning, cooking, reading, researching, talking with friends, blogging, pretend shopping (I’ll have to do a post on that one later) and getting our nursery together, studying for the GRE, and planning paintings, among other things.

Although I'm on a maternity leave, I still need to keep up with my art and make sure my portfolio is strong enough for re-admittance. I’d like to enter into the Master’s Program for painting within the next year or two, so I need to be kind of serious about my work.

I also need to document this special time in my life through art; I know everyone would think me sort of weird if I didn't draw or paint myself while pregnant since it’s such a transformative time.  I haven't done any self portraits as of yet. It's not like I don't bask in the dewy glory of my ripe body, I do! And so does my husband might I add, who benefits greatly from my 3rd trimester...passion :) He appreciates the lush fullness of my curves and delights in watching my body BE sacred. So yes, I love my body and feel that love from my husband as well.

But I guess my pregnancy has been sort of private. Since I'm not living close to my family and I don't go out very much, my pregnancy is a small jewel I've been able to keep inside of me and only show others when I want to. So I guess that will have to explain why I haven't done any nude pregnant portraits yet.

But yes, ON with this tome: I'm pregnant, therefore I can't use oil paints. The fumes could be bad for the baby; and while I have an air purifyer/cleaner it's not industrial so I'm not chancing it. Plus I'm not keeping our windows open as much as I used to. It's horribly hot outside AND there are bugs out there, which would like very much to come visit me…and lets just say they are most unwelcome.

SO, I'm using acrylics. I guess we'll just have to see how that goes. I like the luminosity that comes with oil paints, and I'm not great with acrylics, so we'll see what comes to pass. I'm going to try to work up layers....yikes! Well, like I said, we'll see.

I like how I’m excited to start, but I’m totally stalling…I’ll post an update when I’m done.

I’m listening to 60’s French Pop. Gives me a nostalgic naturalist vibe….

I hate acrylics! They dry so quickly! I’m super afraid to start. Oh well, biting the bullet...