Who knew there were such a lot of widgets and gadgetty bits underneath a motorcycle! So finally blocked out the larger shapes and then honed it down bit by bit to the smaller areas of light and shadow. Fortunately or unfortunately for me, the photo was taken on a sunny day with strong lights and shadows. So Jimmy is nearly complete. He will then painstakingly be cut out from the heavier stock he is on and adhered to the background board, along with Natalie, painted in the same manner. Not sure how much extra work will be required after that. I had hoped to get it done last weekend, but other activities got in the way of completing the filling in of the piece. I will also take some 11"x17" copies onto the heavier Arches paper of Jimmy, so that in case the original tears, I still have backup images I can try cutting out as well.
I wish I spent more time getting to know the folks in my community. I feel tongue-tied at gallery openings, such as the one I went to last night, to open the One-Of-A-Kind show. The Vagabond's Tale went into it, and there were some really lovely pieces there. I loved the steampunkish creatures particularly that were living in the smaller room. Also on display were items for sale from the Blackberry artists'group. There was a lovely large painting by Denise Dupre and many other pieces to catch the eye and pull at the pocketbook...
I'm not quite sure why I am so tongue-tied at the functions in my community. Lack of schmoozing skills. I don't do that badly if the show has more of my pieces in it; I only submitted one this time. I resolve to "just get over it". No one is there to bite artists. Or tear them to shreds.
I was recently invited to rent a studio space, but it was in Vancouver itself. I can't afford to do that financially, but I yearn for the old days out at UBC, where we all shared a gigantic room and had our spaces mapped out on the floor. There was usually music going and it was a great way to keep honest and dedicated to your work. Also there was no housework tapping you on the shoulder and saying, "Really, you know, you've been neglecting me FOREVER here!!!!!" I find paperwork gets away on me a lot, as do an overflow of books. But have been feeling quite energized by the progress I've made on the Natalie piece and I can see the light of completion shining down my path.... :)
Hopefully by next blog the piece will have been resolved and hanging in my living room, next to three other works from the Celebration Series.