Moving on to work on the head and hand of the figure and stepping back I can see that I have made the hand too small in comparison to her face. I need to rework this. Taking pictures of my hand against my face was a good way to be able to re-visit and paint this area again.
Photographer Kathryn Raffell, 2015, Study of my hand.
After experimenting I think I have got the size of the hand about right compared to the face.
Kathryn Raffell, 2015, Untitled, Acrylic on canvas, part of larger work – 180cmx120cm.
After several days of working on the background here is the finished background and the start of painting in the chaise my figure will be reclining on.
Kathryn Raffell, 2015, Untitled, Acrylic on canvas, 180cmx120cm.
After many, many ideas for a background to my latest painting I have found the perfect print to use that wouldn’t overpower the foreground, I finally decided to use a spot style print.
Kathryn Raffell, 2015, Untitled, Acrylic on canvas, part of larger work – 180cmx120cm.
To keep the ideas of this large painting fresh I am working on other things as well so I am still attending extra painting classes. This new sketch of Lisa concentrated on a head and shoulders study of the model. I enjoyed capturing the colours and tones of a darker skin. The pattern on her blouse was a challenge but I think will prepare me a little for the large areas of bold pattern I am about to start in painting the leopard spots.
Kathryn Raffell, 2015, study of model Lisa, Acrylic on canvas, 50cmx60cm
Photograph of Wangechi Mutu, 2015, 3648mm × 2736mm. Taken from on-line Google image search.
I happened upon a very interesting artist called Wangechi Mutu. She is photographed with a mix of pattern and objects that appealed to me as a very interesting composition for a painting. The textures, patterns and contrast really stand out. I like her dark skin. Mutu works is concentrated on collages of pattern and paint to comment on her experiences of being an African female.
However, my work is concerned purely with investigating and mixing fabric, fashion, colours and the wrapping or covering of the figure. The mixing of these elements, for me, will work well and are about the use of colour within the work whilst also raising thoughts on issues of stereotypes of who, where and why we decorate our homes and wrap ourselves in what we do.
I have finally decided on my next piece of work and sketched it roughly onto the canvas. It is a mix of pattern, bold print and vibrant colours (I hope).
The fabric print is taken from an old Vogue photograph showing peacock and floral elements.
Photograph of silk fabric, 2015, taken from Google image on-line search, source unknown.
