Artwork

I loved the classes I took in art school, especially at the beginning with painting and drawing. The 2D and 3D classes. One particularly challenging class (and teacher) was Drawing 101. While at art school I worked with many mediums. One of my favorite drawings was done with a technique that started with charcoal rubbed on paper until it was solid black. Then the subject was "erased" from the page, revealing an image.  One of my favorite actresses was Rita Hayworth so I chose her as the subject of my drawing - not necessarily because I loved her films, (I don't really know them) I just loved her looks.  The beautiful, curly red-flaming hair.  The beautiful features and figure.  I just loved her looks.  

I see things now that I would change about her face - her eyes and teeth. But I love her hair and her shoulder. I think I got the shading just right. And (you can't tell from this picture) the mink stole she's wearing around her shoulder has light shining from behind and looks like fur. 

I have a gallery wall in the bedroom where some of my favorite art hangs. The iris flowers on the top center was painted by my great aunt.  She was an artist and taught me in my childhood.  The pencil portrait of a thistle plant on the top right was drawn in the same art class as Rita (above). The portrait on the left middle is my grandmother.  It's taken when she was about 20 and it reminds me so much of the roaring 20s. She was gorgeous. 

I think artwork should be something that touches your heart. It is whatever makes you feel something / anything. It should be in your home to tell your story and make you smile with knowing.