Here is the final installment from this last weekend’s session at the Orchard. This final painting had a high level of appropriateness for this family as a hybrid illustration between contemplation and grieving. Definitely a neat group– I enjoyed meeting everyone.
I’m working on some ’secret’ sketches for a large painting project, so I wont be posting those special sketches on these pages. More daily (public!) sketches to come soon! : )
Katrina Willis, Daydreamer from above, 2008.
Pastel on toned paper, 9 x 12 inches. © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com
I didn’t really get a photo of the second painting I completed at the Orchard, but here are photos of the progress mid-picture.
Katrina Willis, Contemplation 1, 2008.
Oil on Canvas, 24 x 36 inches. © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com
This weekend I painted live at the building of the Orchard community in Aurora. This was the first of three 24×36 figurative gesture paintings I completed in a little under one hour each. The model, Essex, was such a trooper! He sat the entire length without a single break - amazing. I enjoyed the entire experience. More pictures to come soon!
Katrina Willis, The Thinker (on the train), 2008.
Graphite pencil on toned paper, heightened with white, 9 x 12 inches. © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com
I’m working on a special drawing series this week on contemplation, so a lot of my sketches have been exploring multiple modes for what that might look like. I’m also shamelessly stealing my title from Rodin today, too.
On a related note, we’ve opened up a Facebook fan page for Katrina Willis Studio! We’d love to have your support, so if you’re on Facebook, go check it out!
Katrina Willis, Copper Earrings, 2008.
Pastel on toned paper, 9 x 12 inches. © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com
Okay, I admit - I’m on a little pastel kick. I’ve been considering the temperature of color with more and more sensitivity, and it’s fun to experiment with different media. Pastels are especially challenging because, unlike painting, you’re stuck with the color value of the stick. But I love challenges, so I would say this fits right in line with a solid challenge. Check back tomorrow for a new picture.
Katrina Willis, At the Window, 2008.
Pastel on toned paper, 9 x 12 inches. © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com
Katrina Willis, At the Window (detail), 2008.
Pastel on toned paper. © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com
I drew myself at the window earlier today in pastel- here is the sketch and a close up. I love the softness pastel lends to a picture. I do not enjoy the dust! Happy Friday everyone!
Katrina Willis, Texas Wants You Anyway, 2008.
Graphite on toned paper, heightened with white, 9 x 12 inches. © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com
This is a funny drawing. I was so fortunate to get to spend some time with my good friends today in downtown Chicago. The day was beautiful, but we inevitably ran into some good ol’ southern accents - from the looks of things, these noises came out of tourists. I love the mixing of cultures in the city. Plus, spending time in the sunshine is so wonderful when the weather is so moderate. So, back to the drawing- I didn’t take the chance to draw one person from life today, so this is a collaborate drawing from some of my smaller sketches. On occasion, I like to draw a bunch of noses, or a bunch of eyes… just for the sake of study. The hair reminds me of ‘big Texas hair’, hence the title. …Loving the sunshine!
Katrina Willis, Gypsy Girl, 2008.
Graphite pencil on toned paper, heightened with white, 3 x 5 inches. © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com
I’m really excited about modeling the form. This is a tiny sketch - this girl reminds me of some wonderful Sargent pictures. I am about to start a series inspired by some of his work, so keep your eyes peeled!
Katrina Willis, Fleeting, 2008.
Graphite pencil on toned paper, heightened with white, 9 x 12 inches. © The Artist
http://www.katrinawillis.com
This may have been my fastest drawing in the history of drawings! (Well… with one exception - there was that 30 second gesture drawing that ACU purchased in 2002…) I maybe spent five minutes on this before Mark had to run.
