Wednesday, January 19, 2011

"Sharing Secrets" - wood nymph (nude) - Graphite on Film

This new work is of another wood nymph. After finishing up my last work, The Wood Nymph, I wanted to do another one but with wings this time. Staying with the wood nymph butterfly theme, I gave her wings with similar markings. The drawing was done on Dura-lar Matte film, in graphite. I did the wings in colored pencil on the back of the film. On the front, her eyes and the smaller butterfly were painted in acrylic. I also added a gold glaze on the wings for a bit of sparkle. I used the same tree and forest references as in the last work but bringing it all closer.

As with the last work, this one was done for submission to the *Unclad 2011 show. Wish me luck as I have no idea if they will be accepted or not. This is my first time ever to submit to this show. I won't know until sometime in February, I'll keep you posted. Now it's time to get busy making some fine art miniature works for all the upcoming miniature art shows and miniature categories in the summer art festivals.



Sharing Secrets © Barbara A. Freeman
Graphite and Mixed Media on Film, 6 1/2" x 9"

I was traveling with this drawing with the intention of working on it when time allowed (see below). I did make some progress, but not nearly as much as I needed to. I do know that I will take more care in packing a larger work if I travel with one in the future. In past traveling trips, I had no problem with miniatures. I sandwiched the film between foam core and it stayed protected. This one, however, was not packed as well and because it was larger, it had more area that could be smudged! I was a bit anxious about it. However, all was well and I was able to finish it and get it submitted.

I just returned last week from a trip to Florida visiting my Mom and Dad. My daughter, Gina flew in from Austin to be with us. It was wonderful to be all together again, a long overdue visit! While there Wayne, Gina and I made an overnight trip to see the Miniature Art Society of Florida's Exhibit in Dunedin, FL. We had a great time seeing the show and eating great food. The quality of the work far surpassed any I have seen in any miniature art show. I do hope I get to go again!

Thank you for taking the time to read about my work. Your comments are always appreciated. I hope you will check back soon.

*Link to the Unclad show at Gallery by the Bay in Stanwood, WA.

10 comments:

Clovie Boy said...

This is my favorite of the two! Good luck with your shows!

Unknown said...

Superb work Barbara. I wish you good luck with the show with these wonderful pieces.

I love what you have done with this one especially the wings.

Glad you had a great time in Florida with your family. It's always good to get together with family.
Oh I bet you were in seventh Heaven when you went to see the miniature art exhibition. I'm envious ;)

Autumn Leaves said...

This is beautiful, Barb! Love the addition of the wings and the color and the gentle coloring in the wings is perfect!

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Thank you all so much! The wings just seemed to be the next step. There really is a wood nymph butterfly and I had fun doing it.

Jane said...

Barbara this one just says something to me--I just love it-the position of the nymph and her expression, the rendering of the figure is great----it is a great piece and a great title too!!!---they will sell

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Hi Janie, and thanks so much for your kind words and support! It's because of you that I gave this show a try. I love your new Unclad pieces too! Great story behind them.

Got conformation this morning that my images were received. Now have to wait and see if they are gonna be in the show! Two weeks, UGH!

Unknown said...

Goodness - how much I've missed in a week Barbara. Last time I looked in, you were still working on the last wood nymph, and here you are finished another one. I looooove this one - so delicate and detailed. I would love to study it up close to really appreciate all that detail. The touch of colour sets the whole artwork off beautifully!!! All the best in the exhibitions, you will be selected for sure!!! :)

Mona Diane Conner said...

Barbara, this is one of my favorites by you! I love the interplay of the gold wings and the detail in graphite, and if "Unclad" is a competition you are sure to win a prize! Best wishes for this show.

Tracy Hall said...

This is so beautiful Barbara, the wings are gorgeous. I'm glad it survived the trip! Very best of luck in the show.

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Thanks Karen, Mona and Tracy. Unclad is juried, but not a competition with awards. The show will be online as well as in the gallery. This is my first go at entering. I wanted to challenge myself since the figure isn't something I usually do. Of course I had to do her my way in a forest! I'll post a link to the show when it's up. Keeping my fingers and toes crossed!