This weeks word challenge was “Carnival – Gold – Festive.” Well did I ever tell you about my experiences painting portraits – no? Well lets just say there is a reason why I don’t paint them. But for this weeks challenge I thought why not paint a delicate, fanciful mask that you’d see at a Venice Carnival.
That was a great idea, don’t you think? I could nail all three words in one painting – well that was as good as it got for todays painting. In other word, the thought is what counts and I gave painting a face another go, only this time it would be in the form of a mask.
Let me just say, oh my goodness, I still can’t stop laughing at my finished piece – I’m so lucky that I don’t have to do anything but show you my attempt (keeps me honest and most humble in my attempt to learn new subjects). The oil pastel painting is a 5×7 on Mi-Teines Pastel Paper. It’s okay if you laugh, because you are laughing along with me – now you understand the title of the piece. I hope you enjoy a good chuckle.
But as far as this goes I’m onto another subject that I’m more suited for. Although one of these days I’m going to force myself to paint a face a day for a time so at the very least I can paint a respectable piece even if just for the fun of it. All in the quest to learn . . .
Oil Pastels by Mary 
I know how you feel Mary. My landscapes leave much to be desired. I like your mask, but I think that whatever subject moves us to paint, it also motivates us to work harder with it. The subjects that are lukewarm for us, don’t provide that motivation. Interesting how we some subjects spark a flame and others well, not so much:)
So true Elena, great post here – thanks very much I’m right in step with you on this one. You described exactly how the emotions and results when I’m painting. Or I’ll start a painting and highly motivated / inspired by the subject, then for whatever reason have to set it aside and when I go back to it the inspiration or motivation for the piece is gone.
I like it. I like it. Does this make me strange? Or are you underestimating your skills? I think the latter. 🙂
Oh my Dorann, you like it? Doesn’t make you strange at all, just one who laughs and enjoys life around them! Thanks ~
Mary Hope you are still laughing could not see you being scared.. I can see you having the last laugh though.. I can even see it looking at me from the top of the page… is it meant too??
Thanks Doron, it’s those haunting eyes – yikes they get me every time. I don’t see it looking at me from the top of the page, not sure what you are seeing – but that lends to the creepiness of this little painting.
I think you made it a success and no doubt people will respect when Mary is around.. You instilled fear in many. But still it is very interesting painting. I can see you easily creating those for orders next year for the festival in Venice they start replacing orders at the moment..
So funny Doron!
It’s really cool to see an artist stretch her wings! I think you accomplished your goal very nicely. It is only our judgements that hold us back and new things bring us new insights. I’m smiling right along with you, Mary.
Hi Leslie, thank you – appreciate it and agree with you. I’m a thinker and when I don’t take my time working through a piece before I start, things can get out of hand. In this process a few lessons were learned. Mainly I rushed this piece, because my head wasn’t totally into it – so the results became abstract in nature early on in the painting process and then I kind of just let go and went with it.
It reminds me of Mardi Gras , I think it is good to try new directions 🙂 Annie
Thanks Annie!
Ah, Mary, I actually like it! I’ve got to admit that I always found Venice masks scary!!! [not too fond of Venice Carnival – very dark for me!] 🙂
Hi Marina, glad you like it – thanks! I do agree with you, the Venice carnival is a bit dark – so maybe a mask that’s a bit garish works.
Cool painting, Mary! It reminds me of the festival in Venice. 😀
Hey Calee thank you – one day I’ll have the patience to paint one of those elegant and mysterious masks.
Nothing says ‘festive’ like a long, aurulent face with cranberry lips.
You think Prospero? I moved the painting out of eye-sight, too creepy ~
A piece like this is definitely a learning curve…I love how you are stretching your boundaries.
You made my morning coffee more sweet Laurie! Thank you for the encouraging words – I think trying new things is the Gemini in me, always seeking and never staying on one theme for long. Keeps that part of me engaged. Have a great day!
Wow, wonderful works!!!
Hi Rexlin, so happy to hear from you – hope you’re well. Thanks for commenting!
Yeah, I am fine. I got a job. I was in training. So, unable to blog for a while. Thanks!!!
Congratulations on your new job! Hope we can still enjoy your the beauty of your lens as well.
Thank you 🙂 . Yeah, sure!!!
It doesn’t seem scary at all!! I actually really like it 🙂
Thanks Maria really appreciate your nice comment.
Marvellous Mary. The colours, the expression and the one eye is wonderful. Would love to have seen the the whole chin.
Don you are very kind and thank you! One day I’ll tackle a mask again – now I’m off to begin working on a snow scene and some monthly challenge paintings that I’m moderating on WetCanvas. It doesn’t scare you?
Very cool, pretty spooky 🙂
You think so Benjamin? You nailed it with “spooky” I had to turn the picture around, every time I walk into the studio those eyes are looking at me . . . lol!
🙂
I love it MARY ….
also wanted to say THANK YOU ❤
for your wonderful comments xo xo xo
Best always xx Cat
Okay Miss Cat, so happy to read your comments this morning – thank you! It’s been wonderful watching the progression of your music career. You’re planting the seeds and wouldn’t you just know it the flowers are blooming!
Mary ——- YOU are a poet 🙂 🙂 🙂
indeed You are xxxx
❤ ❤
Many Happy Flowers to You xo xo xo C