New bronze cameo necklaces availablein my Etsy store

Following on from my previous post, I now have even more pendants on my Etsy store. This time in bronze / Antique Gold tones.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/161800511/wolf-fashion-bronze-antique-gold-tone

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/161790862/neytiri-avatar-fashion-bronze-antique

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/161791690/geisha-fashion-bronze-antique-gold-tone?

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/161793366/azazel-x-men-fashion-bronze-antique-gold?

I've fallen in love with the Azazel pendant just a little bit so I might have to make one for myself ;-)

New Silver Cameo Necklaces

I've been hard at work this afternoon (well I suppose that's a matter of opinion) making new silver tone cameo pendants from my artwork for my Etsy shop... and here they are, 3 lovely new necklaces. Snap them up before I decide I should keep them for myself ;-)

Geisha

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/161467289/geisha-fashion-silver-tone-cameo?ref=listing-shop-header-2

 Neytiri

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/161464008/neytiri-avatar-fashion-silver-tone-cameo?ref=listing-shop-header-1

Wolf

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/161475533/wolf-fashion-silver-tone-cameo-necklace?ref=listing-shop-header-0

All 3 necklaces are made from nickle free settings with glass cabochons. The chains they sit on are also nickle free. £6 each plus p&p.

Geisha - Digital Portrait

 

Geisha
Digital Portrait

If you've been following my blog then you'll know that a while ago I spent a few months obsessed with painting and drawing Geisha. Since moving to digital art I haven't painted any Geisha, until now!

As with most of my paintings I started with a rough idea that I sketched out on the computer. I usually keep this very loose as my final painting rarely looks anything like the original sketch.

Once I've got the basic shape sorted out I usually start a more detailed black and white under painting,  however as the majority of my Geisha was to be black and white I decided not to bother this time... BIG mistake. Deciding to jump right into colour reminded me why I never usually do this. Most of the alterations and corrections that I do are worked out in the black and white stage as it's harder to make big alterations once you're working in colour. Had I taken the extra time this painting would have taken a fraction of the time that it did.
As it was I put down colour blocks as you can see on the right side of this work in progress shot and then stated to add in the detail as you can see in the eyes and the left of the work in progress.

At this point I was starting to go a little nuts and remembering exactly why I work in black and white first. The hair decorations just weren't going right, the eyes were slightly unbalanced and those flowers were awful. It took me a lot of fiddling around to fix this mess.

Finally the finished article. I removed the awful flowers and replaced them with more natural looking cherry blossoms instead of a representation of the common paper flowers modern Geisha wear in their hair. The hair ornaments have also been made to look more natural and have been given depth, the eyse ate no longer unbalanced and look a little more "real" and detail has been added to the fan and the background to give some depth to the painting.

I always learn something from every painting I do and I think the most obvious thing that I have learned from this painting is not to rush. The result I get from taking my time, working on the under painting and then adding colour is always less strained even if it does take more time. It's far easier to make alterations at the start than at the end.

I'm thinking about setting my computer up so that I can record a time lapse of my painting process. It probably won't be available for a while. I've already started a new painting of Wolverine that I hope to finish in the next week or so but the next painting after that I may give it a try. I'm not entirely sure if my style will lend itself to that sort of thing as I tend to paint in short bursts but I'll see how it goes and let you know.

Geisha is now available as a print on my Etsy store here https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/161340461/geisha-portrait-print-size-16x12?

Please also check out and like my Facebook page where I post lots of work in progress shots and random updates https://www.facebook.com/TessaLakeillustration

Cherry Blossom - Work In Progress

Yesterdays upload glitch has magically resolved itself so I can finally share with you my current work in progress (well, one of them anyway) It was only a matter of time before a geisha made her way into one of my burlesque paintings, this one started off as a speed doodle but has developed so well that I intend to turn her into a finished piece.

Originally I had no plans to add the cherry blossoms, they were a spur of the moment idea but now I love them so I will be re-drawing them in a little cleaner before finishing the sash and fan.

Don’t forget that I will be at the vintage fair at The Vic in Swindon tomorrow with fantastic artist Jennie Anderson and our Burly Boo stall. Pop along and say hello if you’re in the area.

Petals in the Rain – Complete

I’ve finally completed Petals in the Rain. I’ve struggled with this one and it has made me realise that I need to work on my speed. I’m always very enthusiastic about my work when I start but after a day or two I lose my momentum and I think my work suffers so I’m going to try and complete my next painting in no more than 3 sittings. This may be difficult but not impossible, I’m just going to have to learn to paint smarter and not allow myself to be distracted by all the other things I have to do (like the mountain of washing up waiting for me!)
So anyway, here is my finished painting which will be on sale on my website shortly.

Petals in the rain – WIP 4

Just a quick WIP post today. I managed to fit in a little more work on Petals in the rain while waiting for the filler to dry in my half decorated bathroom, now it’s time to go paint with some really big brushes!

Petals in the rain – WIP 3

It seems like forever since the last time I posted and my only excuse is that for I’ve been dreadfully distracted. Between a few minor emergencies, my sudden desire to spring clean and decorate and the discovery of the very addictive Twilight Saga I just haven’t been in the mood to finish this painting.

That aside, nothing absolves me from not posting my most recent progress which has been sat on my camera for quite a while. So, here it is. Since my last post I have put the first wash on the background details, added detail to the parasol, and put some shades into the kimono. Not as much progress as I should have made by a long shot but I often get my inspiration from the books I’m reading at once I’ve finished “The short second life of Bree Tanner” I will be reading “Geisha” by Liza Daley which should put me in the right frame of mind to finish this painting!

Petals in the rain – WIP 2

I’ve now started working on my Petals in the rain watercolour. I’ve only got the first layer of colour down but so far I’m happy with the design and colour choice.

I designed that kimono myself based on real kimonos both classic and modern. I wanted to use the outer garment to pull together the sky and the water so I decided to make a vibrant blue kimono with a cloud and bird design at the top in the blue sky and a lily design in the blue water skirt. I wasn’t sure if it would work or if it would be too simplistic but so far I’m happy.

At the moment the red undergarment and the black hair and eyeliner so look a bit out of place but as I add more colour to the rest of the painting these should look more in place.

Petals in the Rain – WIP 1

The muse has hit me for a new Geisha painting.

Unlike my last Geisha painting which was based heavily upon a photo which I requested permission to use, this idea comes completely from my imagination. I’ve started with a pen sketch to plan out what I want. In my original vision, I was going to have my Geisha on a washy blue grey background but as I added more detail to the sketch a background appeared all by itself… funny how that happens when your not concentrating too hard. So, I’ve decided to use the background but keep the colours in blue greys with perhaps the odd hint of colour, while the Geisha in the fore ground with be in very bright yellows, greens and reds.

Butterfly of Gion

Butterfly of Gion

Watercolour on 180gsm Watercolour Paper

Yay! Moms b-day present it now framed and ready to be wrapped. I’ve re-named her “Butterfly of Gion” as I wasn’t happy just calling her Geisha, Gion is a famous Geisha district in Kyoto (it was the location for the book “Memoirs of a Geisha”).

I’ve never had to properly frame anything before but as the Swindon Artist Forum requires members to professionally frame their work I thought I would practice on this piece. I chose a white frame with a black border (I couldn’t tell you why it’s just what jumped out at me at my local store) and I bought myself a 45 degree angle cutter so that I could cute the board to the perfect size. It’s a bit fiddly cutting out the board with it but I got there in the end… I also discovered my math left a lot to be desired lol!

Below are a couple of YouTube videos that I used to learn framing. As I said I’d never framed anything properly before and was under the impression that all you needed to do was stuff the picture in a frame and that was that, apparently I was wrong lol

Cutting Mat



How to tie picture wire



On a completely unrelated topic I hope everyone had a good 5th of November and saw lots of amazing fireworks. For those of you not in England the 5th of November is Bonfire Night when we remember an attempt to blow up the houses of parliament and kill King James I in 1605. The Gunpowder Plot failed and to celebrate we set fire to a “Guy” (an effigy of Guy Fawks) and set off loads of fireworks.
I went to see the local firework display with my friend and a fluffy hot water bottle (Well it is cold) tonight and had a great time writing rude words with sparklers lol

“Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason, why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot.

Guy Fawkes, guy, t’was his intent
To blow up king and parliament.
Three score barrels were laid below
To prove old England’s overthrow.

By God’s mercy he was catch’d
With a darkened lantern and burning match.
So, holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring.
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the king.

And what shall we do with him?
Burn him!”

- Traditional Bonfire Night rhyme.

Geisha Birthday Present

My mothers’ b-day present is finally all finished and I’m really happy with the result! All I need to do is find the perfect frame and surround tomorrow. Hope my mom likes it :-)

Geisha Birthday Present - Work In Progress

Another painting session on my moms b-day present and I’m nearly finished. I’ve got most of the detail into the kimono, the hands are looking better, the basket has weave. All I need is a bit more detail in the kimono and some colour in the background and then I’ll call her finished. I may add butterfly details to the surround but I haven’t decided yet, I’ll wait to see what frame I choose.

Geisha Birthday Present - Work In Progress

This weekend I’ve been working on a birthday present for my mother. She really loves Geisha (I don’t think she knows what they do for a job lol) and a couple of years ago I bought her a geisha doll which has pride of place in her bedroom. This year I want to give her a painting to hang next to it.

After looking around I found a photo by the talented Greg Elms who has very kindly given me permission to use his photo as a starting point for my mothers gift.

Below are a set of working progress photos, I’m about 50% finished and I’m loving how it’s going. I would go as far as to say it’s the best watercolour I’ve ever done!

My first step was to make a rough sketch so that I could get a idea of where I wanted to put the features and where the shades and fabric folds are. The kimono the geisha is wearing is very intricate so I have reduced the detail a little to prevent my pore brain getting dizzy!

My next step was to paint the black fabric of the kimono. I spent about an hour getting the shades and folds correct before adding any other details.

Next I put down some of the other blocks of colour including the face paint which was way too dark at this point. I was confident I would be able to correct it though.

Hair and some more detail in the kimono. The face has now been corrected.

Finally this is where I am at the moment. The face and hair are now completely finished. The kimono will need a lot more work before it’s finished and I need to add some more butterflies to the obi. I also need to lighten the skin on her hands and add some detail to the basket she is holding so lots more to do!  

Elegance 3 – Complete

I’ve finally completed my first oil painting and I’m rather happy. Sure it’s not perfect but then the day I think that my work is perfect is probably the day I should stop being an artist. It’s the feeling that my work could have been better that always encourages me to strive to improve.

The thing that I like most about this painting is the hair. I’ve decided that hair is much more fun when you’re painting in oils! I’m also happy with the way the kanzashi turned out. I’ve got a few issues with the layout of the face but I think these may be the result of working from memory instead of a model/photo. I’ve learnt a lot about the importance of planning out your work while creating this painting.

As my intention is for this painting to be displayed without a frame I have finished by painting the 1” deep canvas edge. It was only after I had done this that I realised I don’t have anywhere other than my easel to leave it to dry! D’oh! Oh well, at least I’ll have plenty of time to plan my next piece.
Elegance 3 was created in oil on canvas.

Elegance 3 – Work In Progress

This week I’ve been back to the drawing board with my first Geisha painting. I still wasn’t happy with my second Gouache attempt so I decided to give oils a go. As this is my first ever oil painting I began by spending a lot of time online looking up tutorials and tips from other artists and watching instructional videos and speed painting demos on Youtube. Once I was relatively comfortable that I at least knew one end of a paint tube from the other I popped down to my local art store where they happily made my wallet lighter in return for paints, canvas and assorted bits and bobs that I could have probably lived without.

For my first oil painting I chose to use good quality water mixable oils. This choice was for two reasons. Firstly as I have never used oils before I felt more comfortable with the idea of using water and secondly I paint very close to my rattys (they like to watch what I’m up to) and I didn’t want to upset their delicate lungs by exposing them to strong smelling chemicals.
I have since got my hands on some low odour thinners and am confident that I will be able to use this in future without upsetting the rodents!

So, I started my painting bearing in mind what I had learned from my two previous attempts in gouache. I created a light oil sketch on the canvas planning out a rough outline and the areas of deep shade. I wasn’t going for any great detail at this point but I did learn latter on that taking a little more time to plan at this stage may have saved me effort latter.


Next I filled in the basic colour. I was very excited by the way the hair looked. I had always avoided using black when working in gouache and watercolour but decided to throw caution to the wind with this paining and the result was fantastic.
I did noticed at this point that the face was slightly the wrong shape but I decided to correct that latter. Next time I will refrain from filling in all the background in the beginning unless there’s something interesting going on in it as latter I realised it would have been nice to be able to rest my hand on the clean canvas, I was still in a gouache frame of mind and didn’t realise just how long the oil would take to dry. Looking back I also could have laid the paint a little thinner at this point, another lesson that I will be able to bear in mind for my next painting.


Now that I had the basic colours down I could concentrate on getting the tones into the face. This was a real struggle for me as I discovered that in oil mixing perfect colour is far more important and far trickier than in gouache and watercolour. In water based mediums you can get the basic colour and then change the depth depending on how thickly you lat the paint, with oils I quickly discovered that although you can blend colours far easier, the shade you mix is the shade you get. For the first time in my life all the lessons about colour theory at college seemed to make sense… I really wish I had paid more attention to them!

Disaster! At this point I was about an inch away from throwing the painting out of the window and curling up in a corner. Having got the rough tone in the face I added the red lips which were just plain wrong and the eyes which look more like hieroglyphic eyes than anything else. I also attempted to add a couple of highlights to the hair and accidentally ended up with a huge grey smudge in the middle of her head… I decided it was time to go away and come back to the painting latter.

Recovery! After a bar of chocolate and a nap I came back determined to make my geisha look human again. Here is where I learnt for the first time just how forgiving oil is as a medium. I soon had the badger stripe covered, the eyes looking more eye like and the mouth less skewiff. I was even able to improve the facial tone a little. Nervous breakdown averted.

Next I spent some time adding more tone and detail to the face to make it look far more 3D. I also altered the shape of the face a little and started blocking in the darker colour on the metal hair ornament.
The next job would be to paint in the kanzashi but at this point I realised that I needed one of those long sticks with a pad on the end, the name of which alludes me right now. Instead of heading out to the shops I decided that I could make one easily enough using things in the house so I headed off to the cupboard and found a new kitchen sponge, some spare fabric, a piece of ribbon and an arrow that I broke while roving. Ten minutes latter and hey-presto! My very own stick thingie complete with arrow fletchings.

Another hour and the kanzashi is starting to take shape and I’m now getting the hang of how much paint I need to use for what. From hating this paining and wanting to throw it out of the window I’m now quite proud that I’ve done so well on my first attempt in the medium particularly as I’m working nearly entirely from imagination. I’ve broken the back of the majority of the painting and just have the finer details to add. I’ve started thinking about the background and I think that I need to put some sort of detail on it, as if my geisha is standing in front of a curtain or screen. I’ll need to have a think, if the past week has taught me anything it’s that planning saves a lot of stress!

Finished painting to follow soon.

Crowning Glory – Pencil Sketch

“Crowning Glory” is yet another part of my Geisha collection. A Geisha’s hair is often described as her crowning glory and the sever hairstyle often results in a small bald patch developing on the crown of their head which has to be disguised by weaving artificial hair into the natural hair. It seems like an awful lot of work just for a hair do but it is such an integral part of a Geisha’s appearance that I felt it would be wrong not to dedicate a picture to it.

“Crowning Glory” was created in pencil on cartridge paper.

Beyond You – Pencil Sketch

“Beyond You” is part of my Geisha collection. The sketch done loosely in pencil on cartridge paper will be the starting point for one of my new paintings (once I am finally happy with “Elegance”) I’m liking the “not amused” glare that she’s giving and will try to keep the look of distain in future work.

Elegance 2 - Complete

I’ve finally completed my second revision of “Elegance” I’m far happier with this version, the colours are more vibrant, the form is better and the painting as a whole seems far more interesting.

I’m still not 100% happy with the painting but I’m content enough to move on. I will be making one more attempt at this composition this time in oils. I want to slightly alter the turn of the geisha’s head and possibly tweak the light source a little to give the picture more depth so I intent to sketch out this slightly altered design before my final painting.

This painting was made in gouache on cartridge paper.

Elegance 2 - Work In Progress

As mentioned in my previous post I’ve been using my original geisha painting to create a newer, better, stronger, faster… hang on that's heading off on a completely the wrong direction! Moving on… A new version of the original painting imaginatively called “Elegance 2”

I’ve made several alterations to this version, firstly I’ve tweaked the composition very slightly so that the kimono is hanging in a more natural shape, I’ve also changed the colour and style of the kimono adding a far more detailed flower design. I’ve spent some time studying geisha headdress and redesigned the flower and falling petal detail into a far more realistic and detailed display and finally I’ve altered the colour.
I’ve become far more adventurous with this version and started to use far brighter and less “watercolourish” colours. I’ve even added some abstract blossoms in the background… I’ve no idea why, I was obviously feeling a bit paint happy at the time but I like the overall effect so no harm done.

I’m very close to finishing this painting now with only the hair ornaments and the finishing touches to do so hopefully I will be posting the finished painting latter this week.

“Elegance 2” is being created in Gouache on cartridge paper.

"Elegance 1" - Part of the Geisha Studies

Monday, 5 July 2010
"Elegance 1" - Part of the Geisha Studies


“Elegance 1” is the first old fashioned painting I’ve done in quite some time and she’s made me realise just how much I miss it.

The painting which is the result of my fascination with the stunning and iconic image of the geisha, particularly when mixed with the sometimes unpleasant sides of the tradition, is the start of a set of Geisha studies focusing on the almost fantasy nature of their appearance.

This painting (which in my opinion is a little cross eyed lol) is destined for my mothers Christmas stocking as she hasn’t stopped mentioning it since she came round for a cuppa several weeks ago! However before it head off to live with the geisha “doll” I bought her several years ago I will be using it as a reference piece for a second version in which I hope to improve on the detail and colour… as well as uncrossing the eyes!

“Elegance 1” was created in Gouache and coloured pencil on cartridge paper.

This painting is available as a note card on my Zazzle store at www.zazzle.co.uk/amatheya*