* Inspired: Michael Carson Paintings *

Just some inspiring paintings from artist Michael Carson. He has an interesting approach to how he focuses the eye with his textures and brush strokes. I especially like the way some of his images feel like they are melting and unfinished, adding an element of emotional mystery.

* Inspired: Egon Schiele *

As an artist, it is hard to have a constant flow of inspiration. I have certain go-to's that will automatically inspire me to get back into my creativity. One happens to be Egon Schiele, my favorite artist. I love how he captures the rawness of humanity in his strokes, and the distortion of his figures allows the viewer to connect to the reality of imperfection. At the same time, you can't help but find his figures beautiful.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

* Painting with a Grid *

One of my favorite ways to make a small picture into a large one is by using a grid. I've done several paintings this way. Last year I painted Stevie Wonder for my boyfriend's birthday.

This year I did another one of Bill Withers for him.

I started with a picture found on google.

I photoshopped out the mic stand to simplify it.

I traced the image and drew a 1/2 inch grid over it.

I multiplied the grid by 5 and penciled it on the larger paper. I drew over the grid, following the smaller grid as a guide. This way you can look at the shapes in each square instead of being stuck on what it's supposed to look like. When it was done, I inked in the lines, added some color, and erased the grid.

You can use this system on just about anything. It just takes a little patience and some math.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .