Why I Fell in Love with Portraits and Colored Pencil Painting All Over Again

As an artist, there are moments when you find yourself yearning to revisit your artistic roots. For me, it was the sudden urge to delve back into the world of art portraits and colored pencil painting. It had been years since I last picked up my pencils and easel, and I couldn't ignore the calling any longer.

The Alluring Charisma of Portraits

Portraits have a mysterious charm that captivates both artists and viewers alike. There is something magical about capturing the essence of a person's character through intricate brushstrokes or the delicate lines of colored pencils. The subtle nuances of their features, the twinkle in their eyes, and the emotions conveyed through gestures make portraits come alive with personality and nostalgia.

Pencils and Process: Thoughts on Returning to Art, Portraits, and Colored Pencil Painting

by Jon Amdall (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	27019 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	159 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Each time I embark on a new portrait, it feels like stepping into the shoes of a detective on the search for the essence of a person's soul. The process of studying reference photos, observing facial expressions, and carefully planning the composition is like piecing together fragments of a beautiful mystery. The end result unveils a visual story that resonates with the viewer, often evoking emotions they didn't know they had.

The Mesmerizing World of Colored Pencil Painting

Colored pencils, with their vibrant colors and incredible control, offer a unique painting experience like no other medium. From the moment the tip touches the paper, a relationship blossoms between the artist and the pencil.

Unlike paintbrushes or palette knives, colored pencils allow for intricate details and precise layering. Every stroke becomes an opportunity to breathe life into the artwork; each layer adding depth, texture, and dimension to the subject being portrayed. The process is both therapeutic and challenging, demanding patience, focus, and an unwavering commitment to perfection.

Moreover, the versatility of colored pencils is unmatched. Whether you want to create hyperrealistic portraits, surrealistic landscapes, or whimsical illustrations, colored pencils are capable of translating your vision into reality. They are the perfect tool for artists seeking to experiment with lighting, explore textures, and infuse their artwork with a sense of atmosphere.

The Joy of Rediscovery

Returning to art portraits and colored pencil painting felt like reuniting with old friends. The joy of immersing myself in the creative process, the sense of achievement that comes with completing a masterpiece, and witnessing the emotional connection formed between the artwork and its audience reminded me why I fell in love with art in the first place.

During my time away, I had explored different mediums, experimented with various techniques, and discovered new passions. However, there was always a profound calling to revisit the familiar territory of portraits and colored pencil painting. It was like unlocking a dormant part of my artistic expression, rekindling the flame that once burned brightly.

By indulging in this resurgence, I was able to reconnect with the core of my artistic identity. I regained a sense of purpose, an understanding of the themes that fuel my creativity, and a newfound maturity that only comes through the passage of time.

Embracing the Journey

Returning to art portraits and colored pencil painting has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has reminded me of the power of self-expression, the transformative nature of art, and the importance of following our creative passions no matter how long we may have strayed from them.

If you, too, find yourself yearning to revisit a particular art form or medium, I encourage you to answer that call. Invest time in rediscovering the joy that sparked your love for art. Embrace the journey and let your creativity flourish once again. You'll be amazed at the depths you can reach when you return to what truly speaks to your soul.

Returning to art portraits and colored pencil painting has reignited my artistic flame and reminded me of the power of capturing the human spirit through strokes of pencil and paint. The allure of portraits, combined with the mesmerizing world of colored pencil painting, has once again captured my heart and imagination. It's a journey of rediscovery that has allowed me to reconnect with my artistic roots and embrace the joy that comes with creating meaningful artwork.

So, fellow artists, if you ever feel that tug back to a particular art form, don't hesitate to explore it once more. Who knows, you might find yourself falling in love with it all over again, just like I did with art portraits and colored pencil painting.

Artistic creation is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, and we owe it to ourselves to revisit the paths we may have momentarily left behind.

Pencils and Process: Thoughts on Returning to Art, Portraits, and Colored Pencil Painting

by Jon Amdall (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	27019 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	159 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Pencils and Process offers an easy-to-follow discussion about drawing and learning to use colored pencil from a beginner's perspective. It covers the use of graphite pencils, measuring grids for controlled proportions, starting with color, approaches to blending, sources of subject ideas, and thoughts about online art communities and copyright. For those who have returned to art recently, or are considering doing so, this book provides relatable experience and tips. For those already immersed in drawing, it shows another perspective and ideas from an unconventional viewpoint.

As the cover suggests, this is a book about art and process. More specifically, it's an exploration of re-learning how to draw after taking a 15-year break. Within these pages, you will follow lessons taken through a hobbyist's experience. The goal is to make the stories and descriptions accessible to help others on a similar journey. Basic techniques are covered such as measuring grids for proportion and colored pencil "painting" to achieve a smooth look using thickly blended layers.

The most important aspect of drawing sounds simplistic, but it's true - practice is the best path to improvement as an artist. Beyond practice though, the next best thing is to simply read about the experiences of other artists. Sharing these artistic experiences, even through the distance of a book, can spark inspiration and illicit new avenues of thought. Therein lies the central purpose of this book - to share a novice's journey in the hope that it might provide a small spark for others.