Thursday, December 16, 2010

New zen doodle portrait - 'Eliza' and Sunday Sketch



Update:  I posted this earlier thinking I would have time to come up with something else to share for Sunday Sketches, but this is going to have to be what I share for this week. 
Not really a sketch, but I'm eager to hear what you all think anyway.

If you want to join all the fabulous artists, just head over to Sophia's place and link up!  It's lots of fun to see all the great art out there!





Hello my dear friends - I feel like I never get to come see you all lately, just so darn busy still adjusting to the new house and Christmas and five kids at home and you name it!  I miss you all and really look forward to visiting whenever I have a few spare moments.

This is a zen portrait I am working on for a friend's daughter.  I just do these for fun, and as you can see I couldn't get the whole picture in the scan cause the paper is too darn big!  I try to capture the image of the child and do a long interview to find out what things are important to him or her at this specific age.  Then I add those things in text at the bottom of the portrait. (you can see that image below)

These scans are really crummy, but you can at least get the idea.
I continue to find these to be very absorbing, and I can lose myself for a couple hours or more at a time!

What do you think?  Do you think she'll like it?

I would be really remiss if I did not mention that the real pro at these portraits is Rebecca Anthony, an amazing artist that inspires me every time I visit.  She actually offers her portraits on a custom basis, and it's pretty wonderful what she does!  If you haven't visited her, do take the time to stop over and say hello and check out her inspiring work.



27 comments:

Shayla said...

This is beautiful! The designs inside are so delicate! I think she will love this and cherish it.

Dear Fireflies said...

And why wouldn't she like it? It's absolutely beautiful, Julia! You know, I think this particular one is more detailed, and somehow I get the 'batik' feeling in it... simply lovely! :) oxx

Dear Fireflies said...

By the way, I'm so happy the package arrived safely and that you like the prints! I'm just so glad it's going to have a new home with your sister...

elena nuez said...

Wow.......es impresionante!!!!
me gusta mucho muchisimo!!!
gracias Julia y Felíz Navidad

Marlene said...

Julia, it is amazing and I am positive it will be loved by the recipiant. You are getting better and better with this portraits all the time.

Nicola said...

Wow this is gorgeous! You really do have your own unique style and you put your own spin on this style of art, wonderful! I feel like you at the moment about not getting enough time in the day to visit my blog friends as much as I used to. Don't worry I think we're all feeling like that at the moment!!! :0)

Rebecca Anthony said...

I really love this Julia!!!You have done a superb job with this one and I thank you for the mention(O: You inspire me and lure me in every time you post!! I love your work!!!

PurestGreen said...

This is one of my favourites. What a tremendous gift Julia. She is sure to love it.

Heather Foust said...

This is great. I love Zentangles and this is just awesome!

Tammie Lee said...

she will treasure it always!
So wonderful, I can see and feel care and love in every detail. Wishing you and yours a wonderful week and beyond~

Lenora said...

she will love it - it has your heart all over it! Merry Christmas!

lissa said...

I like all the patterns/textures & letterings, wonderfully done

Brian Miller said...

what a feast for the eyes...lots of good layers and textures...and daddy's little girl got me...smiles.

WrightStuff said...

I think we are all doing a bit of multi-tasking with our posting this week - I know I am so busy with everything! You do a great job with these. Funnily enough we were talking about another Eliza today - Eliza Doolittle (the singer, rather than the 'Fair Lady).

Christine said...

this will be a lovely gift, so personalized and unique.

gatheringwonder said...

wow - this is wonderful

Heather said...

hi, this is so beautiful . I so love the whole zentangle process. i am in awe of it. this will be such a nice gift! i miss you too, and hope you are ALL enjoying your holiday season and your new home!!!! xxoo

Lauren said...

This is amazing, I know she will love and cherish it! :) Such a special portrait. ~Lauren

GalleryJuana said...

Wow! This is amazing. I'm just getting into zentangle art work. Love what you've done here.

Jenny said...

This is incredible! So intricate and such a lovely idea. I especially love the words incorporated at the bottom...so much thought and heart has gone into this! :)

Debbie said...

She's going to love this! Your work is very inspiring too. Have a Merry Christmas!

Kristin Dudish said...

I am certain Eliza will love it! I think the addition of the personalized text is brilliant!

I can see how you could get totally consumed doing these (I could get totally consumed looking at them! hee hee)

xo
Kristin

Alexandra MacVean said...

Girl, you never cease to amaze me with your zen art. Sweet. LOVE the detail. :) Big hugs!

Kristin said...

It's amazing my friend! I am so impressed with all the details and how much structure you create with the zentangles - very cool!
Thank you too for your sweet comments - I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas! xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

I love it! the patterning is delicious to look at....so much detailing...I can just imagine the soothing emotion this must have brought out in you as you patiently worked away at it!

what diligence! and yes, our dear Rebecca is so passionate with her portraits!

ciao bella
here's to inspiration! it always comes around full circle!

Creative Carmelina

Millie said...

Such an interesting concept Julia, I love it! Sounds like exciting times in your world, so enjoy all the magic that Christmas will bring to you & your gorgeous family in your new home.
Millie x

Dumbwit Tellher said...

I think everything you create is wonderful if not magical. I hope your getting settled into your new home & ready to celebrate your first Christmas there. Wishing you and your whole family a truly special holiday filled with good memories and joy.

xx Deb