Feb 27, 2014

Model for a Day: Adam Clague Portrait and Figure Workshop

This afternoon, I had the honor of modeling for Adam Clague during his Figurative Workshop!!
I first heard of Adam a few weeks ago through Got Art Gallery, my local art gallery in Lee's Summit (same place where I exhibited my illustrations from my 30 day art challenge).

I've modeled a few times before, while in college, but this time I was more at ease- probably because every single student was so nice and sweet! Although my modeling session only lasted for 3 hours, the time seemed to fly by very quickly.

The students' abundance of admiration was second-to-none and it was fun to hear them point out which of my features they enjoyed painting.

I was so excited about their paintings, that I just had to share them with you, too!

Portrait by Mariposa Art, Feb 2014
Ha haa! There I am, 'sitting as still as stone'...well, at least I was trying to sit that still. This gorgeous painting is by "Mariposa Art".

Adam Clague Portrait and Figure Workshop at Got Art Gallery
Promotional for Adam Claugue's Portrait and Figure Workshop, hosted at Got Art Gallery.

Take a look at these wonderful portraits:
Adam Clague's workshop students, Feb 2014
Artists, from upper left, clockwise: Susan Wilson, Sheila Borne-Bundy, Joyce Miller, Tammie Lynn Dickerson.

It really helps when the artists, who are drawing or painting from the model, to loosen up, converse with each other and most importantly, LAUGH! Look at how loose and expressive those brushstrokes are.

It was exciting to witness their interpretation of me, unfold through their hands. I loved chatting with each artist, listening to them talk about the challenges they were facing and their improvements throughout the course of the workshop...

...yes, there were even those challenging features like- you guessed it- my hair! Now, how ironic is that?!

Artist John Ulett utilizing the "Zorn palette"
Painting and paint palette by John Ulett. John explains the "Zorn palette" as using only a few, carefully selected colors.

Some of those challenges were figuring out which colors to use for my skin tone and my hair. They saw hints of crimson, purple and dark blue reflective colors in my hair! Cool, huh?!
 
Their range of style was so diverse- as most of them were not portrait painters (Sure fooled me!). Some were wildlife and still-life artists, muralists, pastel portraiture, plein air artists and there were a couple of students who had picked up their paintbrushes, well after 20 years. 

I love how Pat Deeter captured my high cheekbones! Reminds me of my Grandmama, who was Cherokee and Creek Indian.
Desiree Young's interpretation of Martice Smith II; Feb 2014
Desiree Young's interpretation. I loved her unconventional surface! It was extremely slick; similar to a dry erase board. She explained how difficult it was to keep the paint from sliding around and lifting off with every brush stroke.

Workshop instructor Adam Clague at Got Art Gallery, Feb 2014
Workshop instructor, Adam Clague, helping a student emphasize lights and shadows on a model's face.
I love to smile, laugh and joke. So, if I ever have the privilege of modeling for you, expect to see just that! Serendipitous moments should be enjoyed to really capture a person's essence and sprinkle some character into their portrait. 

In my opinion, every student excelled. How brave they all were...what a day to remember.

A very special 'thank you' goes out to Adam and Andrea Clague and the incredible students of his workshop!


 Here's to your success,

Feb 21, 2014

NEW Mixed Media Article Writer!

Yippee! I made the team!
Last week, I received some VERY exciting news: I have been welcomed to be an Article Writer for the Mixed Media Art website! I'm just giggling with joy, right now!! I've always loved writing and now, I'll be merging my two loves {WRITING + ART} and sharing them for all the world to see! Wow, talk about an answered prayer...I'm so thankful...

Michelle Brown is the Creative Director behind the Mixed Media Art website and she understands, how we as artists, desire to gain basic knowledge in working with various mediums and learning how to develop artwork from there. 

I'm so honored to have been asked to be a regular contributor. Thank you Michelle!! Here are, just a few, topics I'll be writing about:
**Book reviews 
**Featured Artist interview
**Project tutorials
**My favorite texturing and mark-making techniques
Mixed Media Art | Techniques, Reviews, Inspiration
Here's a schedule of when these articles will appear in 2014*:
My 1st article: March 21
May 9
June 3
July 8
Aug. 1
Sept. 5
Oct. 21
Dec. 5
*Topics are still being determined, but I promise you'll LOVE them! Do you have a suggestion/request for me? If so, shoot me an email or leave a comment, below :) 

~Connect with us through the Creating Mixed Media Art Facebook page- where you can ask all the questions you want, concerning mixed media. There will be other article writers, so please make sure you check them out, too. {Hopefully, I'll be able to post links to theirs, via my own Facebook fan page for you to click thru and read.}


Also, be sure to SUBSCRIBE to my blog via:
~my Bloglovin button- look for it in the sidebar, on the right,
~my newsletter {Uneek Art Letter}


Stay tuned for these articles and techniques- packed full of inspiration for your next project! We welcome you to be part of our journey :)

Creatively yours,

Feb 14, 2014

P.S. I LOVE YOU!

Hello everyone! I want to wish all my new subscribers, followers, new friends and collectors a great big HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! I just love it when so many people are on one accord, loving others and doing right by them. You know what would be even better? If this 'lovey-dovey' mindset would last ALL YEAR...Be safe and have fun!

Here's a little message, from my heart to yours:

This image features my latest, mixed-media creation, titled "Love Birds".
©2014 Martice Smith II. All Rights Reserved.
This year, I celebrated this holiday by participating in a group art show with a bunch of fabulously talented artists. I've never done Valentine's Day inspired artwork, so, I thought I should give it a try. I'm so glad I did! New adventures = great success! I created four (4) original works, using a variety of mediums (of course! it just wouldn't be me if I didn't, now would it?!)

Look for these new pieces:
"LOVE BIRDS" {pictured, above}
"BITE ME" {This one sold at the opening! Yipppee ^_^}
"I LOVE YOU MORE"
"I LOVE YOU to the MOON"


How do you celebrate Valentine's Day? Do you go out, stay in, or do you have any special traditions you like to honor? I'm curious! Leave your comments below.


Be sure to check out my new Valentine's Day series, from my art show at the 2nd Annual HeARTs & Flowers Show at Contours Hair Design! Click this link to see photos from the show
-->  http://bit.ly/valentinesshow2014 <--