black hair & book covers

I've gone ahead and dyed my hair black. My blonde streak isn't so blonde anymore, but I'll be dying it white soon. Cruella Deville? Not exactly someone to emulate, but she does have style.

// I swear my eyes look like they're two different colors here. //

We also had fun wearing hats. lots of hats.

---

Also, exciting news! My lil deer is on a book cover!

Book available for purchase through Coach House Books & Amazon.
-

I'm about to start painting like a madwoman. I have my solo show in January that I have to get prepared for, as well as a super fun project that I can't wait to show you. Wheeee!!

xoxo

The 50 States! - Ohio

(click to see it larger)

Alright, Ohio, I love you to death, but you were a bitch to draw. I had these adorable little gray squirrels in there, but it looked way too cluttered to me. Anyway, besides the occasional frustrations, I'm really enjoying this series. I'm learning what makes each state unique and beautiful, (which is also where I run in to the clutter problem). 

Here are some things I learned and included in this piece:

• The Ohio state flower is the Red Carnation

• The state bird is the Cardinal
• The state animal is the White Tailed Deer. 

• It's known as "The Buckeye" state, that's what those little brown polka dots on her undies are! (Yes, I just said undies)

Anyway, hope you like it! 

I'm thinking maybe New Mexico next?? I'd love to draw some Native American themes

Love,

Charmaine

Headaches

Finished!

Oil & colored pencil (for the tattoo) on wood.

I decided to go with white hair. Now to my next piece!

..this seem to be how I do things. A several month lull, then 5 pieces in a row. Watch out.

Headache revisited

Work in Progress

It's been a little while since I've painted. It feels good to start up again. I've been wanting to do another version of my painting "Headache", which I did a year ago (almost do the day). It's fun for me to see my progress and how my style is developing/evolving. Also this piece will be in the upcoming show, Glass Cinder and Thorns at 323 East Gallery in March.

I'm still undecided about the hair. I'm thinking either flat white or flat black. I think the pure white hair, (like my original "Headache"), is more interesting than black hair, but I do like the contrast of black against the wood. Thoughts?

A little tidbit about how I work..
I am usually the model for my paintings (unless I can get someone to model for me!). First I start by taking some pictures, playing around with poses, gestures, etc. Then I "sketch" my ideas out on photoshop (as you can see in the third picture). It's much easier for me to play on photoshop than to just dive in to a piece. I am very particular about what I want and how I want it to look. By first roughly laying it out on the computer, I can iron out the kinks and really fine tune the look, fool around with colors, hair, accessories. Of course, once I start painting, it's a completely different game. That's where I count on accidents and mis-strokes to shape the piece.

Well, enjoy! It's good to be back, i missed you.