That question has certainly popped into my mind when a particular artwork captures my interest and curiosity. When I am inspired to learn more and try things out for myself I make the effort to deconstruct what I see. Its good archeological practice in my ongoing effort to better learn the art of observing. Ive come to understand that being able to look and really see is one of the secrets to creating great art. But I digress. The question I most often hear in regards to my own art is "iPad or Paper?"
I love giving the answer to this question because it is often an intriguing surprise one way or another to the person asking. I am what you might call an enthusiastic promoter for the using of the iPad as a tool for practice and exploration in your artistic practice. That is not to say everyone should have an iPad. Having one is a luxury that I am fortunate enough to be able to afford.
Take the painting above as an example. This began as an original 6x6 oil painting of Teresita. She remained a rather bland raw umber work in progress for many months. She was mostly just hanging around looking over my shoulder implying I ought to get on with it and release her from her liminal state. insert eye roll from me. At this stage, using my reference image, Ivy helped me to practice those essential observational skills I mentioned earlier for the nose shadow.
In typical fashion I went on to dab at the thing with the tiniest amount of color to see what would happen. Literally months passed until I finally took her into my iPad to see what would happen if I actually committed her to real paint. I can be so timid with the paint sometimes. But... and here is the drum roll... by taking her into the iPad I could go crazy with color, do and undo and see all the variations I wanted to try while the original Teresita sat perfectly still next to me. At moments she looked horrified while at others she looked excited at her potential makeover :) I loved my final choice of rich primary colors! Teresita did not feel the same but I took artistic license and overruled her objections to smeared lipstick!
The final image is the finished version of what I did with real oil paint on her face using my iPad reference. It really was stress free by then which I really appreciated. She is currently drying and will be auctioned off along with several other of my originals in the Holiday Auction that is being sponsored by Stephanie Gagos.
Wow there is just so much to learn as an artist! I have appreciated all the ways in which I can assist myself with building my drawing, color mixing and compositional skills by using my ipad!
Love, Robin