I got bored and stole one of Penguin’s magazines to browse through. As I leafed though the pages, I immediately stopped when I reached a spread of alluring, seductive typography work by Sean Freeman. I quickly got sucked in by his illustration and photography work, too. Take a look.
It’s all about light! Light creates the magic.
– Barbara Cole
Barbara Cole’s ethereal photographs showcase the distorting beauty of the water’s refractions and reflections. What a lovely reminder of Spring and a perfect way to splash into May.
As a teen, Barbara spent her time in front of the camera as a model. She dropped out of high school when she was offered a job a as fashion editor for The Toronto Sun. This role gave her the opportunity to get behind the camera and shoot weekly fashion spreads. Barbara then went on to open her own photographic studio in the early eighties.
Here are some photographs from her White NOise and Underworld series.
Former forensic artist, Shawn Feeney, is working on drawing 64 facial composite images of 64 pairs of best friends (he started in November 2007 and is up to the 35th pair now). Next up, a series of composites from the composites—32 drawings combining four faces each, 16 drawings combining eight faces each, and so on until finally there is one drawing derived from all 128 faces. Participants include people from across the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, and China.
Erin and Lizzy
Allison and Noah
Christopher and Edgar
Shane and Andy
Here is a clip that shows how Shawn goes about combining the faces of two friends for the BFF project. The drawing is done in charcoal on 8.5×11″ Stonehenge paper.
Assignment: paint a self-portrait with the perspective from an unusual angle. Try to capture a view of yourself that you normally don’t see.
I chose to paint myself sleeping.
I went to the art supply store and picked up the usual—linseed oil, gel medium, and brushes. Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw something sparkle—iridescent acrylic paint. No question, I had to get some. I figured I might as well give it a go with my homework assignment; I’ve got nothing to lose.
I prepped the wood board with Golden matte medium. It dries completely clear is thinner than typical clear gesso. I love this stuff!
Then I drew a rough sketch with chalk.
Next, I applied few washes with iridescent acrylic paint and waterproof black ink to block in the highlights and shadows.
A few layers of white gesso and iridescent paint later, and here we are.
I thinned down the iridescent paint and used it for the creases of the bed sheets and pillow.
Here’s a close-up. Oh, it’s so shimmery in person. I feel like a kid who can’t stop staring at shiny things.
I thought I’d help out those who are looking to buy mum a little special something for Mother’s Day (May 10). Prices are in US dollars with purchasing links following each necklace’s image.
