I started the background of this piece a while back and had it hanging around my studio until I was inspired to finish it.  That happens a lot–I get on a tear of making a bunch of different backgrounds and then have to circle back and finish each one with the sentiment and character I want.

Sometimes it’s a matter of thinking of just the right saying, other times I find some collage pieces that would be a perfect fit for the colors I used for the background.  I try not to rush it and just go with the flow when inspiration strikes.  That’s why I’m always working on a few pieces at a time!

Here is the first two layers:

The next layer includes some more colors, filling in some empty areas and adding stamps and accents.  I love the blank space in the middle left, it gives the eyes somewhere to temporarily rest.

When I was happy with the background vibe, I was ready to create the girl.  I apply a layer of gesso on top of the background so that the colors don’t show through in the face.  If I just paint a face on top, sometimes you can see tones of the background color underneath.

Next I painted her hair and found her dress.  I like to contrast the colors + styles when I’m collaging; it’s fun to put things together that wouldn’t normally go.

Here’s a close up of the stamps I use and some of her face details.  *swoon*  I’m falling in love with her.  (That happens a lot.)

And here she is all done!   I named her Olivia, which is my sister’s name, because I thought about her a lot when I was painting this one.

This print available in my shop here.

We’re all a work in progress, so no matter where you are in your life, love who you are.