Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Ailey Dancer Painting

Hi everyone,

I'm pleased to present my latest creation: Ailey Dancer Sims. This is based on the promotional photo Alvin Ailey Dance Company used for their 2007 performances at New York's City Center. The featured dancer is Linda Celeste Sims and the painting is based on the photograph done by Andrew Eccles.


Ailey Dancer Sims
11'' x 14''
Oil on Gessobord


For those that didn't know, I took dance when I was younger (ballet) which sparked my appreciation for nearly all forms of dance performance (notice I didn't just say "all"). For the past 7 years I've seen Ailey at City Center and I certainly plan to continue to go every year that I can.

As for the painting, in case you haven't picked up on it already, faces aren't my thing. I can draw them but I can't paint them (sorry Linda). I tried to capture her expression but couldn't quiet do it (tips welcome). It's something I hope to improve on in the coming paintings. That's right, more dancer paintings to come but there are more ? paintings in the works to; they just take much longer to do.

Everything for Ailey Dancer Sims was done by hand, absolutely no tracing involved. I admit I am very pleased with it. I did my last Ailey painting about 3 years ago so I've got some catching up to do.

Thoughts, feedback are always welcome...don't be shy.

This new piece will be on my website shortly. In the meantime, here are some "before" pics of the painting taking shape.

Regards,
Michelle



Before shot #1

Before shot #2