Painting an American Gothic Girl

On my list of “things to do” has been to paint an American Gothic piece. But more “whimsy” and more “doodly”. I hope that makes sense?! Maybe it’s the colors that I was looking for. And the calmness, and the realistic style…but more doodled. Okay less talking, more showing…

Here is the face. So many layers. She was painted on cradleboard…which made more even more layering.

I also wanted 3 panels. I think these are 9×12 each. The cradleboard panels are turned into chalkboards.

I saw something similar in style on Pinterest a long time ago, and it stuck with me. Of course, I’m not finding it now, darn it. Anyway, I haven’t hung the panels anywhere yet. Just playing around, dragging the girl into different areas and trying to decide where to put her.

One cool thing about her chalkboard body is that you can change it…sorta like a paper doll. Here was the dress she wore yesterday.

I’ve been having fun with my American Gothic girl! It was fun to try something new and different!

I took some snaps of the layer process, and here is her face from start to finish. I love to watch the process, hope you do too. The color transformation and just conquering the look I wanted with the colors I had (an I have a lot mind you) was a fun process. I know it’s hard to see the depth of the color on a flat screen…but I’ll do my best.

Now she needs a name…

Edit: Check out this link to see the inspiration by Charise Harper. Thanks, Jan, for finding it! http://www.designsponge.com/2009/01/sneak-peek-charise-harper.html