Mixed Media Self Portraits inspired by, Suzy Ultman
“I do believe in an everyday sort of magic -- the inexplicable connectedness we sometimes experience with places, people, works of art and the like; the eerie appropriateness of moments of synchronicity; the whispered voice, the hidden presence, when we think we're alone.”
- Charles de Lint
This mixed-media portrait project is inspired by and dedicated to my soul sister supreme, Suzy Ultman. Suzy’s whimsical design and illustration work has danced across book pages, toys, textiles, home goods, fine art prints, softies, stickers and enamel pins. If you aren’t following Suzy on IG yet, do yourself a favor and wander over and take a peek at the “wee and wonderful” world she has created. Spotted cats and personable blooms, feathered friends, tiny houses, Russian nesting dolls, lush fruit, underwater sea creatures, cars that beep…AND let’s not forget the ladies with the BIG HAIR.
I have been lucky enough to call this insanely-talented woman my good friend over the past couple of years. It’s a long distance deal (she’s in Ohio and I’m in Los Angeles) but every time we jump on a call to catch up I am reminded of what a rare and marvelous being she is. You know when you meet someone and you feel like you have known them your whole life? That’s how I feel about Suzy.
R, H and I had SO much fun turning ourselves into BIG haired Suzy girls. We have a hunch you will too!
pictured left to right: friendship - bloem - make time for play | you can find these prints and so much more in Suzy’s shop
Materials:
stickers from Suzy’s Masha Activity book
black and white prints of portrait-style photographs
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Print a black and white portrait photo 2. trim all access paper so that you are left with just the head and upper torso 3. block out your big hair and clothing with acrylic or tempera paint 4. When your paint dries you can start to add details and patterns with a paint pens, markers and gel pens 5. Time for the final layer. Add stickers, found images, hand drawn icons, and stamps!
In this photo you can see how we each blocked out our hair and torso with paint. I decided I wanted to draw my torso..so I am just a big bun-ed floating head at this stage in the process.
I used white paint to create my the base layer of my bun and glasses and black india ink in a paint dauber for the outline of my clothing and hair.
Ri added a washy pink watercolor as the base of her background
So what do you think? Are you going to give these whimsical self portraits a go? We would love to see yours! Don’t forget to tag us on IG @artcampla. Cheers!
