Last week in my class at Oregon Society of Artists, several painters were having trouble learning facial anatomy. I did a quick, impromptu lesson on painting facial features, challenging each artist to paint the face in different ways: simply, realistically, with exaggeration, with different skin tones, combining painting with drawing etc.

One thing that I forgot to mention to them is how much sculpting a face can help painters to learn to create features. It really helps one to understand the construction of a head in 3 dimensions!

“Jolly old St. Nick” sculpted figurine by Ruth Armitage

Here are a couple of figurines I created over past Christmas seasons. I hope you’re holiday season brings joy and a sense of wonder at the beauty that surrounds us. Art is important, as it helps us to remember the beauty and joy in a world filled with sorrow and strife. Bring a bit of joy and art into your life, give art as a gift, make art this holiday season!

a reminder about the #Big500 art show:

Opening this Saturday, December 12th, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at People’s Art of Portland,

3rd floor, Pioneer Place Mall

All artwork cash/credit & carry – $40 each – over 5,000 works 8″x8″ by 500+ local artists!