More Doll W.I.P.s!!(work in progress)

Its been a few crazy days here in South Florida, we went from high 80's to low 70's and now lots of rain. Here are the girls in the next stage of make up. I have given them all a heavy black liner, soft makeup with a pinky-red lip to keep the look fresh. I have already made the costumes and am working on the shoes. I will share those photos as we get closer to the show date.

Next week starts the hair and accessories. Then on to the decorations for the booth!
This week I over worked my right hand and now I have swollen fingers, which sucks to put it mildly.
I will rest it this weekend and then its back to work!

Have a great weekend

Rosanna

Fashion for Art Festival!

My date with the Art Festival is quickly approaching,Feb 13-15th, and I still have so much left to do! The one thing that brings me a little comfort is knowing that I work better with deadlines and under pressure;)
I am at the stage in the work that I can see that its coming together in a way I like, slowly but surely.
My creative side always wants to create something wildly extravagant with all of the trimmings and then my practical side slaps my creative side and yells-Get a grip!!Your'e on a budget and a schedule so lets get to work!
I was inspired by 2 designers whose work touched on several ideas I can relate to. Since I have a background in fashion design and Miami has a lot to do with the fashion world I thought it would be appropriate to incorporate that in an art doll for this event.
 There will be 10 art dolls, some who you may know;), each one is approximately 18 to 20 inches tall but with hair and bases some will be almost 24 inches tall. These are my largest dolls to date.
I have a lot of work left to do on the booth as well. I want to give it some decorations without calling attention away from the art.
For this show, the dolls are my own version of 3D fashion illustrations. Here is what I do after sculpting every doll and sanding them. I begin layering 2 to 3 acrylic colors for the skin, photo 1, then washes of watercolors and pastels to bring in some color and features, photo 2. Once dry I paint in the eyes and varnish everything. My girls are all painted and assembled and lined up on my work table awaiting costuming, then wigging!! The bases are also waiting for some sanding, holes, paint and varnish.
All of this actually took over a month and a half of hard work starting from the idea, to illustration, to gathering supplies and materials, then creating armatures, sculpting, drying, sanding and painting.
I still have a month of work to go. In the end its all worth it to see all of that energy you put into creating something that is then being taken home by someone who admires and appreciates it.

Hugs,
Rosanna

P.S. Stop by soon for more work in progress pics!

Happy 2016!!!

Well it's almost over, 2015 came and went in the blink of an eye! I don't know if its just me but the years seem to go by faster and faster, I need a stop button!
2015 held some difficult days and sleepless nights for me as well as some joyous moments and lots of new ideas that came to fruition.
I am moving in a new direction in my art, it feels like a natural progression for me and will be changing several things in 2016 hopefully for the better.
I will be sharing more inspiration, ideas, projects and classes than ever before.
So please join me in making 2016 a very creative year for all of us.
I wish you joy, inspiration, health and success, have a wonderful New Year!!!
-Rosanna

Happy December!!

Well the year is almost over, I hope everyone is getting in the holiday spirit!! This time of year just flies by so quickly for me especially since the seasons dont change around here. My preppy little tree is up and about 85% decorated;) I will share some pics this weekend.

I feel very honored that I was selected again to participate in the St Stephens Art Festival along side the Coconut Grove Arts Festival in February. I am creating a whole new collection just for the February show with some very large girls, all are over 2 feet tall!! I can't wait to show everyone the work but since it is a juried show I cant show the completed pieces until after the judges see it, so in the mean time I will show you my progress pics as I go as well as some of my booth decorations as I make them!! Im all about the details:D

For art shows I like to have the idea of the theme, the poses and fabrics, completely fleshed out before I even begin to work on the dolls. Heres the start of the dolls.

Have a great week everyone!!
Rosanna

Happy October Everyone!!

I hope all of you are doing great. I cant believe it is October already!! I have been in full swing filling commissions and preparing for an art show in early 2016.
I also want to thank all of you that joined my online doll making class at A for Artistic, it was amazing to meet so many amazing ladies from all over the world!

Well its still hovering at 90 degrees here in South Florida but I know its fall because Starbucks is selling Pumpkin Lattes! I started a new project that I hope to share the progress pics with you all in the upcoming months. As soon as I finish all of my commissions I will be putting some work in to my Etsy shop.
I am going to cut back on my commission work in 2016 in order to get more of my own creations out of my head. My notebooks are full of ideas and begging to be brought to life so I will oblige.

Here is a little art doll from the past to usher in some of the creepiness that belongs in October!

                                                         

Have a wonderful week!!

Rosanna

New Doll Class Info Now Available!

Here is my new Complete Doll class for AforArtistic!

Abby has been looking forward to her birthday party all year long.  

She's invited everyone in her class, even the boys, because she is finally turning 8!!   Mom wants Abby to sit like a little lady and keep her hair neat but Abby wants to run wild and free!! 

In this class we will be using a simple template that you can sculpt directly on top of, building a wire armature, and sculpting the head hands and legs from Paperclay. 

You will also learn to paint the doll, make a simple dress pattern and completely costume and wig a doll.  

With the knowledge you acquire in this class and the template I created for you, you will be able to make enough dolls to have your own party!!

The class is divided into 5 Lessons with step by step instructions and photographs. 

Class begins September 3rd, so you have plenty of time to get your supplies and the kiddos off to school. I hope you will join me in this special class!!

Hugs,

Rosanna

New Class Coming Soon!

I forgot to post this from my facebook page! Here are the different stages of creating a paper clay doll head. Having some fun while putting together the final details of my next class for AforArtistic! Class will be offered for Fall. I will announce the dates as soon as I have them. 

My little Muse meditates in her tea cup while I work;)

Have a great week!!

Rosanna