Some Student Portraits to Brag About

I recently taught a Value-Based Portrait workshop on Zoom to a group from Ottawa. It was originally planned as in-person, but life got in the way and we switched to Zoom, with the approval of the group.

The usual up-front work went smoothly and everyone was ready to spend the time to see what I did up front, and where they would go from there.

Each student sends a photo, which I convert to black and white, and then send them three "photo edited" effects, which create a more "painterly" design. Eliminates the eyelashes and fingernails and creates a very good value sketch.

Everyone was so enthusiastic about taking this journey, and some have shared their finished pieces with me, and given me permission to brag.

This magnificent portrait was hooked by one of the students for a very special friend, who I am sure will be thrilled. Jane, you nailed it!

Another student, who took one of my workshops last year, hooked her grandson in the class. This year she shared with me that she has now hooked all four of them. That's every teacher's dream that the student will continue to do what you shared with them. She sure makes me proud.

The thing about this workshop is that it is really a "values" workshop. Once everyone understands that it is using the correct value in the correct spot is what creates the face. And learning the importance of values is more important than any other lesson in rug hooking - or in any art form, full stop.

I will continue to share more as they come to me. I have shared them on social media, but not everyone is there. So this is a great place to share.