The Lincoln Project

As an artist, one of the catch 22's is that revealing your artwork also reveals your vulnerabilities.

So much energy, time, and soul goes into your work/creation it's an extension of you, and sharing can be scary. I started this work of art over a year ago, a portrait of Lincoln. 

Lincoln is one of the most well known presidents, so why paint him? Perhaps it's because his birthday is only one day after mine? Or I was entering into a volatile political election? Or that I wanted a different subject? Or the new movie Lincoln was coming out? In any case, I identify with Lincoln. Lincoln was a very complex, and yet simple person. How he had the strength to lead our country with opposing sides and depression knocking at his door, I will never know.

Purchasing a large expensive piece of watercolor paper for this project was a huge step for me. Its hard to plan a piece when the recipient is unknown. For now- it's mine, and I will share my progress with you. Up to this point I had my sketch down on the pricey paper. 

Bo Peep convinced me to paint Lincoln since it is Presidents Day and my plans were cancelled due to the weather. I have a list two miles long of "should do's", but I set them aside and got to work.

Laying down frisket first to keep some white areas.

Waiting for the frisket to dry gives me time to play.

I raided the pantry.

The results. I choose the cornmeal.

Then I started in with the color.

A good start, but fatigue is setting in so I will leave my "green man" for now. Plus time and pictures give me better perspective. Happy President's Day!