Works in Progress: Julie Ahmad's New Portrait Series

Every so often, I get the urge to try something outside of abstracts. Recently, I had visions of creating a portrait series celebrating and honoring women.

This past March, I signed up for a weekend workshop in California with Kara Bullock founder of the Kara Bullock School of Art. I flew out from ATX to learn as much as I could about portrait techniques from the best. I came home with my very first portrait on paper [well, since high school drawing classes]. It felt fresh and exciting!

As soon as I moved into my new studio/lady cave, I was finally free to create uninhibited. "Eve" was the first thing that took over the canvas. She didn't have a name at first, but, I mean, she looks like an "Eve" and is, hopefully, the first of many.

Combining my painting techniques and what I learned from the weekend workshop, a portrait with elements of my black + blue series came out. Then, I was inspired to create a black + blue portrait series.

My First Portrait of the Series

She's always ready for her close-up!

[I've also started adding my signature! It is something I've been hesitant to do, but I'm learning to take more pride in my work.]

When I tried out a couple of other faces, I found myself struggling a little with certain angles and features. So, I put charcoal pencil to sketchbook paper, and with enough practice, I was ready to hop back on the canvas.

Since then, I also felt inspired to jump back into large-scale abstracts and already finished "She Finally Came," "Men-On-Pause," and "Funfetti." The great thing about trying something new is getting fresh perspectives that reinvigorate all of my work.

Stay tuned!