You would be hard pressed to find a more soulful and endearing person than Michelle Dunaway. Michelle is a dear friend of mine, a talented fine artist, and an amazing woman. She and I connect at such a core level – we can share a great laugh, a good cry, an interesting conversation, and always an inspiring creative collaboration. Michelle’s my soul sister :) So I jumped at the chance when Michelle asked me to join her drawing and painting workshop and take pics for American Artist magazine. Even though I had family shoots each morning, the past 5 days have been a whirlwind of inspiring art, geeking out on technique fundamentals and discussing light, shadow, color and line! Thank you Michelle – I had so much fun. Who needs sleep?
This is one of Michelle’s beautiful portrait paintings… I saw it in the studio, and I used it to inspire my portrait of her (above). I wanted it to look like one of her paintings… with soft blue tones and a gaze that draws you in… (taken with my favorite 85mm 1.2 and letting light enter the lens directly.)
Michelle is a master of the 5 Minute sketch…
Here are a couple of Michelle’s 5 Minute drawings, published in an art book, “Strokes of Genius II, The Best of Drawings.” Her work is incredibly inspiring to me – it’s confident, sensual, deliberate, and elegant. There are subtle nuances in even her simplest strokes…
It’s great to have a teacher with a sense of humor and patience. She always has a kind word of encouragement.
The picture on the left is my drawing of the gorgeous model (shown above). And another of Michelle’s beautiful 5 Minute demo drawings…
The Workshop was held at the freakishly talented Jeremy Lipking‘s studio in Agoura Hills. Jeremy, Michelle and I first met at an art gallery in 2001 when I did some posing for them. Here are some of Jeremy’s figure demo’s and his latest painting…
A couple of interesting characters in the studio…
A couple of juicy close-ups to finish up. I think these pics truly capture Michelle’s sensitivity, beauty and spirit.
I loved switching back and forth from photography to art – what a great way to be challenged, grow and stay inspired! I’m forever grateful to Michelle for the invitation and most of all… for her friendship.
xo,
Christa
PS. Michelle is not only a fabulous artist, but she’s also a phenomenal photographer. She was the gal behind the lens of my profile pic on the About page of this blog :)
Gorgeous woman – beautiful art! Love it!
Stunning art and photos. I think you captured this with amazing skill. Wonderful!
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Beautiful work with photos and charcoal.
Christa, continue to nurture your rare talents.
Christa,
I am truly touched by your soulful photography and heartfelt words..It was such a joy to have you visually document the workshop with your artistic eye and enthusiastic spirit..you managed to express, through your photos , not just what was happening, but the feeling and the emotion infused with process of what was happening ;creating art.
It’s exactly what I was talking about when creating a drawing or painting… you are a master painter with your lens! Great art reminds us of who we truly are, of what is dear to us, helps us to remember that anything is possible and believe again in the magic we knew to be real as children… your art, your photos, remind me of all of that…
AND…your drawings were Awesome!…keep it up girl! : )
much Love and many thanks,
Michelle ; D
Christa,
I am blown away by your beautiful work. You are truly a master of your trade. Thank you for sharing. I could not find one thing that didn’t sing to me. Please continue to express yourself with your camera.
Thank you so much,
Belinda
I love the colors of these photos. I would love to take photographs like these. They are so real…
Beautiful and moving pictures Christa! They capture all the sensuality of art. You and Michelle are a perfect match :)
I am in love with this post. Great collection of moments, details and beautiful light. I need to take a painting class now!
Your documentary photography is the perfect balance of portraiture, details and atmosphere! I remember all the way back to the series you did on the cobbler…AMAZING!
This whole blog post is super stunning Christa!!
Beautiful paintings, beautiful photos.
I just love it.