Live Painting at The Cheech
I was asked to do a live painting in front of the new Cheech Museum. Although I am super busy, I jumped at the opportunity. Live painting is something that has always scared me. I decided to challenge myself to do a live portrait, alla prima style (wet on wet). I thought hiring an Aztec dancer would not only fit the theme of the museum but it also landed perfectly near Dia de los Muertos. This felt like I was about to take a skills test, except with lots of people looking over my shoulder. oh ..and one that I created for myself.
After hunting for a model on social media, I was introduced to Mia Ochoa. Mia had been dancing since she was 9 years old, she was not only eager to pose for me but also taught me a lot about the proper name of the regalia: “Atuendo”. She also told me that the makeup she wore was painted to remember those close to her that have passed on. The cheeks were shaped in butterfly wings to represent her sibling that was miscarried and the stars on her forehead represent the tattoos her late grandfather had on his knuckles.
I had 3 hours to paint and the weather was getting colder. I wasn't sure if I could pull it off. I knew that an accurate drawing was vital or I would struggle the whole time. So i took my time measuring proportions of the face.
At this point I was so zoned out, the chatter behind me became white noise and I kept forgetting to give Mia a break. Poor girl.
She sat like a rock and never complained once. She later tells me suffers from scoliosis!
Here are the final results. I was able to finish this in 2.5 hours, a new record for me.
