For my next portrait subject I chose an artist I really, really admire. She has one of the purest voices I have ever heard. It’s one of those voices that sounds so effortless that when you are belting out one of her songs in your car, you actually think you sound good until the volume gets turned down and you are humbled in a big way. I mean, I don’t do that but I’m just saying if someone did….. ***wink*** .
She is SARA BAREILLES and I just love her.!
I knew a few of her songs but it wasn’t until my sister saw her at a small venue/ botanical garden in Colorado and could not stop raving about her that I took the deep dive and became a super fan. I play her “Brave” anthem whenever I’m needing strength, “She Used to Be Mine” for when I need a good cry and the entire waitress soundtrack just for pure fun. She is authentic, vulnerable and a ridiculously, under the radar talent! Oh yeah, did I mention she wrote a hit broadway musical and is also an author????? Her memoir, Sounds Like Me, is wonderful if you are looking for a fabulous read! (5 star rated on Amazon!) What a TALENT!!!!!
My sister and I saw her recently at the Pepsi Center in Denver. We brought along a close friend who was not familiar with her work. I watched as our friend could not unglue her eyes from the stage the ENTIRE concert. Another super fan was born that day!!! If you get a chance to see her you are in for a REAL treat!!!!
Here is a phone pic while in process in my lap. I had to send it to my sister while we on the phone:)
I really loved working on the cascading tendrils of hair. I added some DMC etoile thread to add just a hint of shimmer.
Her shirt had gold sparkle in it so I used a metallic thread. It is such a pain in the neck to use but the results are great and really add that extra shimmer.
Here is an eye close up. The thing I found so distinct about her eyes were actually the shape of her eyebrows!
Eyelashes are always tough to pull off but I used spool thread which is a little thinner.
Here she is all done!!! I put my hand next to it for a size reference. I size my portraits to fit in a six inch hoop frame . It is big enough to capture the details but small enough to finish in two weeks.
I love putting the finished pieces in a shadow box. It is a great way to protect the needlework plus there is something so magical about them!
****COMING SOON**** I will be offering my portraits for sale. I also would love to take commissions.
Thanks for stopping by!
Warmly,
Pam