Copying from a photo reference is not cheating. I often remind myself of this because for a very very long time I thought I could never be a “real” artist, because I always used a photo reference. That is how I learned to draw … I can remember being 5 years old and copying ScoobyContinue reading “Copying is Not Cheating”
Author Archives: EmybackArt
In the Fall of My Life
As I enter the fall season of my own life, I have a new appreciation for what it means to be “middle-aged.” I have always loved autumn for its colors (who doesn’t right?). Though I will admit I really do miss the unmatched autumn landscape of the Northeast where I grew up. The Midwest isContinue reading “In the Fall of My Life”
Hope
I have been participating in the bi-annual Art Circle exhibition at Carle Cancer Institute in Normal, Illinois for a couple of years now. Usually, I submit a painting that is complete, but not at the gallery for sale. This year I decided to try something different and submit a painting that I painted specifically forContinue reading “Hope”
Ruth Bader Ginsburg Tribute Portrait
Sharing a tribute painting I did of Ruth Bader Ginsburg after she died in 2020. I — like many — are often moved to make tribute paintings when people die. Like we are trying to preserve their essence in a permanent form. I think it is meaningful. The painting was done all in black inkContinue reading “Ruth Bader Ginsburg Tribute Portrait”
Not Happy with My progress..
I worked on Frida for about an hour more tonight and I am still not happy with how it is going, I am having a very hard time with her face and skin tone. Looks okay when Ian working on it but when I step away… Ugh think I’m going to put this on holdContinue reading “Not Happy with My progress..”
Little Pieces of Art
I have been under the weather for the past week, getting much worse since Sunday. Went to the doctor yesterday, and it is not Covid, so that is good news. It is hard to concentrate on my bigger pieces when I am not doing well, but creating little pieces of art is manageable — andContinue reading “Little Pieces of Art”
Painting vs. Sketching Faces
When I was young, the only medium I ever used was pencil. When I took ”Honors Art” my senior year of high school, my teacher would not let us use pencil. Only pen in our sketchbooks. And boy to did I come to love ink! Then, our final project was to paint a self portrait.Continue reading “Painting vs. Sketching Faces”
More Cats (and Dogs too!)!
Here is a collection of Pet Portraits that I have done over the past few years for friends and family. Digital, Ink, Alcohol Ink, Watercolor and Acrylic! Each has a different feel. If you are interested in a pet portrait, and like my style, I am always accepting commissions! Thanks for visiting … and stopContinue reading “More Cats (and Dogs too!)!”
Cats!
I have done lots of traditional pet portraits for friends and family. I have also done a lot as part of my Inspire Me Facebook Promotion from last summer (https://www.facebook.com/eileenbackmanart/). And the animal I have definitely done the most … is cats! So I am just sharing of few of my cat portraits because theyContinue reading “Cats!”
Building Portrait: Ewing Manor
Ewing Manor is the home of the annual Illinois Shakespeare festival in Bloomington, Illinois (my hometown). Plays run from mid-July through mid-August and are held in a beautiful outdoor theatre on the magnificent grounds of the estate. In the spirit of the festival, I decided my next building portrait would be of Ewing Manor. TheContinue reading “Building Portrait: Ewing Manor”