New Series: “Face Time”
Back in September of ’08, I started sketching closeups of women’s faces. I felt that pieces featuring large, colorful, graphic female faces with voluminous, flowing hair would make for a striking series.
For nearly a year, I’ve toyed with the idea, while refining the sketches and contemplating the execution and the medium.
The early part of ‘09 was spent on production and prep for my “Bomb Pop!” exhibit in June. When that show ended, I wanted to jump right into some new work – but the inspiration wasn’t there. So I waited…for days…then weeks. I was smack in the middle of a summertime slump.
Meanwhile, I was busy creating content for the launch of this website. A couple days before the launch, I decided to write a post on breaking through creative blocks. Five hours after I wrote that post, came my own breakthrough – BAM!
By the end of the night, I had created “Forgive Me, Gracie”, the first piece in the series I had dubbed, “Face Time”.
Five days later, came “Dreaming of Rita”. By mixing background photographs with text and sketches, I’ve created a multi-media mash-up that juxtaposes beauty amidst a distressed mess of textural chaos.
This is an apt metaphor for Life, in which we need to appreciate the flowers among the garbage.
I think that four pieces is a good number for a mini-series, so I’ll create two more pieces before I get them produced.
As for production, I’m thinking of giclée prints on canvas, which I will wrap around 40”x30” stretcher bars. So far, all my work is printed on sintra (a heavy, PVC-based material) and I’m eager to try out some different materials.
Stay tuned for more on the “Face Time” series as it evolves…
Welcome to Nikolas Allen Art dot com. I am a Contemporary Pop Artist with a background in music, advertising and video production. 
Comments
Hey Nikolas!
thanx for posting this! I’m going to use it tomorrow….right in time for me to discuss how artists plan for art works. little sketchy ideas evolve into bigger ideas and finished peices! Give a shout out to Ms. Weihe’s 7th grade art students when you can!
P.S. I’m really glad CA-lee-forn-I.A. is a good landing spot for you! MN misses you. STay True!
Hello to Christine and all the creative youngsters in the 7th grade art class!!
Students, be sure to keep a sketch book and save your old sketches. You never know when they might inspire a new idea or be used for something in the future.
Have fun!!! ~ Nikolas Allen
2nd hour art wants to know what the last word in Dreaming of Rita is…..Irene Memorich and Melanie say Hi…and dearset wishes from Irene. Awesome hair from Beth and Melanie and Sophie and L:indsey and Jaelyn……whew I think that’s all….for now.
Nikolas,
Expect a few more notices from students here!
3rd hour wants to know:
Why do you only draw women?
What does the text say in the picture of Gracie?
Why did you name them Gracie and Rita?
How many people visit your website?
What is your favorite color and why?
whew! 3rd hour is inquisitive!
4th hour wants to know what are you planning on drawing next?
The whole class says HI but Kyle says YO.
Kelsey likes the way you draw the long hair.
WOW! Thanks for all the great comments and questions!! I’ll try to answer them all. Here goes:
Big shout-outs to the 2nd-hour Superstars – Irene, Melanie, Beth, Sophie, Lindsey and Jaelyn!
As for the awesome hair, Thank you! I assume you mean on “Gracie” and “Rita”, but I’ll have you know that on a good day, mine’s pretty awesome too! HaHa!
The background words in “Dreaming of Rita” are not really supposed to be legible. It’s more like a secret message that adds shape and texture. BUT, since you asked, I’ll tell you. It says, “Senorita, You Make Life More Sweeta”.
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A big “Whassup?!” to the super curious 3rd-hour peeps! I’ve answered you in Q & A format:
Why do you only draw women?
So I can celebrate and honor their awesomeness.
What does the text say in the picture of Gracie?
“Forgive me, Gracie” is repeated twice.
Why did you name them Gracie and Rita?
Those names came to me when I was creating each piece. Part of creating art is letting art create itself.
How many people visit your website?
I launched it three weeks ago. There have been a couple hundred visitors so far and the audience keeps growing.
What is your favorite color and why?
I love pink and orange ‘cuz they are such happy colors.
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Yo, Yo, Yo to Big Kyle and the 4th-hour crew!
Kelsey, thank you for the compliment! Drawing hair is a challenge, but I’m pretty pleased with how these two turned out.
What am I drawing next? Hmmm, good question! I’d like to do two more women in this “Face Time” series, then I’ll see where it goes from there.
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Thank you so much for viewing my site! I hope you all have FUN creating lots of awesome art this year!
~Nikolas Allen
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