Artist: Marilyn Minter

I have loved Marilyn Minter's paintings for years. When I was in NYC in 2005 I saw one of the extreme larger than life gangrene high heeled foot paintings. I was in awe, I couldn't look away.  The detail and technical skills used is absolutely exquisite. 

I can't wait until I am not restricted by time and space and am able to spend more time on my current paintings. Such an inspiration you are M.M.  They have even started making purses with her work on it. 

Avant Garde Portraits

Taking some portraits messing around with make-up, and of course always having future paintings in mind. Here is the result, messing around with some photo editing on them also.

Avant Garde Photo shoot

(Forever 21 Faux Fur Vest, Forever 21 High waisted Knickers, Secondhand over the knee Boots)

Sping 2009

(Oil on board)

I did this painting last spring, and it still seems to be on my mind....Perhaps a larger version of it is necessary?

2 Sides to every tale

(Leopard Print Stretch T from Goodwill, Forever 21 Acid Wash bodycon skirt, Black sweater shawl thrifted in Europe, Acne Atacoma Wedges, Museums Smykker Chain Necklace, DIY Leather Snap Cuff)

More progress on 3x4 painting...in the background. Working on it every day, it already has about 5 layers on it. A slow process, really. Well my hair won't do anything since I just colored it, so this is how it turns out after going to bed with it wet and running a brush through it in the morning. Oh, the life of stick straight hair...I could use some body, anybody want to help out with that?

I'm ready for my close up Mister...

Testing out super close up shots....And new platinum blonde hair, lighter than expected. Lightening my own hair ended up being a little scary...at one point I ran out of the shower and said "MY HAIR IS BLUE!!!" haha....it was a fun experience. And money saving, really.

In Progress

I get a lot of questions about how a painting starts, so I thought it would be fun to show the beginning to the end.  Here is one I just started last night. Sorry about the poor quality photos, I was only with my cell phone camera in my studio.  I haven't worked this large in a really long time, so it should be interesting to see what happens. Will be updated on progress. 

Oil painting (Under painting, first 2 layers) Stretched canvas on board, 3'x4' 

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Pushing the Oil Painting

(oil and transfer on board)

A psychological comparison of fashion models vs. self-portrait

Behind the dumpster

(Secondhand sweater, Revival silk scarf, American Apparel Cream V-Neck T, Abercrombie Leather Belt, Urban Outfitters Pattern Tights, Vintage Sunglasses, Acne Atacoma Wedges)

These pictures were actually taken a few weeks ago behind the dumpsters at work. For some reason I forgot to post them! My lovely friend Shelby shot me and there were so many good pictures it was hard to choose. It was a beautiful day and one to be celebrated outside.

Preserves and Beautifies

(acrylic, colored pencil, conte, epoxy resin on paper)

Two views. I covered this drawing with something called epoxy resin, which is usually used as a protectant for finished table tops, etc. The stuff is ridiculous, so toxic and so cool. It made the paper appear somewhat transparent and even pulled some of the paper off when I removed it from the flat surface. The result is a hard and glossy surface "preserving and beautifying" my drawing.

Studio lovin'

Welcome to my studio!

Thought I would post a few photos of the space where I basically live and create.

Pet Accessory

(UO Silence and Noise Leopard Print Jeans, Secondhand Mesh Tank by Jarbo, Thrifted DIY Blazer, H&M Scarf and Lace Wedge Shoes, Vintage Jewelry, Thrifted Triangle Patchwork Backpack)

My sister's dog Raffi is so stinkin' cute that I couldn't resist a photo shoot with her while my sister was in town visiting. We dressed her up in a little sweater and went on a walk around the West side of town. She doesn't even look like a real dog!

Drawings

(acrylic, colored pencil, conte on paper)

Bring on the rain

(Secondhand Blazer, American Apparel Mesh Bodysuit, Forever 21 Zippered high waist skinnies, YSL Look-a-like Netted Heels, Mom's Vintage Hoop Earrings)

I forgot to post these last weekend. I had a mini-photo shoot at 2 am because I was home alone and feeling creative.  Plus, I needed new images to incorporate into my paintings...so these were fun little creations in the rain.

Downtown

(Secondhand Oversized Sweater, Urban Outfitters Faux Denim Leggings, Thrifted Triangle Patchwork Backback, Vintage Hushpuppies Fur-Lined Boots, Erica Weiner Snake Vertebrae Necklace)

Downtown Iowa City is such a cool place to shoot photos. The ped mall is constantly crawling with people and it's full of cool little shops. The nightlife in this city is outrageous. Especially during football games, downtown is swarmed with Hawkeye College Students. It can be really ridiculous.