Monday Wisdom...

The word "character" originated from the Greek words meaning "sculpture" and "impression." Character, then, could be thought of that which is shaped or etched. It may be true from a medical perspective that our psychological and physiological traits are generally predetermined genetically. Knowing this, however, adds little to our lives. All that matters is how we can better ourselves here and now.

The Jester according to Nancy Whishard

The Jester

A different version of the same body paint "The Jester", that was Created some time ago...geez last year!!

This version was the artistic creation of Nancy Wishard, the softer side of the Wishard Team if you ask me.

The Fab Team for this Adventure was probably one of the most dynamic thus far. Nancy Wishard and her Amazing Photoshop Skillz, some wicked tea cups and a wardrobe to make any pro-stylist drool over!!! Elise is just one of the most Stunning Creatures on Earth, Amy Lynn is a talented and Fab Mua with an eye for detail and super steady hand, and John Wishard...John is John the owner of 2 Fubies and Uber Geek Extraordinaire!!!

Till the next one...

Nibbles

MM Picture of the Day 12-22-2009

Scared of Spiders - Arachnophobia
First Place Winner Image for the Model Mayhem Picture of the Day Original Edition!!

Photographer Nancy Wishard
Concept Idea by Nancy Wishard

Model is the Beautiful Akara
Makeup and Hair by Amanda Whiterspoon
Body Paint By Your Truly
Body Paint Assistant John Wishard Makeup

Nibbles

Random Toughts...

Life is hard and at times it seems easier to give up, just throw in the proverbial "sponge", let the world move on and stop fighting...it seams easier, the right thing to do, the only thing to do...but then something or someone comes along and changes our view...our perception...long enough to make you see that there is light at the end, and that you are in charge of your life, your emotions and the outcomes of your actions, and that maybe...just maybe if you start now you can change what will happen tomorrow...

I was browsing aimlessly around on some of my friends blogs and found this...

"Don't"
Don't let what you are determine who you are.
Don't let what people think you are shape what you can become.
Don't let an idea turn into a belief.
Don't let a belief outweigh the truth.
Don't let your heart outweigh what's right.
Don't let your soul grow jaded.
Don't let others have your heart when they have not earned your respect.
Don't let any person lay an unwanted hand upon you.
Don't let your passions die.
Don't let people see your debt.
Don't let honest tears be wasted.
Don't let pride get in the way in the way of living.
Don't let love be forgotten.
Don't let men fight over things they can't possess.
Don't let women fight over things they can't possess.
Don't be afraid of the truth.
Don't let a lie go to waste.
Don't forget to take care of you.
Don't forget to listen to your heart.
Don't be too proud to ask for help.
Don't be too vain to offer help.
Don't judge until you know all of the facts.
Don't be afraid to be alone.
Don't think you can't stand alone.
Don't forget in the end you have to believe in self.
Don't think the world isn't watching.
Don't think kindness is weak.
Don't confuse happiness for ......................
Don't think for a moment you are not worthy of true love.
Don't let love pass you by.
Don't hope for change, create it.
Don't be afraid to get crazy from time to time.
Don't be afraid of hard choices.
Don't be afraid to let some love you for who you are.
With all of that I ask this,
What are your don't and can you say you live up to them?

"Posted by C Alexander "

I liked it so much that I decided to borrow it and add it to my blog too, share with those that read this and see if perhaps it changes something in you to...

Nibbles

Monday Wisdom...

Life is painful. It has thorns, like the stem of a rose. Culture and art are the roses that bloom on the stem. The flower is yourself, your humanity. Art is the liberation of the humanity inside yourself.

The Jester by John

Another great day in the company of great people doing another fantastic piece of art.

This body paint had my hamsters work really hard for their keep, by the end they were sweating...OK not sure if hamsters can sweat but you get my point....

The original idea was simple...black and pink. Barbie colors. The original canvas was divided into 2 base colors, my detail work would spread from one side the other and switch color from black to pink whether on the pink or black base...

My Curvy detail lines would give out a sensual womanly feel since my model was Elise, beautiful Tall, statuesque Elise. Elise that can make my art dance and come alive!

SIMPLE....until the pink would not, for the life of me, stick to the black...

Then everything went bad...my hamster started running and causing smoke to come out of my ears....John was frantically trying to appease the Vampire Hamster Gods by offering cigarettes, liquorice, Coca Cola, water or anything else withing his reach, Amy was diligently applying more paint in an even streak and covering up all the little spills that my frustrated hand was creating...Chaos was breaking loose in the Wishard Studio and no one could stop it!!!

Then the ever so calm Nancy says "why not just spay her?" ....

"WHAT????"

All the hamsters came to a complete halt and a piece a liquorice got stuck in my trough!

A tree fell in the forest and a planet died in the sky...but yes...that was it...why was I breaking my head and killing my hamster-subjects trying to archive something that was not possible with my current tools...and all along the solution was right there...

So with Nancy lightning strike and John spay bottle skills, AmyLynn Steady hand and Hair skills...the hamsters survived another day... and created ART!!!

Photography by John Wishard (and of course Mua Extraordinaire)

Model Elise Rebekah
Assistant Mua and Hair Specialist AmyLynn
Genius Idea by Nancy Wishard

Nibbles!

MI Contest Winner Monday, 14 December 2009

Model Insider Contest Winner Image of the Day!!!

Monday, 14 December 2009

Model Aimee Addison

Photographer Larry Nixon

Makeup by Yours Truly Naiyana

Join the New Modeling Community got to http://modelinsider.com/

Nibbles

Monday Wisdom...

Freedom is not merely the opportunity to do as one pleases; neither is it merely the opportunity to choose between set alternatives. Freedom is, first of all, the chance to formulate the available choices, to argue over them -- and then, the opportunity to choose.

by C. Wright Mills

MM Picture of the Day 12-11-2009

Zebra!

First Place Winner Image for the Model Mayhem Picture of the Day Original Edition!!

Photographer John Wishard

Concept Idea by Nancy Wishard

Model is the Beautiful Akara

Makeup and Hair by Amanda Whiterspoon

Body Paint By Your Truly

Body Paint Assistant John Wishard Makeup

Nibbles

MI Makeup Artist of the Week 12/07/09

Yeah I won again :)
Funny how the first time I won the Makeup Artist of the Week contest on Model Insider I did it by submitting 3 images all from from Larry, and now I won again using only images that I created with Nancy an John Wishard...next time I will try a combination...let's see what happens if I split them up a bit more LOL!!! Maybe I'll win a Mega Trophy!

Anyhow... check out the new modeling network site! http://www.modelinsider.com/

Nibbles!

Monday Wisdom...

"The deeper that sorrow carves into your being the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?"

by Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)

Makeup Forgever Glitters

Holidays are pretty much here!!Thanksgiving is over we just have 3 weeks left…or so to buy presents for others…and ourselves!! So little time and so much to do!!! Christmas and New Year are the Sparkly and Glittery Holidays! So I decided to treat myself with one of the best out there!!! Christmas would not be Christmas without glitter!

In my search I found Glitter by MUFE (Makeup Forever)... these are lightweight, fine particles of bright light that add glamour to any type/styles of makeup! And can be used on the face and body...they are also super safe to use on Children (Please use discretion on this...I would not use it on anyone under 8)

How to use it…Or here is how I use it…
On lips: Sprinkle onto lip gloss in the evening to emphasize lip volume, give it an extra humph!
On Body and Hair: To make glitter adhere to the body or hair, first spray these areas with water, then place a small amount glitter in the palm of your hand and gently blow onto the dampened areas, for a pro sprinkling it like salt would work best…last thing you want to do is blow on a model/bride/client…on the body lotion can also be used...apply lotion and than sprinkle glitter on still moist skin.
On Eyes: I tried it several ways…
1. Just simply apply on eyelid this gave me a very light look.
2. Using a wet brush…I dampen my lids and then applied the glitter, this gave me a better and longer lasting look, with more color.
3. The application I liked the best is the one where I applied the Mac Crème or Urban Decay Primer under it … this was FABULOUS!!! The Base gave the glitter enough moisture to stay on all night.
4. I dab some onto a mascara brush post-dipping and spread it over my lashes

Keep in mind:
Clearly, this is a loose glitter with no adhesive therefore I'd suggest applying some before putting this on.
A little bit goes a long way.
Glitter is still relatively easy to take off with just soap and water.

On a warning note:

I overheard that this Glitter is pretty much like the glitter you buy from an arts and craft store...
Well here is my say in the matter….
Craft glitter is not the same as cosmetic glitter!!!
It can be extremely damaging to the body if used instead of products that are face and body approved.

Research has found cases of severe eye and skin irritation from non-cosmetic grade glitter due to the glitter penetrating the skin or scratching the surface of the eye. In most cases the Craft Glitter is made from cheap metal, and is meant to be used on inanimate objects!

And for those of you that care for photographs...Craft Glitter photographs terribly since it reflects too much light!!!

Nibbles

Monday Wisdom...

Our destiny changes with our thoughts; we shall become what we wish to become, do what we wish to do, when our habitual thoughts correspond with our desires.

by Orison Swett Marden

MAC Creme Color Base

So last Sunday I did pretty much the stupidest thing in the history of my makeup adventure...I feel so stupid I do not know why I am writing this...Anyhow!!! I forgot my Makeup KIT!!!

Ok...I did not forget the kit, I somehow grabbed the wrong suitcase (I use a small carry on suitcase to carry my kit), and did not realize that I grabbed the wrong one until I was at the location of the Shoot...the Wishard Studio in Fallbrooks CA...45 + miles away from my house!!!!

Lucky for me, John Wishard has been dabbling with makeup for the past several months and was able to accumulate enough items to put the some of best muas to shame!

So I was able to manage the shoot using 100% of John’s Kit!

Somewhere in the middle of the shoot (between the first look and the 2nd) John and Chrissy (our beautiful model) ask what items I missed the most from my kit....

Well John’s kit is fabulous but I did miss 2 things…
My High Definition Powder by Makeup Forever and my MAC Crème Color Base....

The Mac Crème Color Base if great
It is a bit tricky to use and some rules must be followed for the crème to look and feel good...
First you must know that this is a versatile and multi-purpose, Cream Color Base can be applied directly to bare skin, or layered over foundation, moisturizer, or powder.

It can be applied with a brush, sponge, or fingers…I prefer fingers especially on a cold day.

Color effects range from a light veil to highly dramatic, depending on method of application. It is fragrance-free and that makes it great for me since I have a very sensitive nose...The Crème color Base is unbelievably smooth and non-greasy. It's super easy to apply and blend and even though it’s a crème, it doesn't melt off or get oily through the day.

Applied on cheeks gives a shimmery natural glow and doesn't accentuate pores, it can be used as a highlighter or a blush.

As an eye shadow (and this is where it gets sticky) I use it as a base, meaning I apply eye shadow over it, this makes it more luminous and long lasting, and alone is a bit difficult to use since it can crease easily (unless you keep your eyes closed for 15 min and let it dry...ok not 15min... more like 5minbut you get the idea...it takes time).

I am not sure if I like this better than my Urban Decay Eye shadow Primer Potion…since that is also a great product…I should do more of a comparison…one day J
So to end this I have to say I have several different shades of the Crème Color Base, I am happy with it and I will continue to use it :)

Nibbles

Monday Wisdom...

The boundaries which divide life from deathare at best shadowy and vague.Who shall say where one ends,and the other begins?

by Edgar Alan Poe

Monday Wisdom...

If you have great talents, industry will improve them; If moderate abilities, industry will supply their deficiencies. Nothing is denied to well-directed labor: nothing is ever to be attained without it.

by Sir Joshua Reynolds

A biography….

What is a bio? A biography, according to the dictionary, is a description or account of someone's life and the times… A biography is more than a list of impersonal facts, such as education, work, relationships, and if it applies, death, it also portrays the subject's experience of those events. Unlike a profile or curriculum vitae, a biography presents the subject's story, highlighting various aspects of his or her life, including intimate details of experiences, and may include an analysis of the subject's personality…

So a Biography is nothing more than a long description of yourself, your accomplishments, adventures and your past, a bunch of words put together in an attempt to describe a being that according to the “Texts” is unique, infinite and faulty…

A self promoting tool to highlight all the good and hide all the bad, an excuse to chant the virtues of those people that had a positive influence on us, and to deny how truly inadequate and lonely they made us feel…

Why do we write it? Why do we need it? Why couldn’t my work talk for itself, why do I need to define it, or excuse it…give it a reason for being?
I overheard people stating that a biography gives others a connection to the artist, an inside to their souls, an understanding of their work…but does it really? Could you really understand me by reading my bio? Can you really see the depth of my soul and the passion of my work by reading a piece of paper…?

I could write that I am from Mars and that I grew up in Kansas…and that my art work is inspired by an alien named Xuc that visits my cat every Wednesday night to watch the ultimate fighter show on TV…and that I have 3 tired hamsters in my head…

As an Artist I find it difficult to write a bio, having to describe on a piece of paper the challenges of my life, the passion and love of my art, to confess my shortcomings and my dreams, my inadequacies and my pet-peeves….and do so this with the hope that you would not hate me at the end.

It’s hard to put yourself out there for the world to see, it’s even harder to live life in hiding for fear of criticisms and ridiculed and finally confirm the inadequacies others have placed on you. Look at the mirror…what do you see…?

So here I am writing a bio… because it is appropriate and expected to do so, because like so much more in this life it is one of the requirements to be part of the “professional” world.

This is my bio, this is me…
I am an Artist…I have 3 hamsters in my head, their names are Ginger, Exer and Skippy…I can be your sweetest dream and worst nightmare. I am Me.
Welcome to my world…you might want to buckle up….

Nibbles…

MM Makeup Artist of The Week!!!

I did it!!! I won!!! Model Mayhem Makeup Artist of the Week!!!

Participating Images:

Yellow and Green: Model Vanessa, Mua Assistant Amy Lynn and Photographer Larry Nixon

Black and Gold: Model Elise and Photographer/Mua Assistant John Wishard

The Hunk: Model Cazz and Photographer Nancy Wishard

Check it out!!!
Nibbles!

Monday Wisdom...

Look within, for within is the wellspring of virtue, which will not cease flowing, if you cease not from digging.

by Marcus Aurelius

MM Picture of the Day +18

Winner of the Model Mayhem Picture of the Day + 18 for Nov. 6Th 2009!
Black and Gold

Model Mayhem has been holding contests for years (...or at least since it has been in business ... that I believe was sometimes in 05...) and every day there are several popular contests running; a Picture of the Day and a Picture of the Day + 18, and Concept Shot of the Day (that I won thanks to Nancy Wishard)

Every day a different a winner is chosen by the member of Mayhem...we all got the right to vote!! Hundreds of images compete every day to earn the privilege and bragging right that come with the badge!!

For the Nov 6Th Picture of the Day +18 Contest I submitted an image...there were 111 Entries, and Black and Gold won by receiving 64 Votes, the next runner up had 49 votes… so I won by...15 Votes!!!

Of course the Credit is not all mine, I was lucky enough to work with some wonderful and super patient individuals (the body paint took 5 hours to complete ... ask Elise her back was killing her…but you can not tell that from the images!!), John Wishard (photographer and Mua Extraordinaire) and Elise Rebekah (Wonderful Model)

And of course thank you all for your votes and support!

Nibbles

Black and Gold

Art…The Perfect Image…

What is the Perfect Image? How can it be achieved?
Well in my world where beauty and lights have a value of their own and The Perfect Image can be Priceless!! One needs to really sit down to do their homework!
There is a thin line between Great and Weird, Sexy and Trashy...Perfect and almost There...

Several factors are to be considered to achieve the Perfect image…
The photographer, the model, the stylist, and the honest and true conviction that this can be accomplished.
The photographer with his/her skill; from choosing a background, setting up the perfect light and mood, to the post drooling processing work.
The model and the knowledge of her/his own body and how to convey emotions and bring life into the image.
The Stylist, whether a Makeup Artist, Body Painter, Hair Stylist, Wardrobe Designer, their knowledge of their craft and ability to express it on the model. I believe they are the glue brings it all together; a good Stylist can make or Break a shoot.

A great Image is the sum of all its parts, of the team working together to achieve Perfection.
I had a few, I think, in my vain little world…but I plan to have more J

A few weeks ago I set up a photo shoot… with the goal to reproduce my paining of “doodle” on models… that will then be shown in a gallery.
So I set myself up with…the best photographer I could find/know/beg, a beautiful and expressive Model with the prefect body for my art...and no art I wanted to paint on her! I even had the photographer agree to play assistant for the base paint!!!
I paint and scribble all day and had nothing that was exiting enough to reproduce…until something hit me…some thing black and gold….and 45 minutes later on the night before the shoot I created my inspiration....

Original done on hard canvas and acrylics.

More Art by Naiyana

The Perfect Image!

Photographer John Wishard

Model is the Beautiful Elise Rebekah

Body Paint and Art on Canvas By Your Truly

Body Paint Assistant John Wishard Makeup...I know he does it all!!!

Nibbles

Tips and Tricks

The law of Foundation…

1. Foundation should be blended below the jaw line!
Many women stop applying foundation to soon creating “the mask look”
They just don't seem to catch this mistake even though they are looking in the mirror when applying their makeup! We all have seen the images of women/girls whit faces that appear paler or brighter than the rest of them!

2. Foundation needs to match your Skin color!
One of the most important rules… you need to pick a foundation color that closely matches your skin color. Not your hands, or your best friend face or the color of the tan you just got. Match the foundation by testing the color in between your Jaw line and your ear.

3. Use a sponge or brush to apply foundation; this will go a long way in helping to blend your foundation line. Wetting the sponge before application will help lighten the foundation feel and using a brush will help minimize foundation streaks.
Apply foundation all the way up to the hair line into the ears and down below the jaw line on the neck to avoid the mask. This of course does not apply to the Geisha look.

Remember that Makeup absorbs light, if you do not apply foundation correctly you will come off having patches or a mask, and if you will be participating in a photoshoot…please avoid Mineral Makeup (this is great for your everyday) but in a photoshot situation the minerals will sparkle…and not in a good way.

Again this is my opinion and what worked for me.

Cheers

Monday Wisdom...

When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.

by Helen Keller

Mehron's Paradise Makeup Detaiz

My new Addiction!!!!

Body Paint is one of my new addictions!! I have been preparing for a Gallery Show in January...where I will be hanging some of my body paint-canvas paining high breeds ... so I have been doing some research on some of the best body paint products out there...
My results well...there are sooo many but here is my new passion-addiction-time consumed doing stuff that others do not understand…Ok I got a few…like reading, paining, scribbling, sleeping, being overall lazy lol!!!

Detailz is one of the fantastic products in Mehron’s water base makeup line. Created to tickle the fancy of all makeup artists and body painters! Detaliz comes in a variety of colors, a convenient screw top, a build in applicator/brush and it washes off with soap and water! so no permanent mark...at least not on the body and face. It is a surprisingly flexible product that can be used as an every day eyeliner to fantastic and intricate body painting. Detailz liquid makeup can be used to create perfect dots, spots and fine lines, highly detailed and intricate patterns and unique artistic creations.


Easy to use and super flexible, this is a must for any body painter or Creative/Fantasy Makeup Artist.
I am slowly adding to my collections, started with the basic, black and white I now have gold, red, blue, yellow and purple…soon I will have them all!!! The can definitively add that extra touch in a designe and the tip is so fine that intricate and detailed work is a piece of cake to do!

Delailz can be purchased online at the Mehron’s website or if you live in San Diego, like I do, I suggest you stop by Gypsy Treasures in La Mesa. The have the best selection for Creative Makeup and Body Paint in San Diego County!!

Prize range form $4 to $8.50...cheaper than some most eyeliners out there!!

Ok got to go


Nibbles

Monday Wisdom...

If you have never seen beauty in a moment of suffering, you have never seen beauty at all. If you have never seen joy in a beautiful face, you have never seen joy at all.

by Johann Friedrich Von Schiller

Green and Yellow

There is time for "doodling"...and some more time for "doodling". Even since the decision (thanks to the hubby) was made that I was going to re-create my “doodles” on the body, I have been strategizing on how to achieve the best possible outcome!

Green and Yellow...

My second "from Canvas to Body" piece! ...and being only the second piece I did have a lot to learn… and so my list of “rules” continues…

This is the piece that solidified the belief that a controlled environment is necessary to really emphasize and appreciate the beauty of my body-paint…and the one where I learned that, for this particular project, a full nude model is preferred due to the post-processing work required to make the image look smooth and line-less…

Overall result…Wonderful, I loved every minute of it!

My team for this project was:

Larry Nixon ... photographer/friend/super patient person (...I can be a handful) and the cause of all the bunny pictures I have on my flikr!

AmyLynn ... Super Sweet and Super Talented Makeup Artist! She was not only super helpful with the base paint; she was the Genius behind the hair and face makeup (aside from the doodles)

And the Fabulous Audrey Vanessa ... the ultimate in professionalism and commitment! Vanessa had emergency appendicitis surgery a few days prior to the shoot!! And declined to reschedule since we planned this shoot over a month earlier! I have to say that I was truly impressed...and a bit scared...and a bit shocked! Vanessa rocked the shoot and gave us some amazing images!

Nibbles,

CG Exact Eyelight Eyeshadow!

My new addiction is Cover Girl Exact Eyelights Eyeshadow

I found it at Target while shopping for a new mascara. The colors attracted me, even though there is not fancy packaging with rainbows and unicorns on it.

I love this thing! You can match it to your eye color (yeah I got brown that is why the link brings you the brown shades) you can wear all 4 colors, or just 3 or just 2, and in any combination. And in any way, I keep mixing it up to see what would look good, and so far I came up with 5 different styles I like.

It really does give you an extra bust of color, and shine, my hubby says that my eyes sparkles (yeah well I know… he should say that all the times...but he doesn't)!!!I have been playing with it for the past 2 weeks and still love it, thinking of including it in my pro kit (yeah I carry cover girl in my kit and even NY...so what???? I got all the fancies stuff too)

I use it alone or add a shadow primer under it, it works well either way, and I add the Exact Eyelight Mascara with it…the mascara has a small amount of sparkles in it!!

Nibbles!!!