The Kaz Windness Blog

I love everything about Nina Simone – her music, passion, beauty, and powerful voice for equal rights.

On merchandise here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/kazwindness/works/30319719-nina-simone?asc=u&ref=recent-owner

My Non-Fiction Illustration students (Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design: www.RMCAD.edu) are working on a caricature project this week, and I wanted to show them the importance of shape in a composition. The human brain processes large shapes first, and if engaged, the viewer will stick around to look at details. A common student mistake is to jump into details too early in the process. If you develop a good composition and value structure first, you’ll have a much better shot at a successful final.

Here are a couple screen grabs to show process. I was also listening to Nina Simone’s music for the two hours I was working on the painting. It helps me tap into personality and essence and impart some of that into the art. I recommend it!