It’s not for you, Red Lipstick edition, oil paint, 22”x 28”
Red lipstick... a bold choice of glamour and a personal style statement. While this adornment supports self-confidence, its striking appearance attracts the male Gaze, making it a focal point hard to ignore, bruising its wearer.
This oil paint-focused mixed-media artwork is part of the series It's Not For You. This series explores themes of the female form and the "expectations and power" that come with it. Specifically, accessories, actions, and stylistic choices that provoke a presence of confidence, creating a sense of power and command. In contrast, from the male Gaze, these accessories are worn purely to attract rather than for oneself.
My first step began with sketching my subject and composition. For this painting, I am using a photograph from my collection, Kisses.
(November 10th, 2025)
Here is the first oil paint update! This is only the first layer of the nose, which is why it lacks depth.
(November 10th, 2025)
Update!
(November 11th, 2025)
To involve visual interest, I am applying molding paste to the sides of the canvas and around the edges of the front. The concept is to use the applied texture to make a background that appears to be lipstick swatches. I will match the model's lipstick shade as the background to strengthen this concept.
(November 14th, 2025)
Happy Thanksgiving! Today, I am extra grateful for my passion in the arts. This past week, I was sick and away from the studio, unable to exercise my artistic muscle. This painting has been particularly challenging for me, making it a learning exercise in patience and trusting myself.
(November 27th, 2025)
Here, I've painted the background and the first layer of the teeth. The lipstick impression on the model's cheek is only the undertone. I will paint the detailed impression once the paint has dried.
(November 28th, 2025)
Today I decided to change the background color to a more solid dark shade. Once the paint on the left cheek has had time to slightly dry, I will color-correct the shadows to make the painting more cohesive.
(November 29th, 2025)
I painted the first layer of the lips. My next step is to add highlights and shadows.
(November 30th, 2025)
In this update, I've added a thicker layer of paint to the background and added to the shadows through the model's face. There are only a few more steps left in this artwork!
(December 3rd, 2025)
