XOXO Love Face Mixed Media Painting

my shop URL: quirkyheartmade.etsy.com

I was just listing my finished artworks to etsy and it inspired me to talk a little bit about it. I was online looking at different contests trying to come up with a theme for a new art piece & I stumbled upon one for Valentine's Day that was limited to the colors pink, red, white & black. (The background is a peach color even though the light makes it look more orange-y than it is.) I felt like a girly, psychedelic make-up like piece would fit the theme perfectly so this piece popped into my head inspired by my favorite 70s artist, Peter max. He has a wonderful use of bright colors & pattern motifs. Google him if you ever get a chance! He's got a great hippy style! 

About this work: (Description from my Etsy shop)

This original illustration of a love face encompasses the feelings of love with its wide eyes, bright colors & love motifs and many patterns. Even the color palette is reflective of arduous emotions: red, pink, black, and white.

The eyes are the windows to the soul and in the pupil of this face are the bubble letters XOXO with kissy faces behind it and the iris is made up of circles with tiny hearts encompassing the pupil. Along the side of the eye is XOXO with a flower & heart. The cheek is the "rosy" cheeks that we all get from blushing over our love early on. To top it off, the face is blowing a kiss that grows into "love".


Here are a few photos of my process:



Doodling all of the little detailed patterns was interesting and fun. It took me a while but it was relaxing and totally worth it.



I colored the details based on importance, but in my head I saw what all the colors were going to be. I found it funny how cutesy this was but it still felt like it isn't over-the-top kind of cute. I was a little afraid of how some of the color combinations were but I trusted my gut on this one and I'm glad I did.

It is available on etsy: BUY ME