I call these dolls "historically referenced" because in style, design and constuction, I have refered to past dollmakers such as Izannah Walker, Ella Smith, Martha Chase and Philadelphia (Sheppard) Babies, without making direct copies of any of these earlier dolls. I like my work to have a lot of "me" in it, too!
The head (with moulded hairstyle) has been sized with a special mix to strengthen and preserve it and given several coats of gesso, with a light sanding between coats.
Burnt Umber underpainting
First coat of flesh-toned paint
Second coat of flesh-toned paint
Features blocked in using thinned-down burnt umber paint.
