The doll in the attic - Acrylic by Lewis Cooper

broken doll in the attic small
Comments

The second of my pics using my new acrylics. Made a hash of this, and it was headed for the bin, and the acrylics for that graveyard drawer where I keep things that 'might be useful' but never are...like an alarm clock some wag bought me when I retired. My pals on the forum came up with useful hints and encouragement, so its consignment to the bin was waved. It's OK ish, and I'll do some more. It got me thinking just how much work has been binned over the years - sometimes it's the best way to go, and to simply start again. Vintage dolls, especially broken ones, have a morbid fascination for me. I'm quite sure they're up to no good.

I'm with you on dolls of all kinds but particularly old ones, creepy indeed and you've captured this perfectly. Good use of acrylics but I prefer oils ten fold.

Agree with Heather - I do find old broken dolls very creepy indeed! I think you have done very well with this Lew and good on you for persevering with acrylics. I must admit I have given up using acrylics and confined all mine to the bin! I much prefer other media such as watercolour and pastels!!

We never stop learning Lewis. Each medium has is advantage and disadvantages its just a matter of how we respond to them. This piece has turned out well in the end. You are not satisfied but good artist are never satisfied, like you they push on.

That's a really creepy look in the doll's face, glad you persevered with this.

Another great work, Lewis, you are an amazing artist. I agree with everyone. My preferred medium is oils, the colours are brighter, and I love the way I can blend them. However, I use acrylics as a base for the painting because they dry quickly and allow me to see how the painting will look

I cannot watch a film with dolls in it! They give me nightmares 😱 but I’m sure you will find a use for this poor little girl in such a state Lew. That aside, you have conquered the medium.

Definitely captured the creepiness of an old broken doll.

Excellent work Lew, I watched your progress and struggles on the forum , it’s turned out fine .

I’ve never yearned to own a doll… I’m very pleased to say - this has turned out so good Lew, a credit to your skill and dedication!

Saw this on the forum, and in the end you made a superb job, Carry on with the acrylics.

Well I think you have captured the eeriness of the doll perfectly Lewis. This painting makes you wonder about those things left neglected and unused that seem to take on a weird kind of life of their own. Glad you didn’t get rid of this, as it has a certain pull to it.

Watched this developing on the forum. It is evident you learned from the process Lewis. This really is a super painting.

Thanks to all for having a look and your comments. Much appreciated.

Such beauty on the one hand lewis and the not so beautiful on the other…..is there a smidgen of envy in the dolls expression? The doll gives me the creeps, didn’t like them very much when I was a lass!

Always nervous about spooky dolls. This one in particular.

This has turned out really well, Lewis - and I do like the creepy looking doll!

Very well painted though a bit scary!

Well after all your trials and tribulations Lewis you've produced a fabulous painting!

Very well captured Lewis and I hope you unleash more of your "morbid fascination". I particularly like the black eye, more sinister.

Hang on Studio Wall
09/02/2026
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An acrylic with some coloured pencil additions.

About the Artist
Lewis Cooper

Self taught. Love drawing. Like to make pictures up, without using reference pics, often in cartoon style. I do other pictures where I do use reference. I'm knocking on a bit, born in 1940 in Greenwich, London. Retired, and loving it.

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