Resting Ballerina

Resting Ballerina

11 x 14

Oil on Raymar Panel

$750.00

Anyone who knows me knows I do love a tutu.  Anyone who knows me knows that if you bring an adorable young girl into my home I will entice her with my collection of tutus and try my hardest...in a kind way...to get her to pose for me.  This little girl was so adorable and gave me the most beautiful poses...soulful...thoughtful poses.  I just fell in love!  And anyone who knows me knows that I will use this opportunity to play with paint and see where I can take the tutu.  

I started with some really dark greens, blues and reds blocking in...and then lightened up areas with some lighter shades of the same...finally mixing in some cool white for the highlights.  I think it looks like it has been danced in all day long and the little ballerina is tired.  

Piper - Little Ballerina

Piper - Tiny Ballerina

11 x 14

Oil on Raymar Panel

Study for a larger piece

Recently I was fortunate to be visited by Piper.  She was a marvelous model.  I always have my tutus and special white chair handy for just such visits and she cooperated much better than I could have ever expected.  She sat in the chair in her voluminous tutu and folded her hands in a ladylike fashion.  I asked her to look towards the window so I could capture the light on her face and she obliged just like a pro!  I was thrilled.  I was able to take dozens of source photos.  This is my first study.  

I always have a very long list of paintings I want to do.  I try to take advantage of any models I can entice into posing for me so my source photos fill volumes.  I get excited and change directions often.  The constant is capturing an emotional moment.  It always intrigues me and drives me to improve.