Swing Dancers - Honor flight - World War II memorial

Swing Dancing

oil on Raymar panel

8 x 16

SOLD

After all the excitement seeing the swing dancers at the World War II memorial last weekend I just had to do a quick sketch of two of the dancers caught in action.  They do a wonderful show...entertain the visitors and get many up on their feet to try their hand a swinging!  Such fun to watch! 

I am also working on a larger piece of my brother.  I flew to Chicago and he sat for me to paint him from life.  He sat and looked out the window, playing his harmonica.  He played for a long time...thanks to me!  My challenge was getting the likeness and capturing his hand gestures without making him stop.  This is a work in progress...lots left to do but I am excited about it.  

The Swinger

The Swinger

8 x 16

Oil on Raymar Panel

I love golf...the Masters Golf Tournament was last weekend and it is always a great competition.   My husband was stationed at Ft Gordon, Georgia in the 80's and we rented a small apartment near Augusta National where the Masters is played.  Back in the day there wasn't the security that we have now and wandering onto the golf course to watch was pretty easy.  So we jumped in and were able to see some of the pro's in action.

The source for this painting is a golf pro at a nearby course.  She was kind enough to let me follow her around and snap pictures relentlessly.  If any of you have ever been on a golf course you would know that the clicking of a camera shutter is NOT acceptable during a golfer's swing.  I learned that the hard way when watching Clint Eastwood play at the "Bing Crosby Pro Am" at Pebble Beach (also in the 80's).  I took a picture as he was putting...the camera went "CLICK' and then WHIRRRRRRRRR because I had a self winding camera...well...I almost got thrown off the course.  If I recall, I was still cute then and they let me stay.  Ah the joys of youth!  hahaha...

Well, I digress...Liz let me shadow her and take copious photos in all stages of swinging, putting, and setting up.  I love all the angles here...the arms and legs all doing unnatural things.  Always a challenge and something I love to figure out while I paint.

Brennan - Portrait of a boy on a swing

Brennan

16 x 20

Commission

This is Brennan, Alaura's older brother.  When we were at the park taking pictures Brennan could not get enough of the swings and kept wanting to go higher and higher!  Ah, the joy of being pushed on a swing!!  The sky is the limit!!! I hope Brennan always feels that way.

I will be co-hosting the Artists's Helping Artists blogtalk radio program today with Leslie Saeta.  Yayyy!!!  It is going to be a great show about improving your blog!  Listen in at 12:00 EST or download the podcast and listen when you have the time.  

I Believe I Can Fly...

"I believe I Can Fly..."

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

Sold

There is nothing like the feeling of floating through the air...not a care in the world...just the joyous sensation of the wind on your face and the weightlessness that accompanies the ride.  Couple that with the innocence of a child and it is the recipe for bliss.  Children have no limits...they believe they can do anything.  I believe that too.  

This painting is much more than a girl on a swing...it is the the statement that the sky is the limit.  Reach for the stars and then reach higher.