Don't Fence me in

Don't Fence Me In

16 x 20

Oil on panel

This painting offers a nod to my Rosie the Riveter series with the red polka dot suspenders.  It is essentially about women making their way in the world.  The chair represents a fence and the woman's back is to it as if to ignore that it even exists.   She has a rather androgynous  look indicating that it doesn't make a difference...she is a person.  

Rosie the Riveter, in my humble opinion, led the way for women to enter the work force in a powerful way.  Women realized that they could do whatever they want.  There is never any question that women should get paid as much as men.  I know plenty of women that do...I know women who would not accept less.  Be that woman...don't accept less.  Don't wait for anyone to tell that you are equal.  be equal.

Blue Star

Blue Star

Oil on Canvas

This is part of my Rosie the Riveter series and it is significant for a few reasons.  For each Rosie I  like to have a story and significance to the piece.  In this piece she is reading a letter, we used to read letters.  I can remember running to the mailbox to see if I got a letter that day.  It was a big part of "social media."  The letters I got were read over and over again.  They were treasured.  So in this painting I am bringing you back in time to when the written word was so much more significant than it is today.  Of course she has her signature red polka dot kerchief on her head.  She also wears a blue star pin.  Blue star pins are worn by military family members who have a loved one in harms way...that is... at war.  My paternal grandmother had a blue star pin with 4 stars...that means she had four people fighting for our country.  They were her husband and three sons.  I cannot imagine the angst she felt not knowing how her family was.  I am proud to say I still have the pin and it is one of my most prized possessions.  The other significant item is the locket around her neck.  I painted it in the shape of a heart and my thought is that it holds a picture of her loved one.  

Rosie the Riveter - Contemporary Warrior woman

Linda - Contemporary Rosie

oil on canvas

20 x 24

Rosie the Riveter is a moniker for women who did traditionally male jobs during world war one and two.  They worked in factories, mechanic shops and did manual labor that their male counterparts did before shipping off to war.  Their efforts helping the war effort are enormous.  For most of my Rosie the Riveter series I have concentrated on original Rosies and how they feel about their contribution today and re-enactments of Rosie in different 40's and 50's settings.  

Continuing with my Rosie the Riveter series...this is a contemporary Rosie.  Linda is a dear friend.  Her story is one of perseverance.  She has proven to be a formidable force and rises to any challenge.  She works in a traditionally male occupation...she owns and runs the Grapevine fine art Foundry.  She has overcome obstacles I cannot even imagine.  I am in awe of this woman...she is a Warrior.  While I usually am pretty adamant about using only my own resources for paintings, I saw this picture of her and immediately asked if I could use it.  She graciously agreed...and so here she is.  

Rosie the Riveter on Break

Rosie the Riveter on break

24 x 36

Oil on Canvas

Continuing my Rosie the Riveter series I painted this Rosie as she took a break from work.  My Rosie's aren't pensive, thoughtful and sometimes portrayed as very tired.  It was a trying time for all.  

Rosie the Riveter is representative of all the women who took on traditionally male jobs while the men were out fighting in World war one and two.  The women work in factories, mechanic shops, and assembly lines.  They did hard, physical labor while still holding their families and homes together.  It was a tough time for everyone.  Everyone was involved in the war effort.  I love that women of all ethnicities worked side by side.  I hope by doing this series it shines a new light on how much women were involved in building our great nation. 

copying at the National Gallery of art - Young Woman in a Kimono

beginning of my copy of "Young Woman in Kimono"

copied at the National Gallery of art in Washington DC

I recently spent a week in Washington DC and was able to paint a copy at the National Gallery of Art.  I became a copyist when I lived near DC and tried to continuously work on copying one of the master's paintings on a weekly basis.  Now as an "out of towner" I apply to copy for a week at a time...or however many days I can get into a gallery in a week's time. 

The copyist program is a wonderful opportunity to study the masters and learn as much as possible about strokes, colors, composition and the lives of these amazing artists.  I study the artist, their palette, their life and spend some time sketching the piece I am going to copy.  Once I get to the gallery I set up and begin.  I always start with a blank white canvas and just dive in. 

The painting I chose for this copyist session is, Young Woman in Kimono by Alfred Maurer.   I  chose it because it has a rich color palette of muted tones with bright swashes of red accenting the kimono.  I do love kimonos and have a collection of my own  that I love to paint.  I had not heard of Alfred Maurer and was excited to discover a new artist...new to me!  After checking out his work I must admit that the painting I copied is my favorite of all his works.  I feel very fortunate. 

This is where I am after a couple of long days of work.  I still have a way to go but my time in DC has come to an end and must stop work for now.  My options are to re-apply to complete this work or I can simply move on to another copy.  I will bring it home and make a decision after I digest what I have done. 

The National Gallery of Art is always an adventure.  While copying this gentleman introduced himself as a distant relative of Frank Benson!  How cool is that?  We chatted for a short while about my favorite work of Benson's "Margaret Gretchen Strong."  I fell in love with that painting when I first started painting and have loved it ever since.  It was exciting to meet someone who could have a great Frank Benson talk with me!. 

Another perk of copying at the National Gallery is the concert that was given at on the of atriums near me.  So nice to hear such beautiful music as I painted. 

I was also fortunate to have some friends stop by.  Since I am no longer in the area it is fun to catch a quick lunch and chat with friends.  The steady stream of visitors to the gallery are always polite but very curious.  I enjoy my visits immensely and look forward to my next visit. 

Cover

Cover

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

Continuing my hat series...This is my brown bowler.  It is one of my favorite hats and one of the first hats I bought.  It is symbolic that the hat is either being put on or taken off.  My hat is the last thing I put on before I go out and usually the first thing I take off.  I wear one primarily to protect my eyes from the sun.  I had cataract surgery many years ago and have done all I can to protect my eyes ever since then.  I have lots of hats and always wear sunglasses when outside. 

I called this one "Cover" as a nod...or tip of the hat...to my military ties.  A hat in the military is called a cover. 

Anticipation - Military Spouse Series

Anticipation

36 x 24

Oil on Canvas

$3000

Anticipation - Waiting for the birth of her child.  This is part of my military spouse series...this woman is a military spouse.  She is lucky her husband was with her for the birth of their child.  I know many military spouses who have had to have their children while their spouse was deployed.  It is a hard time..but the military family is strong and we stick together.  Help is always available.  

When my oldest son was born we were living in Germany.  I was two weeks from my due date and my husband was called out on maneuvers.  Since it was an exercise and not the real thing there was some leeway and my husband was allowed to come in and check on me.  He came in just in time! He rushed me to the hospital and a couple of hours later...literally a couple of hours...I had very quick labor and deliveries... I gave birth to our son! Of course as soon as I had given birth he left to rejoin his unit.  Since we were in Germany I didn't have any immediate family nearly and only immediate family was allowed to visit.  I heard the Battalion Commander's wife at the nurses station saying she wanted to visit. When they told her only family could enter the ward she replied "of course I am family!"  and she walked past the desk to see me.  

I have know much kindness in my life.  My goal is to pay back.  

Arlington - Military Spouse Series

Arlington - Military Spouse Series

36 x 30

Oil on Linen Canvas

$3000

I am continuing my Military Spouse with an emotional painting titled "Arlington."  Arlington is the Cemetery that lays to rest those who served in the military.  It is located in Washington DC.

The subject of this piece is the wife of a classmate of my husband, graduating from West Point in 1974.  We attended the funeral...the first Arlington funeral I attended.  The solemn, traditional ceremony was beautiful, meaningful and very moving.  

Since then I have laid holiday wreaths on the graves of fallen service members, specifically classmates of my husband.  Meeting the families is always a highlight of a solemn occasion.  They are from all over the country and have amazing stories of lives lived to the fullest.  Some stayed in the military after graduation, some followed other paths, but West Point shaped their lives in many ways and they have a camaraderie that cannot be denied.   

Of course the most moving burial was that of my father.  I am proud to say he is buried in Arlington.  His ceremony was beautiful.  The staff at Arlington is caring and professional.  I cannot imagine having a job that requires such compassion constantly.  I am forever grateful.  

Military Spouse Series - Work in Progress

This is a peek at a portion of a Work in Progress of one of my Military Spouses.  This piece measures 36 x 36 in total.  

Her story is that she is one of the first military spouses to be able to send an email to her husband serving on the USS Nimitz.  Prior to email communication with our spouse while he/she was out to sea was nearly impossible.  Snail mail was sporadic and telegraph messages were used only in emergency situations.  The use of email was a giant leap forward in communication.  

When I paint these pieces I think of my life and the struggles communicating with my husband while he was on maneuvers or deployed.  It was always a challenge.  I am so glad it is easier for families today...still a challenge to be separated...but nice to be able to communication.  

I will be posting the completed piece soon I hope!  

Rosie Remembers

Rosie Remembers

24 x 20

Oil on Canvas

It is no secret that I love anything military related and Rosie the Riveter is no exception.  Recently a bus load of Rosie the Riveters descended upon the World War II memorial to celebrate their contribution to the war effort.  The trip was courtesy of the Wonderful Honor Flight organization who frequently flies in World War II vets...I am so glad they honored these ladies.  They were all clad in festive red and white polkadot accessories.  Most of them were wheeled about in wheelchairs and you could see the exuberance on their faces.  If I called out "Thank you Rosie" I was met with smiles and the iconic "gun show"  that is Rosie showing off her muscles.  It was a wonderful sight.  

I took my Rosie opportunity to take many source photos and try to get as many stories as I could.  The ladies were all so lovely.  

So here is my Rosie...remembering her glory days...when she helped win the war!  Thank you Rosie...

selfie - graphite on sketch paper

This is graphite on a 9 x 12 piece of sketch book paper.  And by graphite I mean a #2 pencil.  I started sketching with #2 pencils because they are so readily available and I usually have one in my purse.  I sketch selfies quite often because I want to practice...I want to practice facial features and gestures...and I am the only one available...so I sketch myself.   I try to sketch my husband in the evenings when we are relaxing and watching TV...but sometimes he moves too much.  I am working on sketching when my model moves and can get a reasonable likeness...sometimes I keep two or three sketches going hoping he will settle back into a previous position.  It is a challenge...a challenge I enjoy.

Maria Bennett Hock - Self portrait

Maria February 2016

11 x 14

Oil on Raymar Panel

When I am between projects I usually paint a self portrait.  I do it because I am the model that is most available to me any time I need one, it is good practice, and it gives me time to think about my next project.  As I am just finishing a large double portrait that has been very time consuming and am getting ready to start another series I decided a self portrait was in order.  So today I set about trying to find my likeness once again.  When I post my self portraits, as I often do on FB (though I don't post all of them ) I am met with specific criticisms.  I am often told I don't look like what I portray.   Of course a good critique is always welcome.  :)  My only response is that I paint what I see...what I feel and what my abilities allow me to paint.  I am doing the best I can.  With that said...here is my latest self portrait.  

Rosie the Riveter

Rosie the Riveter 

20 x 16

Oil on Raymar Panel

A while ago I was fortunate to attend a fabulous photo shoot featuring women dressed in period outfits from World War II.  The women posed on steam engines, in railroad yards depicting railroad/engineering work that was typical of the day.  The shoot was in Pennsylvania.  It was a wonderful opportunity to not only take some great action shots, but also to learn more about the history of these great women who held down the fort and contributed to our fight for freedom.  The shoot was arranged by Lerro productions.  It was very well done with plenty of opportunity for close ups, figurative, and action shots.  The models were professional and played their parts perfectly.  The day could not have been more perfect.  

This painting is the result of one of those shoots.  I had a great shot of the machine and background...the model looked great.  To get skin tones and hand gestures I still rely on myself...mirrors...life...to get the gesture just the way I want it.  I am learning so much.  

Rosie the Riveter

Rosie 

11 x 14

Oil on Raymar Panel

I attended a photo shoot in Lancaster County ,Pennsylvania that featured models dressed in 40's and 50's clothing reminiscent of "Rosie the Riveter".  Rosie was an iconic figure during the World Wars that showed women working in traditional male venues.  They worked on aircraft, automobiles, tanks, heavy equipment filling the void wherever needed.  Amazing women who help secure our freedom.

The shoot was great fun...it included models and lots of period props to include and old steam engine.  The shoot was set up by Lerro Productions.  I have hundreds of source photo and I use them for references for different scenarios...but this one was done just for fun. I love the look on her face.  I can see her looking for something "more."  I was working on skin tones and shapes.  When I work from photos like this I often use my own features to check planes of the head...I try to set up lighting to mimic the scene.   So if she kind of looks like a relative...that would be why.  When I can't have a model in my studio I am amazed at how creative I can get to try to learn as much as possible with my limited resources.  

Woman World War II Veteran - Honor Flight

World War II Veteran - Honor Flight

12 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

$650

I am continuing my series of Honor Flight Veterans visiting the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington DC.  We are free because of these brave men and women.  Women WWII vets are hard to find.  As Honor Flights visit I look for women to include in my series.  I saw this woman in her group of Honor Flight vets and sought her out for a salute.  She was so surprised!  She is 94 years old and was thrilled to be included in the series.  I am thrilled to have her included...and I thank her and all the vets for their service.

Happy Fourth of July!  As we celebrate our independence I hope everyone will take a moment to honor the all veterans.

We Can Do It!

"We Can Do It"

20 x 24

Oil on Canvas

$1500.

Recently I met Stormy Knowles at the National Gallery of art while I was copying 

Beatrice Townsend by John Singer Sargent.  Stormy was chaperoning a group of school kids as they toured the Gallery.  She asked if I would be willing to donate a painting to raise funds for the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man and Woman of the year Campaign.  While I limit the number of donations I offer per year...I decided that this would be a good cause that I am proud to be a part of.  When Stormy and her daughter arrived at my studio to pick up the painting she was wearing her military uniform.  I immediately asked her if she and her daughter would be willing to sit for me as part of my military life series.  I was thrilled when she not only said she would sit...she was enthusiastic about it.  

Stormy recently wrapped up the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Man and Woman of the year Campaign and not only met their goal but exceeded it!  She is a tireless fundraiser. 

I thought this painting was significant...it mimics the "We can do it" military campaign and depicts the determination it takes to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks.  Stormy is an amazing person and I am proud to know her.  

Kimono

Kimono

20 x 30

Oil on Canvas

Painting is all about shadows and light and there is nothing more interesting (to me) than painting light.  I am always on the lookout for a white dress or white accessories...something light to challenge myself.  A few weeks ago while at a local flea market I found this fabulous white kimono.  

The conversation went something like this...
me:  May I see that kimono (which was up on a mannequin on a high shelf)
vendor:  I only want to take it down if you really think you want to buy it. (grousing)
me: (trying to contain my excitement) I am seriously considering it (game face on)
vendor...takes the kimono down
me...whipped out cash and paid him so fast his head spun!  

I called one of my favorite models to come over and decided to put my coromandel screen in the background and began painting.  What fun! 

I am sure I will use this kimono often...and I am constantly on the lookout for other props!  

Maria Bennett Hock - self portrait

Maria - February 2014

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

My version of the selfie takes a bit longer than the nano-second it takes to click a camera on a phone.  I have been wanting to work from life more and find that I am usually the only one here...so I paint self-portraits.  I have difficulty seeing myself and my canvas without wearing my glasses...so all my self portraits have my glasses slipped down my nose a bit.  

I think it was important for me to do this self portrait because my last one was so angst-filled!  I needed to do an "I'm OK" self portrait.  

Now I can concentrate on getting some paintings done...now that I am all warmed up!  

Working

Working

12 x 9

Oil on Raymar Panel

Still working on the 30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.  This is a quick sketch of yours truly...hard at work.  I am still fighting the mystery illness that has me under the weather but got up for a bit to get my painting done.  

What -

What

12 x 24

Oil on Canvas

I signed up for Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days challenge once again.  Challenging myself is always a good thing and painting every day is a goal so it seemed to be a logical thing to do.  I don't beat myself up if I miss a day...or two...but I make a good stab at it!  

This is my personal trainer, Heather.  She is fabulous.  I like that she really helps me strengthen my core and make sure I stay flexible while realizing that I am not a youngster!  She is very careful to make sure I stay healthy.  Here is is pregnant with her 4th child...still working and taking care of the other three!  She is amazing.  I should have painted a red cape on her!  hahaha!

As for her pose...I can just imagine her saying "what"...hence the name!