The Little Adventurer

The Little Adventurer

Oil on Canvas

Commission

This is a dear friend's granddaughter.  She wanted an action shot of her adventuresome little one and I just loved the photos she brought to show me.  The great yellows and reflections in the water along with the body gesture and determination portrayed were so fun to capture on canvas.  I am happy to say she is very pleased with the work.  I hesitated to post it until after the holidays because I wasn't sure if it was a present or not...so here it is.  

Hilton Head 4 Challenge 3 Lady reading

Reading Room

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

This is the third challenge of the Hilton Head 4!  We are sent a photo by one of our members and the challenge is to interpret it any way we choose.  This was a tough one with lots of elements in the picture.  I decided to stay simple and paint the figure and the chair.  

These challenges are so good for me to paint things I wouldn't normally paint...such fun ideas!

Here are the other three renditions...

Chris Werst

http://chriswerst.blogspot.com

Double Vision

5 x 7

Lulu 

Kindle or Nook

8 x 8

Lydia Jechorek

The Look - Portrait of a beautiful woman

"The Look"

Oil on Raymar Panel

NFS

This was done as a Christmas gift.  I love the look this woman is projecting.  It was fun to play with darker skin tones and experiment a bit with highlights.  I like to see every painting as an opportunity to learn and this was no exception.  As always I am having a good time...and smiling!

Lulu - Hilton Head 2012

Lulu - Hilton Head 2012

4 x 4

oil on board

This is Lulu!  Here is Wanda's write up...

Regula (also known as Lulu) is a long time member of the Hilton Head gang and has recently joined an elite splinter group, the Hilton Head Four.  We do not know their true purpose but speculate that it involves creating original art and selling or trading it across international borders.   Lulu travels frequently under the guise of mild mannered artist to workshops or vacations in exotic destinations.  Her goal is ‘establishing individual connections’ and ‘transporting emotions’ which we suspect are for nefarious purposes.  She is often reported being in the vicinity when  shooting happens and we have heard rumours that the “Snoopy Guys” have become targets.  She must be apprehended and removed from the beaches.  Please duplicate the attached image asap and distribute widely.

*******

I thought it would be fun to show you how I begin my painting process.  I start with a rough sketch...and I do mean rough.  I am not concerned with anything other than relationships.  The relationship between the nose, mouth, eyes, etc. I often don't finish the sketch...I just want to make sure I know where everything goes.  Here I can see that the mouth is not angled enough and I make a mental note to correct that when I paint.  I am anxious to start painting but know that this step will save me much frustration. 

And below is the mug shot of Lulu that I painted last year!  She was the second mug to be painted and I remember wiping the board twice before I finished.  

Tutu Much!

Tutu Much!

6 x 6

Oil on Raymar panel

$150

Sometimes I see something that I want to paint for so many reasons.  I love the relationship between the adult and child here.  They are in step, both leaning to the right walking along.  I also love the warm whites in the child's outfit and the cool tones in the adult's ensemble.  That coupled with the bright orange tutu make this whole composition just tutu much for me!!!

The Kiss

The Kiss

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

NFS

This is a small portrait study of a wonderful moment.  Sometimes I just have to paint a wonderful moment.  

The Lookout - Hilton Head 4 Challenge 2

The Lookout

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

$200

This is the second challenge for the Hilton Head 4 group.  Every other week one of us sends out a source photo to be used any way we choose.  It can be cropped, chopped, embellished or not.  This challenge was my turn and I chose my favorite lady with the red jacket on.  I met her on the beach at Hilton Head and she was quite chatty.  I was amazed at all the detail of her life she discussed with me...a total stranger.  She was so eccentric she just fascinated me...and, of course, the red jacket was just too tempting not to paint!

 

This is Chris Werst's interpretation of the challenge

Bright and Early

8 x 8 

Oil on Gessoboard

This is Lulu's you can see her blog at www.regulascheifele.blogspot.com

The Look

And last but certainly not least is Lydia's  painting.  Her blog is http://lydiajechorek.blogspot.com

Mom Doggett...An amazing life

Mom Doggett...An Amazing Life

6 x 6

Oil on Panel

NFS

After I painted "At Peace" I quickly realized that his wife also needed to be recognized.  She was an amazing person.  She taught at the International School of Bangkok, Thailand and is lovingly remembered by her family, students, and so many lives that she touched in positive ways.  

These two portraits are on their way to France to celebrate life.  I love that...celebrating life.  I am sure there will be lots of stories and lots of laughter...and of course...smiles. 

Brenda - Hilton Head Mug 2012

Brenda

4 x 4

Oil on Board

$75

Brenda attended the Karin Jurick workshop on Hilton Head Island and was a delightfully colorful character.  Her trademark round and square glasses were so fun...I think she has them in every color.  

Continuing with the Hilton Head mug shot paintings here is Wanda Rottenfusser's story...

We got a call from a citizen in distress in Kentucky who needs our help.  It appears she (and others) have been shot with a new canon (50D to be exact).  She survived the assault and identified the perpetrator as Brenda "The Designer" Pruitt.  This woman may look harmless and tries to convince people she spends her time painting her grandchildren and redecorating interiors.  However, she is not to be trifled with.  This woman knows where the bodies are buried (at least her husband does).  She must be apprehended asap to keep others from being victimized.  We need likenesses to post on the internet to alert the public.  Your assistance is appreciated.

At Peace - Portrait of a Wonderful Life!

At Peace

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

The loss of a parent is something I cannot begin to imagine.  Both my parents are doing well, still traveling quite a bit and enjoying life.  I am doubly blessed and I know it.  I guess that is the reason my heart breaks when I hear of a friend who's has suffered this loss.  It is inevitable but I cannot imagine being prepared for it. 

That leads me to this portrait.  A much loved father who has enjoyed a wonderful life and now leaves precious memories to his loved ones.  

I did this quick sketch to celebrate his life and possibly put a smile on someone's face...someone who loves him.  

Hilton Head Mug - Kim

Kim

4 x 4

Oil on board

$60

This is the third in the Hilton Head 2012 series.  Here is her story as crafted by Wanda Rottenfussser...

Black Friday and word of another sinister crime has come to my attention.  Kim "The Scoop" Rosser has been seen at the infamous Gelati Celesti in Richmond, Va. stuffing children with (gasp!) homemade pumpkin gingersnap ice cream.  These children are already stuffed with turkey making this even more evil.  She has also been known to depict family members as chickens and has been observed ruthlessly cropping the faces of associates before embalming them in paint.  She must be stopped. 

 You can see the whole gang at 2012hiltonheadcaper.blogspot.ca

Hilton Head Beach pups

While at Hilton Head taking Karin Jurick's workshop I stayed at a fabulous beach house with three friends.  It was a wonderful week and we hated to see it end.  As a way of continuing our "stay" the four of us decided to do a Hilton Head beach challenge.  Every two weeks we are going to all paint our own version of the same photograph from our Hilton Head stay.  So here are the first four!

"This Way!"

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar Panel

Here is Chris Werst's challenge painting

Her blog is chriswerst.blogspot.com

Lydia Jechorek's version

Her blog is lydiajechorek.blogspot.com

And last but not least is Regula Scheifele (Lulu)

regulascheifele.blogspot.com

Laurie - Hilton Head 2012

Laurie's mug

Hilton Head Workshop member

4 x 4

oil on board

 
The Hilton Head saga continues with Wanda Rottenfusser at the helm...here is her story...

Received notice another Hilton Head perpetrator has been spotted in Virginia.  Laurie "Smooth as Silk" Pyszkowski is known to plaster seaside graffiti on fabric and display it at bazaars and in boutiques.  Do not approach, you could end up with a turtle on your scarf.  This is a particularly heinous crime and your help in apprehending her is crucial.

Thirty in Thirty - The Best Years of our Lives

My 30 paintings in 30 days concludes with the final five.  Just a few days short of my deadline will give my boards time to dry and make sure I don't have any mistakes.  I will be installing this series at Lorton Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road  Lorton, VA 22079, on the 19th.  The meet the artist reception is the 23rd of November from 5 to 7 in building 16.  

Reflections

This is so typical of the age depicted.  A Vietnam Vet reflecting on his life at the Vietnam War Memorial.  Gazing at a wall filled with memories he is wearing his military beret with pins, patches and awards haphazardly attached to his hat and clothing.  

Doorman

How many retired and semi-retired people take on jobs just for extra money or to get out and talk to people.  I thought this so relevant.

Red Hair

This woman had fiery red hair in her youth.  Hair grays and loses some of its luster, but it can be returned to its youthful glow with some help.  I added the pearls because my mom loves pearls.  She still has the necklace my dad gave her for their wedding...a beautiful strand of graduated pearls.  It is so indicative of the age.

Joy

The joy of a blessed life.  The trials and tribulations that life has thrown her way served to make her stronger.  She has survived and now is basking in the memories of a wonderful life.

Eternal Love

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” 
― Dr. Seuss

AND...as an aside... it is a good thing I finished a few days early.  I was given 30  6 x 6 boards to do these paintings.  Each board was already drilled in the back with a notch for hanging so it was imperative that they be painted the the notch at the top back so they could hang properly...well you guessed it!  I painted one going the wrong way.  I was heartsick last night as I was putting labels on the backs and arranging them for installation.  Thank heaven my neighbor, a contractor and owner of Renovator Pro came to my rescue and drilled a notch in the proper place!  

Now I just have to wait for the paint to dry and install them for the show...so exciting!!!

Hilton Head Gang 2012 Karin Jurick is up first!

Karin Jurick

Hilton Head Gang Class of 2012

4 x 4

Oil on Board

The Hilton Head Gang rides again!  Mugs shots were once again taken at the Karin Jurick Workshop on Hilton Head Island.  Everyone tried to look as sinister as they possibly could.  So I am, once again, enjoying this challenge.  

It is another small respite from my 30 in 30 series, but I will have the final ones posted by the end of the week.  I install them on Monday!!!  And the reception will be the 23rd at Lorton Workhouse Arts Center from 5 to 7.  I cannot wait to see them all hung together!

30 in 30 Series Continues...We enter our second half of life

This series has been so interesting for me.  I realize that I have loved every stage of my life.  Every stage has it challenges and its rewards...here we are entering our second fifty years...

Tired...

Yes, many of us are accused of looking tired...hahaha.  

Sunglasses..

Now we wear sunglasses to protect our eyes..no longer a cool factor...though he DOES look cool...doesn't he???

Dreamcatcher

We still have dreams.  Quiet, beautiful dreams about being with loved ones.  We know the value of our family and friends.  

 Self Assured

Self assuredness encourages us to express ourselves not as a rebellious gesture but just because we want to...whether society likes it or not.  

Nun

Anyone remember when nun's wore habits?  Many older nuns still do.  I love the white and black habit and the mysteriously regal look it gave the nuns I knew.  We always wondered what color their hair was...

30 in 30 - the series continues - grown ups

My 30 in 30 series continues and I continue to enjoy this project.  We have passed adolescence and now we are acting like grownups!  

Uncertain Future

This sailor is leaving the security of his family home for the first time and nervous about his future.  It is an exiting but stressful time.

Mr Cool

Yes, he is too cool for school.  Coming into his own and becoming confident in who he is.  

Happiness and confidence personified.

And another cool guy with stubble...stubble is a big part of looking cool when you are an adult.

I may have gotten too carried away with the sunglasses thing...but they are so fun to paint...and they seemed to fit the mood of the age so well.

Basking in the glow of the sun...confident, secure and ready for anything the world throws her way.  

Karin Jurick Workshop - Hilton Head Island 2012

It has been one year since I started my blog!   How appropriate to review/recap my Karin Jurick experience 2012 since the catalyst for this blog was Karin Jurick's workshop at Hilton Head Island in 2011.  I was encouraged to start a blog and paint daily.  Both practices have served me well.  

Pretzel

8 x 8

Oil on Board

This is my favorite painting from the workshop.  I love the perspective and I love the copper/bronze skin tones...coupled with the body angles it was an interesting piece to paint.

Here is Karin giving one of her fabulous demo's.  If you haven't seen her in action you are truly missing a master at work.  She brings life to each stroke applied to the board.  For me, watching her paint was the highlight of each day.  Here is a small taste of her genius in a youtube video

Yes, we had fun...and though I hadn't ridden a bike in eons...you really DON'T forget!  

This is my rendition of Karin's photo.  It is also the same photo she used in her you tube video at the link above.  It was a great warm up and great to see everyone's different take on the same photo.  I am using one of Karin's table top easels made by Brett. 

Here is one of the infamous mug shots.  Karin gave each of us a 4 x 4 board and a picture of a mug and we painted.  It is a great exercise.  

Another day, another painting!  I caught this dynamic duo chatting it up on the beach.  I just couldn't resist that bright red jacket and adorable white dog constantly talking and looking inquisitive!

We all are rapt in the magic of Karin's masterful brush strokes.

The Morris Whiteside Gallery hosted a reception for our class honoring Karin's work that hangs in the gallery.  Chris Werst, Regula Scheifele, Karin Jurick, Lydia Jechorek and I sported colorful Pashmina's generously given to us by Chris.  Here we are in front of Karin's work.

Last but not least, we ate at fabulous restaurants on the island.  Robert Irvine's "Eat!" restaurant...the food was delicious.  

It was a wonderful week filled with art, laughter, support and more art.  I treasure the relationships that developed through this class.