Sunday, December 21, 2014

Santa Claus

Santa
8 x 10
Oil on Raymar panel

$150

This is the last of my series of Santa Claus paintings for this season.  It was so fun doing my research and painting these pieces.  The series does bring back fond memories of my childhood and the many Christmases I spent with my family.  I have four brothers and we were all very inquisitive...always trying to find out what was in our packages.  One Christmas my second oldest brother woke me up at about 2 o'clock in the morning to go downstairs and check out our presents.  In our house we had wrapped presents under the tree..but Santa would leave unwrapped presents out for us when he visited.  We snuck downstairs to check out the loot...of course we were NOT quiet and soon my Dad was standing over us with a less than pleased look on his face.  We scurried back to our beds and tried desperately to sleep until we were allowed to get up.  

Such great memories.  I wish you all a very happy holiday season...The season of giving...of random acts of kindness.  


Thursday, December 18, 2014

Here Comes Santa Claus!

Here Comes Santa Claus
10 x 10
Oil on Raymar Panel

$150

I was fortunate to be able to get to take pictures of Santa before the lines of children became too long!  We were just visiting a large sporting goods store in Alabama and the line to see Santa was 3 hours long!  They took appointments so people didn't have to wait so long.  Times have certainly changed!  Though it was a long line...my pleasure was in seeing all the children dressed up and waiting patiently.  All I can think of the the wonderful memories they are making.  Good times!  

I am now planning my weekend and deciding what random acts of kindness I can do to keep the spirit of the true meaning of Christmas alive.  A time for giving...giving of your time, your heart and gifts if you are able.  

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

All I want for Christmas!

"All I Want for Christmas"
10 x 10
Oil On Raymar Panel

$150

The Christmas season is such a magical time of year.  I love the hustle and bustle of the season...but most of all I love the generous and giving feeling it seems to generate.  The smiles, the random acts of kindness and giving nature of season is contagious.  No matter what religion or beliefs you have it is a nice time of year to think about others.  

When I painted this piece I could just imagine what this little girl was telling Santa...the list of wonders she wanted placed under the tree to delight her on Christmas morning.  I can also imagine her wanting peace, happiness and love for all.  

A few years ago I started concentrating on random acts of kindness.  It may be paying for someone's coffee, someone's meal at a restaurant or just leaving some money for the restroom attendant.  Small things that brighten people's day.  Most of these are done anonymously...It makes my heart happy and makes me enjoy the holiday so much more than ever.  




Thursday, December 11, 2014

Santa's Lap


"Santa's Lap"
8 x 10
Oil on Raymar Panel

$150

I thought this was absolutely priceless.  Such a iconic scene in malls across the country.  Mom and Dad think it will be so fun to sit their child on a strange looking stranger's lap and smile for the camera!  This little one was having none of it!  

I am having great fun painting Santa this season.  It is a fun respite from the concentration my commissions require.  I use these small pieces to warm up or when I just need some comic relief.  


Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Meeting Santa Claus!

Hello!
8 x 8
Oil on Raymar panel

$200

It is amusing that we tell our children not to talk to strangers, be wary of adults bearing gifts, don't accept candy from strangers...and then Christmas time rolls around!  We stand in long lines to hoist our child up onto a stranger's lap and encourage them to accept candy canes as gifts!  I guess the solution to this dilemma is to introduce your child to Santa before hand.  Prepare your child for Santa and the magic of Christmas...Santa is no stranger!  

I also believe strongly that this season is the season of giving.  The holiday certainly has strong religious ties, especially for me, but I think the spirit of the season...the spirit of giving spans religion, race and culture.  It is a good message for all year long and it is nice to emphasize it each year.  




Monday, November 24, 2014

Which Holiday is This?


Which Holiday is This?
8 x 16
Oil on Raymar Panel

Sometimes I think I am funny.  

I wanted to paint a line of children waiting to talk to Santa.  We see these lines at the mall all the time.  In the Washington DC area we are fortunate to have such a great Santa at our local mall...the kids love him.  

While I was painting and trying hard not to post any Christmas paintings before Thanksgiving...my mind started wandering.  The holidays...Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to all get mushed together.  If we, as adults, get confused...you can imagine how a child must feel.

I painted and as I was setting the last figure in line a cape appeared!  It just happened.  Then I thought it was amusing so I kept on.  As I painted I thought about how many parents have a child like this.  How many artists feel like this...playing the the tune of a different drummer.  When everyone else goes one way you choose another path.  That is the story of my life...

It has been said that whenever you paint you leave a bit of yourself in each piece.  I know who I am in this line of children waiting to see Santa...





Sunday, November 23, 2014

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.  


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Ballerina

Ballerina
6 x 6
Oil on Raymar Panel


I am very happy that my little "Ballerina" painting has been accepted into the Randy Higbee 6 x 6 show in Costa Mesa, California.  This little ballerina is actually Alice Russell who was kind enough to pose for me.  I took lots of pictures and have been using them as source references for numerous paintings.  When the time came to choose a subject for the Randy Higbee show I knew Alice's graceful ballerina poses would be perfect.  I tried to keep the paintings loose.  On such a small surface I tend to tighten up...but was pleased with how this one came together and I am proud to have it in the show.  

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Daddy

Dad
9 x 12
Oil on Raymar Panel

It is no secret I love painting portraits of my family and my Dad has been on my mind lately so I decided to paint him.  My brother, Dan, is a photographer and took this picture of Dad a while back.  My Dad has said a rosary every day of his life for as long as I can remember.  We said rosaries on long car trips.  Back in the day when we would drive cross country he would stop to pick up hitchhikers and as soon as they got in the car he would announce "we're going to say a rosary."  He always included an invitation to join in and most of the time they did!  

The picture of my Dad with a rosary in his hand is very poignant and very typical.  

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Retreat - Lowering of the flag


"Retreat"
12 x 24
Oil on Canvas

NFS

In 2011 I began my blog vowing to post every day.  I soon realized that it was an unrealistic goal and settled for posting when I had something to say.  On this third anniversary of my beginnings I am posting the first painting in a new series that is near and dear to my heart.  It is a depiction of military life.  I grew up as a military brat and then continued my life as a military spouse.  Military life on base/post is unique.  This is my first story:

On a military installation the first note of the "Retreat" song is significant.  It occurs at 5 PM or 1700 hours each evening.  That first note means that all movement on base stops and everyone faces the flag...hand over heart...as a show of respect.  We would stand motionless until the music stopped and then resume our activities.  Fond memories include racing over to the flag pole to watch the flag being taken down or...racing inside so I didn't have to stand still till the flag was lowered!  If we were in the swimming pool everyone vacated the pool and stood, hand over heart, until the music stopped and then we all jumped back into the pool.  It didn't matter whether or not you could see the flag...you stood facing the general direction with hand over heart.  

This painting is my Grandson, Jayden.  Without prompting as soon as the music started he stood up and placed his hand over his heart and looked up at the sky in the direction of the flag.  It touched me and brought back so many memories.  I knew this would be part of my military series.  

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Open House! Raffle Prize!

Santa
8 x 8
Oil on Raymar Panel

We...my husband and I...are having and open house on December 6th from 5 to 8.  We would love to have all our friends, family, business associates and artist friends join us.  To, perhaps, entice attendance I will be offering this painting of Santa, which graces our Christmas cards this year, as a raffle prize.  You do not have to be present to win...but you do have to physically fill out the entry at the event.  

If you cannot make it we will miss you...but I will have a few Santa paintings for sale during the month of December...stay tuned!

As we do every year, our son, Michael Bennett Hock and his lovely wife Marissa, will be catering the affair.  If you have not had the chance to sample Michael's BBQ you don't know what you are missing.  Please arrive hungry!!!  


Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Blog Hop!

Thinking
18 x 24
Oil on Canvas

I do love painting my daughter in law, Marissa.  She is kind enough to pose for me quite often...this is one of a series I am doing of her.  

I have been invited by CJ Holt Roughton to participate in a global blog hop.  Click on CJ's name to visit her blog.  Part of the task is to answer a few questions. 

What I am working on, how I work, and why do I create what I do.

I like to tell stories with my artwork.  I feel my pieces are to be read.  One of the stories I am working on is my visions of military life.  As a military brat, and army wife and mother to an Air Force pilot I have many memories to tell.  I want to let the civilian world know a little bit about military life...the trials tribulations but also the good times.  It is an amazing way to live.

My creative process involves working on multiple projects at a time.  I usually have 4 or 5 paintings in various stages.  I begin with a concept and then flesh it out with models and props.  I paint from life or take photographs until the composition works then I begin sketching.  I sketch to get a feel for where everything is in the composition.  It is much easier to paint a composition after I have sketched it a few times.  Through classes with Elizabeth Floyd I learned to do thumbnail sketches to check my compositions   When I believe I have the best composition possible and I feel the story will unfold as the viewer's eyes travel across the canvas I can begin to paint.  When I think I am done set the painting aside for a week or so and then check it again for any changes.  

So the Blog hop continues with Linda Collins and her fabulous blog http://www.dogfaceartwork.com/blog.  

and none other than Michael Bennett Hock (yes...he is my son) and his fabulous blog badshakespeare.blogspot.com

So enjoy the blog hop!  

Thursday, October 23, 2014

My Mom

My Mom
18 x 24
Oil on Canvas

NFS

Last time my parents visited I was fortunate to be able to sketch and take lots of source photos.  My, usually camera shy, mother didn't just come out of her proverbial shell...she blossomed.  She allowed me to take lots of pictures...wore costumes...hats...posed...It was amazing.  I love painting portraits and to get to paint portraits of my family is a bonus.  

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Feel the Love


Feel the Love
Oil on Canvas
20 x 24

I paint portraits of my family frequently.  They are available and will let me take source photos of them and some of them will even sit for me.  I also paint family because it makes me smile.  As I paint I remember our times together and it just makes me happy.  

This portrait is my younger brother, Richard, with a dear friend of his.  I was in Chicago visiting Richard and doing some portrait sketches of him when Mamta stopped by to visit.  I was fortunate to have my camera in my hand when they hugged...what a great moment to capture.  I knew immediately I wanted to try to capture the love on canvas.  

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The Hat - International School of Bangkok all Classes reunion 2014


The Hat
11 x 14
Oil on Raymar panel

$150

I painted this one just for the hat.  I love that hat.  I love hats anyway and this one had such personality that I just had to paint it.  I took dozens of pictures of it and this one showed it off the best.  

This is the last day of the Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 series and I leave for a trip tomorrow so I am done.  I still have plenty of source photos from the ISB Reunion and I am sure I will revisit them from time to time so be on the lookout for friends and classmates from time to time. 

In Other news I am heading down to Charleston, South Carolina tomorrow for a few days.  I will be one of the four featured artists in a show titled "4 Shades of Red".  I am joined by three incredible artists  Helen Beacham, Carrie Roets Waller and Debra Keirce.  The show will be on display for the month of October with a reception on October 3rd from 5 till 8 at the Lowcountry artists Gallery, 148 E. Bay Street, Historic Charleston, SC.  If you are in the area please stop by!    



Monday, September 29, 2014

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.  


Sunday, September 28, 2014

Red Team - International School of Bangkok all classes reunion 2014

Red Team
International School of Bangkok all Classes Reunion
9 x 12
Oil on Raymar panel

$150

After a brief respite with travels to New York City for a YANKEES baseball game...watching #2 play in his last season and a trip to Chicago to do some portrait painting I am back and trying to get in a couple more 30 in 30 paintings done before the challenge is over!  

This is the flag carrying ceremony as the games were about to begin.  The teams are all color coded and theoretically we all remember our colors from high school and join in the team spirit!  It was great fun with lots of antics...as you can imagine.  BUT...what goes on at the ISB reunions STAYS at the ISB reunions!  

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Watching - International School of Bangkok all Classes reunion

The Games
International School of Bangkok all Classes Reunion
9 x 12
Oil on Raymar Panel

$150

This is a group intently watching the games at the ISB reunion.  I am really trying to be loose here but still capture the essence of the personalities in this piece.  It was hard to walk away without nitpicking and getting into more detail but I am happy with where it landed.  




Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Singha - International School of Bangkok all Classes Reunion - 2014


Singha
International School of Bangkok all Classes Reunion
8 x 16
Oil on Raymar Panel

$150

Singha is the beverage of choice for the ISB crowd.  I don't even know where they get it but it shows up at every reunion!  I chose to paint a bottle...so unlike me as I usually stick with figures and portraits...but I thought this truly represented ISB.  So it is a portrait of sorts.  

My bottle of Singha beer is a continuation of my 30 paintings in 30 days hosted by Leslie Saeta.  


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Mary - International School of Bangkok Thailand all Classes Reunion - 2014

Mary
International School of Bangkok all Classes Reunion
8 x 8
Oil on Raymar Panel

$150

When we lived in Thailand we lived in a compound that held three houses.  Our landlord lived in one and the Mary Gardner and her family lived in the other.  Mary was in my brother's class...her sister Cassie was my classmate.  How fun to see Mary again at the ISB reunion and talk over old times.  She looks great and it at a wonderful place in her life.  Nice that even though we lost touch we still connect and had such fun reminiscing about the good old days.  

This is a continuation of my 30 paintings in 30 days challenged and hosted by Leslie Saeta.  

Monday, September 15, 2014

International School of Bangkok Reunion 2014

Portrait sketch from the International School of Bangkok All Classes Reunion
8 x 8
Oil on Raymar panel

$150

I am continuing my 30 paintings in 30 days series.  I have painted every day but not posted every day.  Part of my challenge is to post only those paintings that I am happy with...and I have not been happy with a couple so...a couple of days were skipped.  THIS portrait, however, was so fun!  I just love her hair and what a great attitude.  Many thanks to Peppy Doggett for letting me use your fabulous photograph.  


Thursday, September 11, 2014

TWISTER...International School of Bangkok all classes reunion 2014

TWISTER
International School of Bangkok all Classes Reunion
12 x 12
Oil on Raymar Panel

$150

As I have said time and time again...and will continue to say for the rest of the month the reunion for the International School of Bangkok was wonderful.  Games were organized...I use the term organized very loosely!!!  Twister was great fun to watch.  I almost named this piece Bottoms Up!!!

30 paintings in 30 days continues!!


Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Red Napkin Hat - International School of Bangkok all Classes reunion

Red Napkin Hat
International School of Bangkok all classes reunion
9 x 12
Oil on Raymar panel 

$150.00

What could be better than yesterday's yellow napkin hat???  A RED napkin hat!  These hats may really take off...better stock up on some napkins.  I know I will attend the next ISB reunion with napkins in my suitcase...so I am prepared!  

This is a continuation of my 30 in 30 series.  Having great fun remembering all the great reunion moments!  


Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Napkin hat - International School of Bangkok Reunion

Napkin Hat
International School of Bangkok all Classes Reunion
9 x 12
Oil on Raymar panel

Continuing with the ISB reunion theme this is one I just could not resist.  At one of the Thai dinners a contest is held where each of the participants makes a unique hat out of their napkin.  I don't know if there is a declared winner, but I LOVE this hat!  She wears it with such panache!!!  It is just fabulous!  

My 30 in 30 continues...

Monday, September 8, 2014

Mr Reeves - International School of Bangkok Thailand all classes reunion

Mr Reeves
8 x 10
Oil on Raymar panel

$150

Today's 30 in 30 painting is a quick sketch of Mr. Reeves.  During his time at the International School of Bangkok Mr Reeves shaped many lives...he taught more than just science.  His students always make sure he attends the reunions and make sure he is well taken care of.  

This one was painted on a medium gray background.  I usually paint on white, but loved the way this gray color affected my skin tones.  So fun to experiment and these quick paintings are the perfect time to stretch myself.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Samlar - International School of Bangkok Thailand all Classes reunion 2014


Samlar
9 x 12
Oil on Raymay panel

$150

When I lived in Thailand my friend and I often took these three wheeled vehicles called Samlars for trips around town.  Most of the Samlars were motorized by the time I got to Thailand...there were still some bicycle ones but not too many.  I was thrilled to go to the International School of Bangkok Thailand all classes reunion and see that they actually had a samlar on display!  Such good memories.  

So for day 4 of my 30 in 30...I have another fond memory.  

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

You've Got a Friend - International School of Bangkok reunion challenge

You've Got a Friend
10 x 10
International School of Bangkok 30 in 30 Challenge

$150


As I said this was my first ISB reunion.  One thing I noticed is that once you enter the building, you've got a friend.  The camaraderie this groups shows is unbelievable.  I had seen it on Facebook, but to see it in person is heartwarming.  Old friends, new acquaintances and friendly faces everywhere I looked.  It was great fun.

This is part of the Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 challenge.  

Monday, September 1, 2014

Kisses - International School of Bangkok Reunion 2014


Kisses
ISB 30 in 30 Series
10 x 10
$150

                                                                       

For years my brother, Vince, has been encouraging me to attend an International School of Bangkok, Thailand (ISB) all class reunion.  We attended ISB during our high school years and they have a reunion every other year for anyone who has ever attended.  Vince has been going for a long time...I hesitate every year for unknown reasons.  This year I decided I would join in the fun and attend.  It was held in San Jose and we had great fun.  Thanks to all the people who make the magic happen every other year!  

AS YOU CAN SEE...Vince has his reasons for attending!  

This painting is the first of my 30 in 30 for the Leslie Saeta Challenge.  I am going to paint scenes from the ISB reunion and thanks to many talented photographers who have generously offered to let me paint their photos I have lots of pictures to choose from! 

These paintings will all be for sale for $150 each regardless of the size.  

Sunday, August 17, 2014

I Love a Parade

Watching the Parade
11 x 14
Oil On Raymar Panel

One of my dear friends shared this adorable photo of her granddaughter with me.  I just could not resist painting it!  The little one was watching a parade but I think was most impressed with the red lollipop in her hand.  It was fun to capture her pensive expression.  

I always tell myself to paint something patriotic around the 4th of July...then I get interested in something else and never quite get my patriotic paintings completed on time.  This week, while in the midst of deadlines and paintings that HAVE to get done...I decided this adorable little girl would be a nice respite from my "work"


Tuesday, August 12, 2014

The Little Pianist


The Little Pianist
16 x 20
Oil on Raymar Panel

$800


I have a dear friend on Facebook who posts pictures of her adorable grandchild and I just cannot resist painting some of them.  It is not only good practice for me...it makes me happy.  I love this little songbird.  When I started sketching this scene I loved it right away.  That doesn't always happen...but when it does I feel like a million bucks!  

scroll down to see the progression.





This is the first sketch.  I approach different paintings in different ways.  Most of the time I block in colors and shapes and then keep refining until I get the look I want.  This time I actually drew the piano.  I wanted to make sure the lines were correct.  I really like the look of the block in.  So now I begin putting in more of the color.


I have the piano sketched in and I am pleased with the look.  I love the little red panties.  



My final task was to put in the light from the window.  I mixed some white and a bit of lemon yellow and a touch of yellow ochre for a bright mixture then scraped it across the piano with my palette knife.  I also scraped some on the piano bench.  




Monday, August 11, 2014

Plein Air Painting

'
Tombstones
8 x 10
Oil on panel


Tombstone
8 x 10
Oil on Panel

I went on my first plein air painting excursion last week.  A dear friend lives 3 1/2 hours south of me so I decided to venture to her house and we trekked out to find our plein air mojo!  Sue Churchgrant is an accomplished watercolorist and oil painter who was kind enough to let me stay in her home and accompanied me on this adventure.  

We first visited a park that had a little of everything.  Waterfalls, streams, rocks, hills, fishermen, paths through the woods, picnic tables and even a cemetery!  My first couple of paintings were tough.  It was hard to focus and hard to contain my vision.  I had a "finder" window but kept losing my place.  On the second day I decided to paint the small gravesite you see above.  The landscaping timbers kept me focused on that scene.  As I stood and painted I noticed that small grave marker beside me and the light hit it so perfectly I took a small respite from my current painting and did a quick sketch of the tombstone.  Then back to finish up my scene.

The experience was challenging but positive.  It was fun to have Sue there...she remembered the bug spray and a couple other items I neglected to pack...besides moral support...It was nice to have someone to bounce ideas off offer assistance.  



Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Red Kimono

Kimono
30 x 30
Oil on Canvas



Cherry Blossom time in Washington DC is always a wonderful time of year with celebrations and the enjoyment of warm weather.  The museums and galleries associated with the Smithsonian always offer many Asian items in their gift shops.  I was fortunate to get there early and found this gorgeous red kimono and black brocade obi.  I just love it.  Once I got it home I realized I would have to tie the obi...not an easy task.  I researched how to put on a kimono and tie an obi checking out videos and lots of source material.  It is an involved task and there are quite a few ways to tie it.  You cannot see my handiwork in this painting...but it was done correctly I believe!  One of the most amusing little tidbits I learned is that the kimono is wrapped around left over right.  A particular video did a little skit involving "leftover rice"...ending with the lesson that the closure is to be made left over right....leftover rice.  I just loved that.  

This painting is the result of my kimono purchase, the trial and errors getting it situated on my model and the cooperation of my beautiful model Kim.  

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Daydreaming

Ray of Light
12 x 12
Oil on Raymar Panel

$300

I love paintings that tell a story.  This story is about daydreaming.  Wouldn't you just love to sit in a field and feel the warmth of the sun as you dream your favorite dreams?  That is what this painting is all about...the sun and daydreaming.  The key to daydreaming is to dream big...reach high...the sky is the limit.  

Monday, July 28, 2014

Songbird - quick sketch of a very special little lady

Songbird
11 x 16
Oil on Raymar Panel
SOLD

I just took a quick trip to San Jose, California for an International School of Bangkok, Thailand all grades reunion.  It was a wonderful week.  I saw lots of old friends and made new friends that know what it is like to attend an overseas school.  The best part was attending with my two older brothers.  So fun to re-live our childhood experiences.  

To warm up and get ready to begin my paintings this week I started with this quick sketch of a very special songbird...she is so very cute...I fall in love with her every time I see her pictures.  I am sure I will paint her again.  What a great way to warm up...so off I go to...paint, paint, paint... 

Monday, July 21, 2014

Impressions of Cate

Impressions of Cate
16 x 20
Oil on Raymar panel

$600

A week or so ago I was fortunate to have a friend's daughter sit for me.  I painted most of this while Cate was in my studio and finished up after she left.  Cate is a beautiful young girl with fabulous, luxurious hair.  She was so fun to work with.  She was game for dressing up, wearing hats, and very natural in all her poses.  I was amazed at her maturity and ability to sit...so poised and elegant.  I look forward to having her sit for me again as I pursue painting from life.  


Thursday, June 26, 2014

Ballerina - Pointe Shoes


Ballet

Sold

My cousin's daughter takes ballet...What a treat for me!  She agreed to come over for a photo shoot.  I took dozens of pictures of her with long tutu's, short tutu's, leotards and...most importantly Toe shoes...which I found out are REALLY called Pointe Shoes.  She is a beautiful girl and a fabulous model.  Her body lines and expressions were more than I could have hoped for.  It was a wonderful day.  Since then I peruse the photos often selecting different ones to paint.  I have painted her about 8 times...only two will ever be seen by the public ;)...but I have had a ball.  This is my favorite.


Monday, June 16, 2014

Sharing - A boy and his dog

Sharing 
16 x 20
Oil on Raymar Panel

$600

I just love this scene for so many reasons.  It shows the special bond between a boy and his dog...it shows the selfless act of sharing his cup of water...and it shows the complete and utter trust between the two.  It was a joy to paint.

In other bits of good news I have had the complete and utter privilege of photographing both of my parents in a recent photo shoot and plan on portraits of them both in the near future.  They are in their late 80's and cannot sit for me but agreed to the shoot.  

AND I begin my next copy at the National Gallery of Art this Wednesday.  I am painting "Autumn" by Winslow Homer.  I love the deep rich reds and greens in this piece...and of course the figurative work also.  Stay tuned to see my progress...

Monday, June 2, 2014

Child in a Straw Hat - National Gallery of Art - Copyist program


I am nearing the end of "Child in a Straw Hat" by Mary Cassatt...copying at the National Gallery of Art.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this piece and it is coming together quickly.  I chose it because I love the expression on the little girl's face.  It has been said that she was called away from her playmates to pose for this portrait and that caused the less than pleased expression on her face.  

As with my other copies my biggest challenge is mixing the colors to create the copy.  The colors in the original are so rich...it is such a good lesson for me.  Mix but not over mix...create soft strokes but boldly, and paint with thick globs of paint.  

Passers by are always very complimentary.  When I am feeling like I am lost someone will whisper "that is so good" as they walk by and I am encouraged to continue.  A young man of about 12 did ask me if I was trying to match the same colors as in the original.  I was struggling at the time and just looked at him and said "are you going to critique my work"?  He sheepishly said "no"...I did smile and wish him a good day.  He walked away smiling...I hope I didn't scare him.  Bruce says I scare people sometimes...It is hard for me to believe that is true ;)

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Child with a Straw Hat by Mary Cassatt - Copying at the National Gallery


There is a wonderful exhibit at the National Gallery of Art featuring works by Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt.  The exhibit explains compositions, thoughts, and techniques of both artists while delving into their unique relationship.  

I am fortunate to currently be copying a Mary Cassatt piece titled "Child in a Straw Hat" at the National Gallery on Fridays.  I began by gridding my canvas and doing a rough sketch of  the piece paying close attention to the facial features.  I love the piece because the little girl's face is unusual...she does not look happy and rumor says she may have been pulled away from playmates to pose for this piece.  


When copying these pieces I find color to be the most challenging and where I really feel like I am learning the most. Once I mixed a reasonable color for the dress, I started putting together mixes for the background.  It will need some adjusting this Friday.



This is where I stopped for the day.  But before I stopped...there was an incident...
My husband works nearby and visits when he wants to check on my progress.  When he arrived I turned my back on my canvas for a moment and while I was turned someone from a tour group decided to pick up my paintbrush!!!!  OHMYGOODNESS!!!  Fortunately everyone in her group yelled at her and she quickly replaced it...but it was quite a shock!  In the SAME DAY a couple of women decided to sit on the stool and pose for pictures while I was in the ladies room!  You can imagine my surprise when I arrived at my easel to see it occupied!  Never a dull moment at the National Gallery of Art!!