Thursday, December 17, 2015

Boots on the Ground


Boots on the Ground

8 x 8
Oil on Raymar Panel

James Gurney is sponsoring a challenge.  The challenge is to write a story using only 6 words and then illustrate the story with a painting.  The most famous 6 word story was written by Ernest Hemingway.  "For sale: baby shoes.  Never worn."  Hemingway's story is poignant.  Baby shoes...never worn.  Such a sad tale.  

When deciding on a 6 word tale I started thinking about what would also be poignant.  I often turn to my life and what affected me.  As a child, a military brat, my siblings and I would count down days.  Days to the next duty station, days to the next holiday, days to any significant event.  Then I thought about who else would also count down...I can only imagine how many military members have counted down the days till they get to go home and see their loved ones.  It came to me.  Boots on the ground...counting days.  The days until the deployment is over and they can return home.  That was it...that was the story I would tell.  

I began by distressing the panel I was using.  I used some burnt umber and wiped it to look used.  Then I put lines...4 down and one diagonally across. A traditional counting tool I have seen used.  I used these lines to cover the background.  A visual depiction of counting days.  Painted the boots in the middle of the panel and put the lettering down on one side...down to the ground.  Counting days goes across the bottom and leads your eye off the panel.  

Monday, December 14, 2015

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.  

Friday, November 20, 2015

Salute - Tuskegee Airman


Salute - Tuskegee Airman
20 x 16
Oil on Raymar Panel

$1200.00

This painting continues my "Salute" series.  I honor veterans of our services...these men and women dedicated their lives to assure our country's freedom.  Assurance that they are not forgotten is paramount.  I often walk around the World War II Memorial in Washington DC and meet many members of the Honor Flights.  Honor Flights bring veterans to see the World War II memorial at no expense to the vets.  The flight is donated and volunteers make sure the veterans, many of whom are in wheel chairs, get around.  When I talk to the veterans you can see the pride in their eyes.  When I ask them to salute I can see the young man emerging from the old.  Their back straightens, their head tilts up and that twinkle of a youthful service member shines in their eyes.  They are transported to the feeling that they are invincible...they are once again the superman/woman that defended our freedom.  They made a difference in our lives.  

You can read more about the Tuskegee Airman here.   These Airmen were an amazing group of primarily African American service members who were trained as pilots, navigators, maintenance staff, instructors and any support that kept the aircraft flying.  A group that was not recognized until recently.  Thankfully, now, they are being recognized for their enormous contribution to our freedom.  

Thursday, November 5, 2015

The Sky is the Limit


The Sky is the Limit
6 x 6
Oil on Raymar Panel

$350

This is part of my military series.  I love seeing children play...and when grown ups join them it is even better.  This little princess is playing with her mom building a tower to the sky out of building blocks.  Mom is still in her flight suit from work...not a trendy jumpsuit from an exclusive store...a flight suit from her job as an Air Force pilot.  

And now a bit about photos of artwork...

I don't think I am a lazy person...quite the opposite in face.  I keep busy and have dedicated myself to painting every day.  It is my job and I treat it as such.  I get up in the morning, workout (most mornings), have breakfast and then head to the studio.  I paint most of the day either at a studio outside my home or painting small pieces at home.  The rest of my time is spent researching, reading, practicing with color, discussing art with colleagues etc.  I do keep busy.  Where I fall painfully short is when it comes times to take pictures of my work.  I too often opt for the cell phone picture and post it.  Today I took my lazy cell phone picture and decided to take a picture with my Canon Rebel also.  I set up proper lighting and took a picture...the result is painfully obvious. In the cell phone picture the colors are off...though a monitor can skew color it is still good to try for the best possible color rendering.  The photo is not as crisp...it is just not as good as taking the time to set up a proper photo shoot.  So...with this lesson in mind...I shall take pictures with my Canon and be thankful I have a nice camera to produce better results.  One caveat...my cell phone is not new and maybe the newer ones take better pictures...but for now I will use my camera. 



Taken with my cell phone


Taken with my Canon Rebel 




Tuesday, September 8, 2015

U. S. S. John Warner Commissioning

Commissioning of the USS John Warner
24 x 12
Oil on Canvas

I was fortunate to get to attend the commissioning of the USS John Warner in Norfolk, Virginia.  My husband worked for Senator Warner and I found him to be an amazing person.  He began his service to our country when he was only 17 years old joining the Navy during World War II.  After the war he resumed his education at Washington and Lee University and then University of Virginia Law School.  During the Korean War he joined the Marine Corps.  He resumed his studies after his time with the Marine Corps and received his law degree from George Washington University.  He subsequently went on to practice law at Hogan and Harrison before becoming the United States Senator from Virginia.  He is honest, fair and open minded.  I wish we had more politicians like him.  Attending the commissioning of the submarine that was dedicated in his honor was a once in lifetime experience for me...and one I will never forget.  

I love painting white...the many shades of white...and this opportunity to paint these white uniforms was great fun.  My love of painting white and this historic event produced a tangible memory which I will enjoy for years to come I am sure. 





Saturday, August 15, 2015

Salute - VFW


Salute - VFW
16 x 20
Oil on Raymar Panel

$1200.00


I am back to my "Salute" series.  There is so much I like about painting these veterans.  I love the pride they have in their country.  I love the pride they have that they served.  They made a difference.  I found this veteran at the commissioning of the USS John Warner.  He was sitting in a seat near me.  I watched as he greeted friends and fellow veterans.  He proudly wore his VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) hat.  Sometimes I am a little shy about asking for a salute...I have only been turned down once...but most of the time I overcome my inhibitions and just ask.  This gentleman was very happy to oblige.  I still have quite a few in my "Salute" folder...but if you know of anyone who is willing to participate..please let me know.  

Monday, August 3, 2015

Self portrait - Vivi and Miss Sweetieheart


Self Portrait

20 x 24
Oil on Canvas

$2400.00

I have been working on this piece for a long time.  I first painted the source a few years ago and always loved the position of the little girl, Vivian, and her favorite stuffed animal, Miss Sweetieheart.  Once the painting was done...Vivi visited again and I saw her looking at her portrait...holding Miss Sweetieheart in the same way.  I just love the scene.  I have painted Vivi many times...in ballerina outfits, with sunglasses on, in different costumes...She is a wonderful model.  She takes direction well and always gives me a wonderfully soulful look on her face.  I have had this picture for a long time and I always come back to it...so a few months ago I began.  I wanted it to look like she was in the studio checking out a portrait of herself.  I mocked up a studio scene and placed Vivi and the painting in it.  The painting has gone through quite a few iterations but I am happy with it now. 


This is one of the paintings of Vivi and Miss Sweetieheart.  This one is a tiny 6 x 6.  Happily it found a good home!  

The lesson I learned...the lesson I keep learning is to never compromise.  Keep trying different color combinations, change the composition, be open to whatever the painting needs to be successful.  I worked on this piece on and off for months reworking every part of the piece.  I know there are many who would encourage me to do thumbnail sketches, paint a small sketch of the piece and work out any issues before I begin a painting.  I have done that many times...but find when I begin the larger piece I change my mind.  So I will keep working on my process...keep working on my artwork...

Stay tuned...


Friday, July 31, 2015

Value Study - Maria Bennett Hock

I have been wanting to do an exercise using only black and white.  I mixed 9 puddles of paints in progressively darker values.  It was a challenge and I am not sure the puddles at the darker end of the spectrum are different enough in value...but I will work on that.  


I then blocked in my features with a middle value.  I used a photograph I had taken and printed in black and white.  I also used a mirror and made sure the light from my window was the same as when I took the picture.  I wanted to compare what I saw in the picture and in real life.  


I refined features and darkened and lightened as I went.  Working quickly as the light from the window would change soon. 


 This is my final.  I blended the darks and lights.  I am pleased with my first attempt at this.  I will probably work on it some more.  I am always tweaking my paintings to try to improve them.  Sometimes it works...sometimes not....but it is always an interesting learning experience and very fun.   



Thursday, July 30, 2015

Salute - World War II Veteran - Honor Flight


Salute - World War II Honor Flight Veteran
16 x 20
Oil On Panel

$1200

I am continuing my "Salute" Series.  I started with World War II veterans on honor flights.  I would meet them at the World War II Memorial and ask for a salute.  Witnessing the pride they feel as they salute makes me feel so good about the series.  These are men and woman that truly preserved our freedom.  Finding male veterans is pretty easy...but actually finding female veterans from World War II is a challenge  

This Veteran was at the World War II memorial on a hot summer day.  She was proud to salute and I was proud to add her to my series...as I said...finding female subjects is not an easy task.   She was also so impressed with the World War II memorial. 

Since I have enjoyed this series so much I have expanded it to include any veteran...the series is meant to honor the vets.  


Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Middle Child


Middle Child
20 x 30
Oil on Canvas

$2400.00

Middle Child, as the title would suggest, is based on how a middle child feels.  It is often written that a middle child gets lost between the older and younger siblings.  I am a middle child.   I have two older brothers and two younger brothers.  Because my siblings are all male I was never really lost in the abyss that many middle children feel.  I was the only girl in a family of men...I always felt special..always felt loved and always felt relevant.  Being the only girl in a family of men helped me in many ways.  I was brought up believing I could accomplish any thing I aspired to.  I am a problem solver, a do it yourselfer, and a self starter.  

In my 50's I decided I wanted to be a portrait artist.  Most of my family was supportive and I believe they have all had portraits painted as I practice my craft.  I constantly strive to improve through daily painting, classes and studying the works of others.  I feel very fortunate to be able to pursue this dream.  I know I have a lot to learn, a long way to go...but I am pleased with my progress so far and look forward to the future.  





Thursday, July 16, 2015

Flower girl

Flower Girl
16 x 20
Oil on Raymar Panel

$1200

This little flower girl stole my heart!  She is adorable.  I love the soft wrinkles in her dress...the gentle way she is pulling at the material and her inquisitive look.

Sometimes I paint with a mission...I paint salutes, I paint military families.  When I create those pieces I want to tell a story that creates an awareness.  I want people to realize the sacrifices our military members and their families face for the love of country.  

With this piece, I still want to tell a story...it is just a story of a happy little girl at a beautiful wedding.  It is her chance to be a princess for a day.  As I said...she is adorable. 


Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Smoothie

Smoothie
8 x 10
Oil on Raymar Panel

Don't come between this child and his smoothie!  He was enjoying his delicious treat and was in no mood to share!  

While I am in transition...that is in the apartment before our home is ready to be moved into...I have a plein air easel in a corner so I can still work on some small works.  This is the first one to be done in my makeshift studio.  This is just for days I can't get out.  A dear friend has generously offered to let me use her studio while I am in the apartment.  Most days I travel to her place and paint.  It is not only nice to have a place to paint...but nice to have company for a change.  I am usually alone and I find having someone to bounce ideas off of is a nice change.  


Wednesday, July 1, 2015

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.

Friday, June 26, 2015

Military Salute - Rolling Thunder - Run to the Wall


Salute - Rolling Thunder 2015
14 x 11
Oil On Raymar Panel

NFS

I started this "Salute" Series featuring World War II veterans brought to the World War II memorial on Honor Flights.  Honoring World War II veterans is paramount to this series...but honoring all veterans is also important.  

During the 2015 Run to the Wall...Rolling Thunder... I decided to feature veterans participating in the ride.  Rolling Thunder rides across the United States on motorcycles culminating in a parade of motorcycles weaving through Washington DC and ending up at the Vietnam Memorial. It is an amazing sight.  My husband's cousin, Jeff, is a veteran of the US Navy and has participated in the ride for the last two years.  He is the featured veteran in this piece.  




Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Honor Fight Salute. World War II


Honor Flight Salute - World War II
16 x 20
Oil on Raymar Panel

$1200

Walking around the World War II memorial in Washington DC is always awe inspiring.  The thought of the war and what these courageous men and women endured is more than I can comprehend.  Honor Flights bring in veterans at no expense to the vet.  Volunteers make sure the vets can get around and see the memorial.  The ceremonies celebrating the men and women are so uplifting.  Swing Dancers join the celebration and make it feel like the 1940's again.  There are lots of smiles, lots of dancing, lots of memories.  

This veteran posed for me happily...he is so proud of his service to our country and so proud to be on this honor flight.  When I looked at the picture I noticed the words etched into the stone on the monument behind him:

Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid, they have earned our undying gratitude.  American will never forget their sacrifices.            President Harry S. Truman

I thought those words were so poignant...so appropriate...and they say everything I want to say about this series.  

As our nation ages the veterans of World War II will no longer be with us.  I treasure every salute I can get from these fine men and women.  

Monday, June 15, 2015

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.  


Sunday, May 31, 2015

Honor Flight Salute - World War II Veteran


Honor Flight Salute - World War II
14 x 11
Oil on canvas panel

$650

Continuing my "Salute" series I am featuring a World War II veteran.  When I asked him to pose for me with a salute he got this stern look on his face like he really meant business.  He was in a wheel chair with an American flag attached to the back of his chair.  I am sure there will be a larger painting of this guy with his flag.  I think both compositions are perfect for this series.  

This project started in my mind featuring only World War II veterans.  Then, as I visited the World War II memorial and saw the vets from other wars...from other times I realized that the feeling I wanted to convey and the pride for their country and what they had accomplished was timeless.  So I have broadened my "Salute" Series and I welcome veterans...old and young...I ask them to salute and I am amazed by the way their demeanor brightens.  

So I continue...


Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Honor Flight Salute


"Honor Flight Salute"
12 x 12
Oil on Panel

$600

If you have never been to the National Mall in Washington DC to witness an Honor Flight you are missing an amazing event.  Honor Flights make sure Veterans get the chance to see the monuments erected in their honor.  Veterans come from all over the country at no personal expense.  An Honor Flight is arranged and executed totally by volunteers.  Pilots volunteer their time, airlines volunteer their aircraft, thousands of volunteers make sure veterans from our wars get to see the monuments and are recognized for their service.  It is truly a sight to see.  The Veterans are so proud of their service...there are handshakes, thank you's, and a wonderfully emotionally driven feeling throughout the area.  I love seeing these vets, so proud, so happy.  

Along with the veterans at the World War II memorial there are a group of swing dancers that spend their time dancing and entertaining.  They dance and make sure every vet is given attention with a twirl around the monument...a kiss on the cheek...or a handshake. 

With that in mind and my quest to paint scenes from military life I decided to do a series of paintings based on salutes from these veterans visiting the memorials.  This is my first piece.  He is a Korean War veteran and was very happy to offer a salute for my cause.  

To find out more about Honor Flights, or to help out, you can visit Honorflight.org.  


Tuesday, May 19, 2015

The Making of "The Adjustment"



The Adjustment
16 x 20
Oil on Raymar Panel

$1200

I recently posted this little ballerina adjusting her straps before a performance.  While going over my notes I realized I had taken pictures of each stage of my painting process.  I don't paint all my paintings this way but I would say a majority of them begin very similarly.  




Here I picked out the support that I thought would best suit the composition.  I knew I wanted the arms, body and part of the legs to be in the painting.  I blocked in the approximate composition for placement purposes.  I couldn't resist putting some darks and lights on the arms and that wonderful shadow on her back indicating the shoulder blade.  


I wanted to play with the tutu next.  I blocked in the darks and lights here.  I tried to mix a color of paint...then lay it down and leave it.  I am just indicating folds.  


The hair block in was next.  Again, I just concentrated on laying down color and leaving it.  No blending or noodling with the paint.  Strong, bold brush strokes.  Notice on my final version of this painting the hair is exactly as it is now.  I didn't touch it after my block in of lights and darks.  


While working on each section I have been revisiting the arms and making sure they are placed properly and the hands tugging on the straps of her tutu.  I lightly indicated the legs here.  My decision was...should I try to make the tights fit her legs properly...or make them oversized and a bit wrinkled.  The challenge is to make them interesting without making them a focal point.  

You can see I decided to go with slightly wrinkled tights.  I adjusted the hands some more and made sure the straps were raised to emphasize the adjustment.  I wanted the background to be subtle so I use a complimentary gray/green.  I also added a bit more detail to the dress.  




Tuesday, May 12, 2015

The Adjustment - Ballerina adjusting her straps


The Adjustment
16 x 20
Oil on Raymar Panel

$1200

One of the reasons I love to paint ballerinas so much is because of the freedom painting tutu gives me.  I begin by laying in darks and letting the skirt take shape.  Once the darks are all in I lay the medium colors in...adjusting as I go.  I never try to exactly mimic the tutu I am looking at...I take artistic license to let the paint flow and form the skirt.  Once I get a good shape I add some highlights to show off the shape of the skirt.  

In this particular painting the girl was not really playing with her straps.  When I started painting I thought it would tell a good story.  I imagine a little girl just getting her outfit on ready for her recital.  She nervously adjusts her straps while walking towards the stage.  I love that her tights were loose and baggy.  

It was just a fun piece to paint.  


Thursday, May 7, 2015

Kaitlyn



This is a small 11 x 14 sketch of Kaitlyn.  She and her mom were kind enough to visit my studio and pose for me.  Stormy, Kaitlyn's mom, is in the Army...a 1st Sergeant.  I asked them to pose for my ongoing military life series.  Stormy brought her uniform so I could depict typical military scenes that were parts of my everyday life.  I expected Stormy to be easy to direct because she is a beauty pageant winner and very poised.  Kaitlyn was a delightful surprise.  She took direction well and has such thoughtful, soulful features.  I did this quick sketch to warm up for some larger pieces I am working on.  

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Military Life Series

I have an ongoing series depicting scenes from military life.  As a military brat (which is the term lovingly used for children of military parents), military spouse and military mom I have extensive exposure to the military lifestyle…its trials and tribulations…its joys and adventures.  I have been compiling memories and stories from friends and family to capture these memories on canvas.  I paint from my heart and express emotion in my work.  I have the ideas, the memories, and the stories…what I lack are the models to depict these scenes.  Have a small group of neighbors that will pose for me setting up scenarios and portraying my memories.  Some I can paint from life and some I must photograph to work on my own.  I am always on the lookout for appropriate models to come and pose for me.  


I painted this as a representation of a family getting ready for deployment.  The father is going overseas for a number of months...up to a year.  It is not easy for families to endure these separations...but military families are tough.  

This piece shows a young child with his hand over his heart as they play taps at the end of the day.  At sundown, on a military installation, music is piped through a loudspeaker.  As soon as the music starts activity stops.  Everyone stands and either salutes or places their hand over their heart and faces the flag...if they can't see the flag they face the general direction... as a sign of respect for the lowering of the flag.  As soon as the music stops activity resumes.  


This is a fun piece.  I did that portrait of my son when he was deployed to Afghanistan.  It was shown at a local gallery. when my daughter in law visited she leaned over to give him a kiss.  I thought it was a perfect moment.  I did a painting of it that I gifted to my daughter in law.  

And now a favor!  If you have any stories of military experiences that you think will add to my series I would love to hear from you!  Please send stories and or pictures by commenting on this blog.  Of course if anyone lives nearby and would be kind enough to model...my door is always open and my schedule is flexible!  



Monday, April 20, 2015

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!  


Thursday, April 16, 2015

Getting Ready - A mother's encouraging hand

"Getting Ready"
6 x 6
Oil on Raymar panel

$350

Pablo Picasso said "painting is just another way of keeping a diary."  Truer words were never spoken.  I love telling stories with my paintings...but it is not always my story.  This particular painting is a mother fixing her daughter's hair before a ballet performance.  The girl looks a little worried...the mother is calm and reassuring her daughter.  Who doesn't appreciate the confident, calm voice of reason telling you that everything will be all right...that you will be fabulous...and that the audience will love you.  It is a classic moment.  

Though this particular moment is not my story...it is representative of my mom's encouragement.  She would always tell me that everything would be all right...that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to...that the sky is the limit.  

Because of my family's belief in me I have always set high goals.  I aim high...I believe I can...


Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Pink Boots


Pink Boots
17x31
Oil on Canvas

$1200

Recently I was visited by a beautiful ballerina wearing pink cowgirl boots!  How fun is that?  Can you imagine how excited I was when she walked into my own home???  I was so excited!  I was able to get a few snapshots before she twirled off into the sunset! 




Monday, March 30, 2015

Thank you for your Service - Honor Flight at the World War II memorial

"Thank You For Your Service"
16 x 20
Oil on Raymar panel

$1200.00

I have been working on this painting...this concept for about 9 months now.  I have changed so many things about it.  First I had the World War II vet very gray and actually blending into the gray background.  I liked the look...but it didn't say what I wanted it to say.  It gave more importance to the younger service member.  The painting is about the World War II vet....about his story.  It is about thanking him and all the veterans for their service.          

The  concept was conceived when I visited the World War II memorial and saw the World War II vets brought in and taken care of by the Honor Flight program.  Honor Flight is a program that flies these veterans in to Washington DC and takes them to the see the World War II memorial.  It is a great program.  While at the memorial they are given ceremonies to celebrate their service and they are entertained by wonderful swing dancers who not only dance for them but also dance with them.  It is a very moving sight to see the vets remembering their hey-day!  Good times!  I walk by the monument as often as I can to see the joy and to remember the sacrifice.  

I am not totally pleased with this piece but have decided it is done and I have to move on.  I will choose another setting from the World War II memorial and paint another tribute.  The next one will be better.  Maybe none of my paintings will be good enough to express my appreciation for their service...their sacrifice...but I will keep trying.  


Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Generations

Generations
16 x 20
Oil on Raymar Panel

$1200.00

It all started with a visit to see my cousin Mary Ellen in Maryland.  We get together every so often to have an art day.  It always involves lots of art, laughter and good food!  On this visit I had the presence of mind to load my car with some of my hats from my prop closet and a couple of my kimonos just in case anyone was up for a photo shoot.  My good fortune continued when I realized that Virginia, Alice and Alvah we also going to join us.  After a respectable amount of time at the work table I approached everyone with the option to add a photo shoot to the fun.  They were all game and tried on hats and kimonos and posed for me.  What fun! Alice pulled out her violin and posed and even got some great shots of her Dad playing his guitar!  When I am not fortunate enough to have a live model in the studio...I opt for my fabulous collection of inspirational photos.  

Here we have Virginia and Alice...grandmother and granddaughter.  They were both so much fun trying on hats and kimonos.  I love the relationship between these two.  The love and respect is obvious.  I worked on this off and on for the last couple of months and may work on it some more...but for now I am going to call it done. 

In other news, we are getting ready for our move to North Carolina.  I have been cleaning things out.  I don't believe my studio has EVER been so clean!  I purged the space of my rejected paintings and put things away.  Of course now I can't find anything!  

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Great Grandma's Hat


Great Grandma's Hat
11 x 14
Oil on Raymar Panel

$750

Today I was working on skin tones.  Years ago when I started painting and learning about colors/skin tones/mixing colors I devised a formula of sorts to get me started...specifically for skin tones.  I used a base of yellow ochre, white and cadmium red light.  I would mix a nice pinkish color and then add in blues, greens and any other color that I thought the skin tones needed for shading and defining.  As I have learned more about color I have broadened my horizons by starting with different color combinations.  For this portrait of a little girl trying on her great-grandmother's hat I used a lot of blues and aqua colors mixed with reds and some ochres.  It was a fun experiment coupled with painting one of my favorite subjects.  A nice way to spend a cold, wintery, snowy day.