My Happy Place - A little bit of heaven

 My Happy Place

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

$1200

I love moments like this.  So peaceful, so serene and I can just feel the love.  The young girl is safe in Daddy's arms and Daddy is protecting her.  Both Father and child feel special...feel safe.  At moments like this I wish time would stand still.  I wish I could be in this moment forever.  

My father is gravely ill.  He has had a wonderful life and has been a great example of everything I want to be in my life.  But I am not ready to lose him.  I knew this time would come but part of me never believed it would really happen. 

I still feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have such a wonderful Dad. I am filled with amazing memories.  

Jeanne Bessette Workshop - Raleigh, North Carolina

Biatches

This piece was painted at a workshop I attended in Raleigh North Carolina.  Jeanne Bessette was our fearless leader.  If you are not familiar with Jeanne's work check out her website.  All the figures are loosely representative of members of the class.  Jeanne is depicted by the figure on the end...she has her arms raised and is wearing a triangular top as an homage to her iconic "tada" figure for which she is known.  Each of my classmates are represented by something I noticed during the week.  It is a very personal piece...not for sale...just for me. 

Walking into the workshop I knew a couple of things.  I knew everyone would be using acrylic paints and they would all be painting in an abstract style.  I paint with oils and in a realistic style.  The reason I wanted to learn from Jeanne is that she is a marketing genius.  She knows a lot about pricing, galleries and moving careers forward.  I wanted to learn all I could.  Since the size of the class was so very small individual attention was ample.  Jeanne took time to address each one of us privately and discuss our needs, wants and dreams.  Jeanne encouraged each of us to reach up as high as we can...embrace our bigness...and enjoy success.  It was an amazing experience.  

The Old Violin - Maria Bennett Hock after William Harnett

The Old Violin painted by William Harnett in 1886.  This is my copy of "The Old Violin".  It was painted as a commission, Christmas present, for a client.  He remembers seeing a copy of this work in his home growing up and this reproduction brought back fond memories.  He requested it because he knows I am a copyist at the National Gallery of art. Unfortunately this particular painting is in a gallery that does not allow copyists...a small gallery.  I went to the National Gallery and took pictures and color notes... also used reference materials from the internet.  I also studied up on William Harnett and his nostalgic compositions.  It was a great experience and I am happy to say my client was pleased.  Great way to start the new year.

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!