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.   

Maria at 61 - self portrait

Maria at 61

8 x 8

Oil on Raymar Panel

Happy Birthday to me!!!

I like painting self portraits.  It is a great time for experimentation and I am a convenient model since I am always there.  To celebrate my 61st birthday I decided to paint a quick self portrait...and right off the heels of my 30 in 30 artists portraits I felt the timing was good.  For those of you who think I paint myself too harshly (Mom) I do it as an exercise to help me learn.  I am constantly trying new colors, color combinations, brushes, strokes and styles and this is the perfect time to try new things.  

Every decade of my life has been monumental in some way.  I don't remember an age I did not like.  Every age has its challenges...but the benefits far outweigh any obstacles.  

So...here I go  Maria at 61...Happy Birthday to me!!!

Hilton Head Gang The Finale! Week 20!

Here we are...Week 20...the final mug shot of the Hilton Head Gang originating at Karin Jurick’s fabulous workshop on Hilton Head Island.  It is hard to believe more than 20 weeks have passed and I must say my life has changed in very many ways.  This week we feature...yours truly...yes, it is finally my turn...Yayyy!

(Note to self...SMILE at all times!!!)

Maria "The Enforcer"

4 x 4

Oil on Board

Maria “The Enforcer” Hock is perhaps the most dangerous member of the Hilton Head gang.   She is an instigator...a rabble rouser...a provocateur.  She lures you into her circle of friends with promises of camaraderie, challenges, and critiques.  She has three cameras and endless battery power.  She is also deadly with her prose...if she can’t get a likeness...then it is very likely you will be the subject of a story...or BOTH!  Her husband is responsible for her nickname...