The Future is Now

The Future is Now

This is part of my series of women in traditionally male roles.  This is Samantha.  She works at the United States Senate. The red and white polka dot blouse is a nod to her Rosie the Riveter sisters who wore kerchiefs of the same cloth on their heads.  Strong, independent women...cut from the same cloth.  

Samantha was kind enough to let me into the Senate offices in the Russell building and photograph her in her office, in the senate.  The history of the Russell building is impressive to say the least.  It was first opened in 1909.  This photo was taken in the conference room where countless senators have met.  Republicans and Democrats have conferred, argued and agreed.  Our country has been shaped by the decisions made in that room.

We had a great photo shoot and I took pictures of her in some very powerful and commanding poses.  Then as an aside I asked her to sit cross legged on a table.  It is not what I was going for at all, it was a lark.  When I analyzed all the pictures and tried to find the ONE...the one that would say what I want it to say this pose kept drawing me in...then I noticed the clock above her head and a light went on...that was it.  It is her time...it is our time.  The Future is Now.  Samantha is our future. 

bowler hats and vanilla beans!

A twofer!  I recently visited my dear friend in Charleston.  We celebrate our birthdays together and have for he last 25 years!  Having missed last February with her I decided to drive to Charleston during Spoleto to visit and celebrate.  Spoleto is a big art festival...my dear friend Helen Beacham participates every year so it was a great way to get to see her too!  What a great time!  

When I travel I always bring kimonos and hats with me in the hopes of finding willing models.  I am not fussy about whether they sit for let me do a photo shoot...I prefer the sitting but I am happy to have photos.

My dear friend Kathy offered to pose with the bowler and tie...who doesn't love a bowler and tie!  I was trying to think of how to spice it up a bit when I thought of a moustache...of course it has been done but I wanted to put my own spin on it.  I thought of a vanilla bean!  I was fortunate enough to get one that had the perfect little curl at the end...it reminded me of Snidley Whiplash...dating myself but it amused me!  After Kathy so generously sat I asked her beautiful daughter in law to do the same.  Here are my first two attempts at

Military Spouse Series - Work in Progress

This is a peek at a portion of a Work in Progress of one of my Military Spouses.  This piece measures 36 x 36 in total.  

Her story is that she is one of the first military spouses to be able to send an email to her husband serving on the USS Nimitz.  Prior to email communication with our spouse while he/she was out to sea was nearly impossible.  Snail mail was sporadic and telegraph messages were used only in emergency situations.  The use of email was a giant leap forward in communication.  

When I paint these pieces I think of my life and the struggles communicating with my husband while he was on maneuvers or deployed.  It was always a challenge.  I am so glad it is easier for families today...still a challenge to be separated...but nice to be able to communication.  

I will be posting the completed piece soon I hope!  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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... 

The Critic

The Critic

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

$250

After having been away from my easel for a week I decided to warm up with this little girl.  She was in a gallery and very seriously critiquing the artwork.  It was so fun to see her posture and hear her likes and dislikes.  I love the angles of her elbows and curve of her back.  She has been on my list of paintings to do for a while now.  

Tomorrow my model is returning so I can work on her portrait some more.  I am very excited!  

Brennan - Portrait of a boy on a swing

Brennan

16 x 20

Commission

This is Brennan, Alaura's older brother.  When we were at the park taking pictures Brennan could not get enough of the swings and kept wanting to go higher and higher!  Ah, the joy of being pushed on a swing!!  The sky is the limit!!! I hope Brennan always feels that way.

I will be co-hosting the Artists's Helping Artists blogtalk radio program today with Leslie Saeta.  Yayyy!!!  It is going to be a great show about improving your blog!  Listen in at 12:00 EST or download the podcast and listen when you have the time.  

Alaura - Portrait of a Little Girl

Alaura

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

Commission

I was fortunate to be asked to paint a friend's three children.  They are adorable...well, Alaura is adorable...the two boys are cute in a manly way.  

I met up with them at a nearby park and took lots of pictures.  The boys were swinging and climbing on the monkey bars and adorable Allura was watching and getting her walk perfected...with a little help from her mom!  It was fun to catch them in action and try to depict their personalities on canvas.  

Leslie Saeta - 30 paintings in 30 days concludes...

Leslie Saeta

6 x 6 

Oil on Raymar Panel

Leslie is host of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.  It has been an awesome month full of wonderful artwork, camaraderie and encouragement.  I was amazed at the number of people that kept up with the challenge and posted daily.  I was also amazed that I could not find a picture of Leslie without her teeth showing!!!  That woman smiles all the time...not a bad thing unless you want to paint her!

Crystal Cook posted a blog about her musings on the 30 in 30 challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta.  

"Recognize that this challenge is more about the journey than the destination."

While it was fun to get to know new artists and share the daily painting with them...my biggest joy was just painting.  

I decided to do artists portraits.  I wrote to numerous artists and asked for pictures that I could use for this project.  I knew it would be a big challenge...but I didn't realize that posting the images to my facebook page and blog would be so stressful.  People often see themselves in a different light and posting what I see and what my abilities let me record on canvas might not be appreciated.  It was cause for trepidation.  All out sheer panic set in when the photos started arriving and they were things I would not normally choose to paint.  Animals and glasses and teeth OHMY!!!  I had to chalk this up to a learning experience and just do my best.  As the month progressed I saw an improvement in my work.  I researched painting things I was not familiar with and then realized that they are just shapes, darks and lights...just like everything else I paint.  I really like painting glasses now...teeth, well the jury is still out on teeth. And I must say my Facebook and blog friends are very supportive and I was met with many compliments throughout the month.   

So, as I conclude this challenge I begin another.  The adventure continues....

Trepidation

Trepidation

9 x 12

Oil on Raymay Panel

Private collection in Florida

This little girl was at a pool party in her very best party dress.  She was eyeing her surroundings with skepticism...not sure of which way to go next.  In her arms was a mama smurf stuffed doll.  She lifted her beautiful dress to dip her feet in the water but wasn't sure whether or not to proceed.  I just loved the look on her face and her little turned in feet.  

I don't remember whether or not she decided to plunge her tootsies into the pool, but I do know that if she did she would be happy with herself for facing her fears.  Life is all about challenging yourself.  I am constantly pushing myself to do things that I think I cannot do.  

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” 
― Helen Keller, The Open Door

Peeking!

Peeking

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel
$200

Discovering the world through the wide eyed innocence of children is one of life's greatest pleasures.  Everything is fresh and new and every day is a new adventure.  

This little girl was exploring a local coffee shop and delighting in the treasure she could spy in these sale baskets.  

I just had the pleasure of watching my grandson ride the metro for the first time...he was mesmerized by the tunnels and other trains going by.  It was magic for him...therefore magic for me.  

I guess the moral here is to cherish the simple things in life.

Ta Daa...

"Ta Daa"

24 x 36

Oil on Canvas

$600

As a young child I remember putting on shows for my parents, grandparents and anyone else who I could con into attending.  The shows were often unrehearsed but always well received by loving relatives who encouraged me to perform.  

I recently had the honor of attending a show put on by my two little grand nieces.  The show was fabulous, of course.   After watching the two little ballerinas twirl and swirl their voluminous tutu's they took their dramatic final bow.

I love the gracefulness of this pose...the angle of the body...the position of the feet.  The scene is full of promise.  

Dream big...reach for the stars...nothing is out of the realm of possibilities.  

Safe - in Grandpa's Arms

"Safe - in Grandpa's Arms"

20 x 24

Oil on Canvas

Of course I loved painting that shock of tangled, wild, blonde hair!  I could have worked on it forever...but it was the proud look on Grandpa's face that totally sucked me and and begged me to paint this moment.  I can just imagine the safe, comfortable feeling of being wrapped in the arms of your protector...and the joyful emotion elicited from knowing that you are the safe haven.  It looks like heaven to me.

Sugar and Spice - Portrait of a Tiny Ballerina

Sugar and Spice

11 x 14

Raymar Panel

$200.00

This is how Sugar and Spice came to be...

I started with a 11 by 14 raymar panel and began to sketch my little subject.  With the beginnings of every painting I have so much hope...so much excitement...I am so looking forward to this project.  and then...AACK...and immediate roadblock!  I realized that the sketch was too small on the panel.  I wanted the tulle skirt to be so large that it went off both sides. 

Undaunted I wiped it off and began again.  I like this size much better.  (Note to self...sketch more and you will wipe less) 

I have blocked in the colors and I think everything is in the right place.  I am trying to make the skirt as dark pink as I can because I know I am going to lighten it later and I want it to look like lots of layers of tulle.  I love the socks she is wearing and know I want that to be a design element...I like the juxtaposition of the pretty feminine dress and the sport socks.  I like the word juxtaposition.  

I decided on a dark background...the light is coming from the right as you face the panel...so I bring in some lights there.  I have darkened her hair so I can create depth with a lighter color later on. The facial features seem to be falling into line...I want an impressionistic look...soft lines.  The chair has become a little off...aauuugghhh! 

Ah...and now I have lightened the hair...lightened the tulle in the skirt...refined the face and I have fallen in love with this little dancer...this is me smiling ;)

Petite Ballerina

Petite Ballerina

8 x 10

Oil on Board

$100.00

One of my favorite little ballerinas.  She had just performed a little dance and was walking off "stage."  I love the play of light through the tutu and her tousled hair.  When I paint my little ballerinas I smile.  I smile a lot.

Cupcake! Portrait of a little girl..

Cupcake!

24 x 30

Commission

I loved painting this portrait and I loved the photo shoot.  This little girl was quite skeptical of me as I wielded my camera and tried to capture her digitally from every angle.  Trying to sketch was out of the question...she was just too fast for me!  We went for a walk, rocked baby dolls, petted the dog, put on shoes BUT when I brought out the cupcakes..we became fast friends!  She is such a delicate girly, girl with enormously gorgeous blue eyes and soft baby blonde hair I smiled the whole time I painted.  I am pleased to say her family was pleased with the portrait as well.  

Hilton Head Gang week 8

It has been 8 weeks of searching, searching, searching for notorious Hilton Head Gang members.  The Hilton Head Gang is a group of elusive artists who attended Karin Jurick's workshop on Hilton Head Island.  I will feature one member of the group each week until they are all accounted for...

Week 8 finds us looking for Nancy “The Guardian” Darling so named because of her help with rescue dogs.  She often travels with a large pack of dogs which hampers her ability to shoot but that does not prevent her from trying.  She uses the dogs to attract unsuspecting subjects then while they are being distracted...she shoots.  It is a devious but very effective plan.  I hear she and her pack will be heading up to Alaska to participate in the Iditarod...that may be a false lead...just be on the lookout...

You may find more clues to her whereabouts on her blog...

http://njdarling.blogspot.com/

How "Her Majesty" came to be!

Last week I posted “Her Majesty”.  This week I am posting some pictures showing how “Her Majesty” came to be.  

On my blank canvas I sketch out where I think everything will go...the body...the chair...I make sure the proportions look correct etc.  I am VERY excited about this stage of my painting.  It is like a newborn baby...there is so much hope and anticipation...I see such a great future for this piece. 

Then I block in all the colors.  Visually this gives me a sense of composition and further helps me ascertain that things are where I want them on the canvas.  This is like the toddler stage.  There is still a lot of hope...things are looking good...the piece is coming to life!  I am excited.

I begin with the details...this is the adolescence.. the awkward stage.  Things don’t always turn out the way I had planned.  I lost focus...got cocky...The piece gets off track and I get annoyed.  I see that even though things were in the right place to begin with...one arm is too long...the features in the face seem to have shifted down and I wonder how the paint could have shifted...It could not be ME!  It has to be the fault of the brush!  Yes, that is it...I will blame the brush.

Finally, I get the kinks worked out...the piece has reached its adulthood...everything is back where it belongs and it has grown into a fine young painting.  "Her Majesty" is cute again!   She has found a good home and will live happily ever after.

And now I begin another...