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.  

Hugs

Hugs

12 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

I am trying to keep up with Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 but not faring as well as I would like.  It is more like 15 in 30 for me as I am posting every other day.  Then there is that darn trip to Switzerland ;)  that will put me out of the game for 10 days!  But I do what I can.

This painting is of one of my precious grand nieces hugging her doll...I just love the angles and positioning of the legs.  It was fun to block in the lights and darks and let the painting take shape.  I did have a bit of a challenge with the doll...not wanting it to look too much like human skin...trying to get it to look more plasticky.  When my husband arrived home from work I excitedly presented my work for his praise...he said the monkey looked too yellow...so back down to earth I fixed the monkey to look more like a doll.  Ah, well...he keeps me from getting a big head...

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 ;)