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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

My Hero - My Pepere

My Hero - My Pepere

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar panel

There is nothing more comforting than being in safe in the arms of someone you know will protect you at all cost and who loves you unconditionally.  This is a portrait of unconditional love.  

One of my artistic goals is to paint with more spontaneity.  I love the loose look of paint that appears to be randomly splashed on the canvas.  What I have learned through the years is that the look of spontaneity comes with practice.  It sounds like an oxymoron...controlled spontaneity...but it is what strive to achieve.  

Child in a Straw Hat - National Gallery of Art - Copyist program

I am nearing the end of "Child in a Straw Hat" by Mary Cassatt...copying at the National Gallery of Art.  I have thoroughly enjoyed this piece and it is coming together quickly.  I chose it because I love the expression on the little girl's face.  It has been said that she was called away from her playmates to pose for this portrait and that caused the less than pleased expression on her face.  

As with my other copies my biggest challenge is mixing the colors to create the copy.  The colors in the original are so rich...it is such a good lesson for me.  Mix but not over mix...create soft strokes but boldly, and paint with thick globs of paint.  

Passers by are always very complimentary.  When I am feeling like I am lost someone will whisper "that is so good" as they walk by and I am encouraged to continue.  A young man of about 12 did ask me if I was trying to match the same colors as in the original.  I was struggling at the time and just looked at him and said "are you going to critique my work"?  He sheepishly said "no"...I did smile and wish him a good day.  He walked away smiling...I hope I didn't scare him.  Bruce says I scare people sometimes...It is hard for me to believe that is true ;)

Child with a Straw Hat by Mary Cassatt - Copying at the National Gallery

There is a wonderful exhibit at the National Gallery of Art featuring works by Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt.  The exhibit explains compositions, thoughts, and techniques of both artists while delving into their unique relationship.  

I am fortunate to currently be copying a Mary Cassatt piece titled "Child in a Straw Hat" at the National Gallery on Fridays.  I began by gridding my canvas and doing a rough sketch of  the piece paying close attention to the facial features.  I love the piece because the little girl's face is unusual...she does not look happy and rumor says she may have been pulled away from playmates to pose for this piece.  

When copying these pieces I find color to be the most challenging and where I really feel like I am learning the most. Once I mixed a reasonable color for the dress, I started putting together mixes for the background.  It will need some adjusting this Friday.

This is where I stopped for the day.  But before I stopped...there was an incident...
My husband works nearby and visits when he wants to check on my progress.  When he arrived I turned my back on my canvas for a moment and while I was turned someone from a tour group decided to pick up my paintbrush!!!!  OHMYGOODNESS!!!  Fortunately everyone in her group yelled at her and she quickly replaced it...but it was quite a shock!  In the SAME DAY a couple of women decided to sit on the stool and pose for pictures while I was in the ladies room!  You can imagine my surprise when I arrived at my easel to see it occupied!  Never a dull moment at the National Gallery of Art!!  

Putt, putt, putting around! The little Golfer

Putting

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar Panel

$200

This is the grandson of a dear friend.  The whole family golfs and they have hit the links with the little one already.  I love the gesture in this on..the child looks so casual...so confident.  I just love the body language.  

I talk about sketching a lot.  I think it is very important to my development to sketch as often as I can.  I have often felt bad about my sketching...it isn't pretty.  I have been chastised during classes for not having cleaner lines..."Strong, bold lines are what is required" I am told.  I just can't seem to get there.  I have decided my style is scribbling...I like scribbling.  There is no pressure...it is what it is...scribbling.  So here is my latest scribble.  I often sketch...or scribble in the evenings...Bruce is a easy model.  When no one is there I pull out my mirror and do a self portrait.  I have done dozens.  So, now I embrace the scribble!  I feel so much better!   

Waiting for Daddy - National Military Spouse Network's First Annual Small Works Show

Waiting for Daddy

16 x 20

Oil on Canvas

$600

This is one of the pieces I am showing at the National Military Spouse Network's First Annual Small Works Show.  The show will be October 19th at the Mary Gates Learning Center in Old Town Alexandria.  The show features works of art by Military Spouses.  I love that the mother in the picture seems to be looking for something and the child is looking at the viewer.  My story...in my head...is that she is waiting for her husband to arrive home to meet his child.  The little one is, of course, oblivious to the whole situation but is distracted by something in the distance.  It was a fun piece to do.  And fun to imagine a joyous reunion.  

My blog will be silent for a while. I am off to Switzerland with some fabulous art friends for 10 fabulous days.  My husband will have to fend for himself!  

So Bon Voyage to me!!!  

National Military Spouse Network Art Show - Seeing Daddy Off...

Seeing Daddy Off...

16 x 20

Oil on Canvas

$600.00

In October I am curating an exhibition for the National Military Spouses' Network.  The artwork featured will be by military spouses, veterans spouses and, retired military spouses.  I am very excited to be a part of this wonderful group.  Click HERE for the prospectus to enter paintings or photography into the show.  The theme of the show is "Together we serve".

As one of the curators I have the opportunity to contribute to the show.  I LOVE to paint portraits and figurative pieces.  For this series a story will be told starting with this one.  This is a spouse and child seeing her loved one leave on a deployment.  It is an everyday part of life for a military spouse...never easy...but a part of life.  Every military spouse serves in a very special way.  I am proud to be a military brat, military spouse and mom to two military brats.    

Brooklyn...portrait of a Great Grandchild

Brooklyn

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

This adorable little one is named Brooklyn and that hand gently touching her chin is my Aunt Denise.  Brooklyn is her Great-Granddaughter.  I just love the young fresh pink complexion next to the ruddy skin of an oldster's hand.  My mom (Aunt Denise's sister) asked me to paint this as a surprise for my aunt...She is not on Facebook or my blog so I feel comfortable that the surprise is secure.  I will be mailing it out in about a week.  Soooo...if you run into my Aunt Denise...don't spoil the surprise!

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.  

The Discovery - on the beach

Show and Tell

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar Panel

Just when I thought I was done I remembered I had this adorable picture of Kathy Dugan Collins on the beach!  Check out her artwork here...www.kathycollinsart.com 

So 30 in 30 has turned into 31 in 31...

Say "Cheese"

Say "Cheese"

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar panel

$200

Did you ever try to take a picture of an uncooperative subject?  This mom was trying her best to get a good shot of her adorable daughter...but the little one was not having it!  A long day of sight seeing had taken its toll...

Of course their trials were my good fortune!  I love the gesture on this one...the mom leaning back a bit yet close enough to hold on to the little one who was shielding her eyes from the sun and trying to avoid yet another photo.  

Kathy - Portrait with her grandchild

My Grandbaby

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

NFS

One of the most magical moments in life is when your child puts your grandchild in your arms.   This is my dear, dear friend Kathy looking lovingly at her grandchild.  These are the moments I love to paint...

Grande Pepere - A tribute to my father

Grande Pepere
30 x 40
Oil on Canvas
NFS

I have been working on this piece for a while now.  I find that sometimes if my subject is too close to me personally it takes me much longer to finally say it is finished.  I always think I can do better.  I had to let this go and move on.  It is a tribute to my father who is an amazing man.  He was in the Navy during World War 2, then joined Air Force and went to pilot training... flew B-52's and a plethora of other aircraft.  We traveled the world together.  He has always been and continues to be a wonderful, loving and totally supportive Dad.  


I recently wrote a tribute to my mom and told you how she hates to have her picture taken...conversely...my Dad loves the attention so getting him to sit for portrait was no problem.  Now if I could just get one of the two of them together...ah well...that will be my next project...stay tuned!

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.

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.  

Julie and Kate

Sold

18 x 24 Oil on Canvas

This piece was commissioned by Emily for her sister Julie.  It was a very special moment in time the very day she and Brad were married.  It was an honor to be asked to preserve the moment on canvas.  The ceremony was held on a beautiful beach with Mother Nature providing the perfect weather.  With such a fairy-tale wedding, they’re just going to have to live happily ever after!

Big Man and Little Man

"Big Man and Little Man"  

8 x 10 oil on Raymar Panel

My son left on a military deployment recently.  Before he left he took his son on a wagon ride and I was able to capture the moment.  Painting moments in time that we shared makes me happy.  It was a happy day.