Grandkids

Grandkids

30 x 30

Oil on Linen

NFS

I wanted a painting for my mantle when we move into our new home and I wanted it to be of my grandchildren.  Since I only get to see them a couple of times a year I had to rely on a photo reference.  This is one of them sitting on the couch relaxing.  I am sure Riley...the younger grandson, wanted the TV turned on which is why he is holding the remote control.  Jayden is content to suck his thumb and snuggle with his well-loved blanket.  the quilt on the side of the couch represents one of the quilts I made that my son and his wife now enjoy.  I loved that Jayden had striped pajamas on...how fun to paint!  

I have worked on this piece of and on for months and it is one of those pieces that I could work on forever.  I can always find ways to improve it...but I finally had to let it go and call it finished.  I am sure I will paint another for my mantle...and another...and another...

Playtime

Playtime

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar panel
$300.00

I am taking a break from my work at the National Gallery of Art and finishing up some small works that have been on my plate for some time.  These two little girls are the subjects of many of my paintings and I just love them.  Here they were visiting and playing so intently I just had to try to capture the mood in oil.  

And now playtime for me...off to my studio!

Connor - Portrait of a child on the monkey bars

Connor

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

Commission

This is the third in the series of three paintings of children at the park.  It was so fun to take the photographs.  It took me about 10 minutes to assess personalities and discover their favorite activities.  Once that was figured out ... getting a good action shot of each child was next on the agenda.  Capturing the personality of each child is essential in my mind.  

Connor is the oldest and was quite adept at climbing.  The monkey bars were his choice.  The next challenge was getting a series of good photos from which to work.  As with all kids there was a small window of opportunity until the photo shoot was over.  

Here are the portraits of Alaura and Brennan so you can see all three together.  I love that each child has their own personality in these pieces.  The background is blue in each piece because the sky is the limit...they are just starting out in life and there are no boundaries to hold them back.  There is so much promise...so much adventure...so much life ahead.  I absolutely loved doing this series.  

Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Continued...

This continues my 30 in 30 series depicting stages of life...as I see them.  The paintings are all 6 x 6 painted on a board.

The Rebel

This painting reminded me of a rite of passage all kids go through.  Will  you choose a bad habit to impress your peers?

Daydreaming

I love the faraway look in her eyes...daydreaming about the future...about life...

Joy

The joy of youth...playing happily

Carousel

Riding around in a carousel...trying to catch up to you!  

Remember that song??? 

Baseball cap

 Asserting his independence by wearing a baseball cap turned to the side.  Possibly unconventional to his parents...but conforming to the norm of his age.  

Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days - Stages of life...

This begins my 30 in 30 series.  These paintings depict the stages of life...as I see them...

They are all painted on 6 x 6 inch boards toned in a warm orange.

Number five - Quiet confidence

Number four - Uncertainty

Number Three - Getting mischievous...learning about life

Number two - New life...welcome to the world

Number one is a baby sucking its thumb in the womb

Easter Parade!

Easter Parade

24 x 12  - 2"deep canvas

$150

I love this line-up of kids ready to hunt for Easter Eggs!  Such a fun time and it brings back memories of many, many Easter Egg hunts I have been a part of.  

Dance Like No One is Watching!

I love the free spirit of children dancing and playing without a care in the world.  They don't care who is watching.  I enjoyed painting this dress and trying to make the skirt look full and flouncy.  This is the second in a series of tiny ballerinas I am doing. 12 x 12 Oil on board.  $100.