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.  

Sketchbook - my short list of potential paintings

Before I paint I usually sketch to get a feel for the piece.  I am not real concerned with being neat...I just want everything to be in the right place...all the relationships to be correct...

This is part of my "Candid Camera" series.   I haven't painted this one yet...it is on my short list of things to do. I like the profile and intense look on her face.  A tentative title is "Shoot."  

This is Emily...the mother of the two little ballerinas I love to paint.  She is beautiful and has the most amazing features...large blue eyes and curly blonde hair...I just can't wait to paint her....also on my short list!

This is a little ballerina holding an American Girl doll also wearing a tutu.  I love the body position...the angle of the head and the arm.  I want the skirt to dominate the lower part of the canvas.  I will call it "Hello Dolly"

Having said all that I have a ton of paintings to get to.  I have so many ideas and so many concepts I just cannot paint fast enough.  These three are on my short list...but I have a LOOOOOOOOONG list also!

Awwwww...Shoot!

Awwwww....Shoot!

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

$150

I love seeing people take pictures.  This is part of a series of pieces that show people posing for and taking pictures.  It is amazing what great lengths people will go to for the perfect shot!  This couple was just relaxing by some water and decided to take a picture of themselves.  

They were in their own little world. 

I love that..

Say Cheese - Demo from Second Saturday Art Walk

Say Cheese

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

$150.00

I had a great time at the Second Saturday Art walk at Lorton Workhouse Arts Center.  I was fortunate to be able to do a painting demonstration so I chose this fun piece.  When taking source photos in downtown DC I like to take pictures of people taking pictures.  The poses and contortions of the photographers are priceless.  I loved this little girl posing for her dad.  

This is the beginning of the demo and, yes, I am wearing my "Artists Helping Artists" apron.  AHA is hosted by Leslie Saeta who offers a wealth of information for artists.  It is an invaluable resource for any artist or anyone interested in artwork.

I was so happy to see many familiar faces and meet so many new friends that walked the galleries.  Lorton Workhouse Arts Center is such a great historic site to visit.  The history is fascinating and the artwork is varied and magnificent!  And on second saturday's they serve lots of food!  

Here is a close up of my progress.  It was fun to see this little painting come to life and see the delight on everyone's face as I added colors and discussed the why's and what's of my process.  

I am nearing the end of a perfect evening...and this is where I found out I won first place in the People's Choice awards!  The painting that won is titled "Barefoot Ballerina" and can be seen if you click the link.  

It was a fabulous evening full of friends, fun, food and, of course, my demo!  I can't wait to do it again!