What -

What

12 x 24

Oil on Canvas

I signed up for Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days challenge once again.  Challenging myself is always a good thing and painting every day is a goal so it seemed to be a logical thing to do.  I don't beat myself up if I miss a day...or two...but I make a good stab at it!  

This is my personal trainer, Heather.  She is fabulous.  I like that she really helps me strengthen my core and make sure I stay flexible while realizing that I am not a youngster!  She is very careful to make sure I stay healthy.  Here is is pregnant with her 4th child...still working and taking care of the other three!  She is amazing.  I should have painted a red cape on her!  hahaha!

As for her pose...I can just imagine her saying "what"...hence the name!  

The Thinker - Strong Powerful Woman

The Thinker

24 x 30

Oil on Canvas

$3000.

Back in the day there was a TV show called "Dobie Gillis"  I used to love that show...it was about a young man, Dobie and his sidekick Maynard G. Crebs.  Maynard, or Bob Denver, went on to Gilligan's island fame...but I digress.  At the end of every show, Dobie would sit next to a statue that resembled "The Thinker" by Auguste Rodin.  The image of Dobie sitting next to the statue and wrapping up the theme of the show has stuck with me all these years.  Those fond memories led me to name this piece "The Thinker"  It is part of my "Strong and Powerful" women series.  

After I completed the piece I took a quick photo and brought it into an app on my iPhone call "Value Viewer".   The app has become invaluable to me as I sort my values.  When I brought "The Thinker" into Value Viewer I was very happy.  The lights and darks are exactly where I want them to be.  I love the lost edge on the left and the way the pearls lead the eye down and across the canvas.  

I usually work on two or three (sometimes more) works at a time.  This is the beginnings of one of my Military Life series pieces.  I love painting series of works and this particular one is near and dear to my heart.  As a the granddaughter of a Naval Officer, and Air Force Brat, Army Spouse and Air Force Mom I have a close connection to all service members.  My goal for this series is to depict my memories of military life...with the help of those currently serving.  I will elaborate more on this pictures when I post the final painting. 

 And Finally...this one just started...This one will be part of my "Strong Powerful Women" series.  As I scheduled this photo shoot it made me very aware of timing...If you miss the week you want to shoot a pregnant woman...the pregnancy may be over and an opportunity lost.  I had scheduled a shoot for this particular woman's last pregnancy...but waited too long!  Lesson learned!  I will also be elaborating on who this woman is when the painting is done.  

That is what is on my plate!  What is on yours?  Do you work on more than one piece at a time?  

Marissa - study

Marissa

12 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

I am having such fun with these studies.  They are relatively small so I can work them up quickly.  It is a great way to work on folds of fabric, shadows, body shapes, proportions…just all aspects of painting. I also think about color, harmony, contrast, and work on mixing colors for highlights and shadows…well I could go on and on.  I love these exercises.

Marissa has always been such a kind and generous model for me.  I love painting her and know that she is ok with me exaggerating her hair…color and style!  

Cornered - the Lady in Red

Cornered - Work in Progress

16 x 16

Oil on Canvas

I am working on a few things right now…exciting events coming up and always lots of painting to do.  This painting is from the photo shoot I did with my daughter in law, Marissa.  She is always so kind agreeing to pose for me…sometimes I can even get her to sit so I can paint from life.  Painting her from life always influences my work with photos.  This picture was taken in my dining room where the light is just perfect.  I fear my dining room table will never see the middle of that room again!  

One of my best friends was able to come for a visit from the Boston area.  We spent her time here visiting galleries/museums, touring monuments and painting.  It was a perfect visit!  The weather cooperated somewhat…at least we didn't get wet…but nothing could dampen our enthusiasm for our art chats! 

The final day of her visit we spent in my home studio.  Having never oil painted before she was hesitant to try but I encouraged, cajoled, and prodded until she agreed to try.  

This is her VERY FIRST oil painting ever!  She did a fabulous job!.  I set out the palette for her and then just made a few marks laying in darks to get her started.   After that she dove in with fabulous results.  She asked questions and I was pleased that I knew some of the answers and I tried to provide insights into things I have learned to make the painting go more smoothly.  

So Patricia Hutcheson Burkhardt is my first official art student.  

Marissa - Study for a larger painting

Marissa  - Study for a larger piece

10 x 10

Oil on board

NFS

I am working on small studies for larger pieces.  These studies help me figure out what works and what needs to change.  Recently Marissa, the model, posed for hundreds of pictures to use as sources for future works.   I also paint Marissa from life.  Painting from life gives me a good reference for when I use the photos.  

When doing the studies I also work on just placing in the dark and light colors to create shapes.  

Marissa - study for a larger piece.

Marissa - study for a larger piece

10 x 10

Oil on board

NFS

I was fortunate to be able to take many, many photos of my daughter in law, Marissa, for an upcoming series.  I want to focus on figures, anatomy, and facial features and she was kind enough to pose in different outfits and lots of interesting poses.  I will paint her from life and use photos as references when she is not available.

This particular painting is a small study…I want to paint a larger piece and wanted to make sure I like the pose, composition and background.  I will probably make the figure smaller on the canvas with more room over her head…but I am pleased with the placement of her features.  I will probably finish this up tomorrow and then do one or two more studies before I begin on the larger pieces.  

Red - Just for Fun

Anneliese Hock

6 x 6

Oil on Raymar Panel

Did you ever have one of those days when you have so much to do it is overwhelming???  Instead of doing what you have to get done you do something totally random...something that you don't need to do...something that is just fun???  Well, that is what I did today.  I met my  husband's, cousin's daughter on facebook.  She just cut her hair...a great cut...it is bright red and I just wanted to paint her.  She is adorable and I don't think I captured her "free" spirit totally, but I had a great time with her.  

Tomorrow...back to what HAS to get done...or maybe not ;)

Life is good.

Who doesn't like a hug???

Bear Hug

oil on Raymar panel

9 x 12

SOLD

Who doesn't like a hug???  And a hug from a favorite teddy bear has to be the best!  

Pure Yoga

Pure Yoga

8 x 8

Oil on Raymar Panel

This is my personal trainer.  

About 10 years ago I decided to change my life...eat a healthy diet and work out.  A year ago I hired Heather Tefler to help me strengthen my core and work on balance.  Heather is amazing.  With her help I am able to do things I have not been able to do for years.  I am much stronger and my balance has improved remarkably.  Heather uses a combination of Pilates and Yoga for my program.  While doing her yoga moves I was inspired and asked her if I could take pictures as she went through her routine.  I marveled at the graceful way she transitioned from one pose to the next.  She graciously allowed me permission to paint a series depicting her routine.  This is the first study...she is stretching so far she even reached off the canvas!