Sara - a budding artist

Sara

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

NFS

This is day #4 in the 30 in 30 challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta.  Today I painted a quick sketch of Sara a neighbor of mine.  She graciously offered to sit for me a quite a while ago. I asked her just to sit and read a book so I could paint.  She is beautiful and has the most gorgeous hair…what a joy to paint!  I have several resource photos from the sitting.  

Below is the sketch I did of her before I started the painting.  

I am thoroughly enjoying this challenge.  

Charlotte - Portrait of a cowgirl

Charlotte

11 x 14

Oil on Raymar Panel

$350

I love this little girl…I haven't met her, but I love her.  She has such personality and it is written all over her face.  Some faces are just meant to adorn a canvas…and this is one.

This is my third in a series of 30 paintings to be completed in 30 days thanks to a challenge presented by Leslie Saeta.  Some of my works will be works in progress because painting 30 paintings in 30 days is daunting.  I want to join in the fun of the challenge but not put undue stress on myself…I want to present my best work.  So I continue…stay tuned...

A Mother's Love

A Mother's Love

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar Panel

A mother's love is unconditional.  Whatever happens, whatever you do, however you act - your mother loves you.  This young girl is severely ill with a condition called dysautonomia.  I don't understand it, but I know it is serious.  Her mom is her rock…beside her every step of the way.  I can only hope and pray that her pain eases and she will be able to lead a normal life.  

When I want to pray and think about the person/people I am praying for…I paint.  It makes me feel closer to the issue.  That is what prompted me to paint this little sketch of a happy moment.  It made me smile.

For this new year I wish everyone health, happiness and joy!

Emma - Portait of a very special companion

Emma

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar Panel

Sold

This is my first of the 30 paintings in 30 days hosted by Leslie Saeta.  May I introduce Emma…a longtime companion who unfortunately is no longer with us.  Sometimes these paintings are difficult to do because I desperately want to capture the essence of the beloved pet…it is a huge responsibility that I take very seriously.  Since my goal is to paint family and friends…I knew Emma would fit into either category.  I am pleased to say that the painting was well received.  

As an aside I decided to show my sketches for this 30 day project…here is Emma's sketch.

As you can see I am not careful.  I am just trying to see where everything is in relation to where everything else is.  I am lining up the eye…nose and ear…It makes it so much easier to start painting.

So I am smiling as I prepare for my next painting!!!

Bruce - The man, the myth, the legend..

Bruce - The Man The Myth The Legend

30 x 40

Oil on Canvas

NFS

I love painting portraits and I love painting members of my family!  This is my loving husband who reluctantly offered to sit for me.  He is very patient…but I hate to take advantage of his good nature to much!  He is pleased with the portrait, I am very happy to say.  

Besides finishing up some paintings cleaning my studio I have been planning, preparing and  readying myself for the new year.  I want to concentrate on improving my work with color studies and sketching.  I have a long list of things I want to accomplish…so much to do so little time! 

I hope everyone enjoys their holiday no matter how you celebrate or what you believe.  Be kind, practice random acts of kindness…pass it on!  

Let the Drums Roll Out!

"Let the Drums Roll Out"

6 x 6

Oil on Raymar Panel

$200

While walking around downtown my husband and I always see interesting sights.  One day I spotted this little guy playing the drums…have a ball!  I snapped a few quick photos for my file.  Today after hearing "Pa Rum Pa Pum Pum" for the third time I decided it was time to share this painting!  So I will leave you with the Little Drummer's song floating through your brain!  

Masked Ball at the Opera - National Gallery of Art Copyist Program

Masked Ball in progress

16 x 20

Oil on Panel

This is the latest progress on the Masked Ball piece at the National Gallery of Art.  It has been a couple of weeks since I last posted about it.  I just felt like I was working hard with not much progress to really show.  Today my goal was to finish the first layer of the faces and start on the balcony.  I was able to achieve that and am pleased with my progress.   The canvas is covered with paint and now I have to go back and put more paint on, detail, adjust and play.  It will be a fun next visit!  

My husband always comes to visit me at the gallery when I paint…he works two short block away so is easy for him to stop by and I love having the support.  Here is the obligatory action shot.  That is me using my new telescoping mahl stick.   He told me I put my easel in the wrong spot and he couldn't get a good picture.  Oh well…

The National Gallery had all their Holiday decorations up…it looks so festive!  AND It was very crowded!  Who'd a thought this would be a prime time to visit the gallery???  People are always very respectful and always very complimentary.