Red Kimono

Kimono

30 x 30

Oil on Canvas

Cherry Blossom time in Washington DC is always a wonderful time of year with celebrations and the enjoyment of warm weather.  The museums and galleries associated with the Smithsonian always offer many Asian items in their gift shops.  I was fortunate to get there early and found this gorgeous red kimono and black brocade obi.  I just love it.  Once I got it home I realized I would have to tie the obi...not an easy task.  I researched how to put on a kimono and tie an obi checking out videos and lots of source material.  It is an involved task and there are quite a few ways to tie it.  You cannot see my handiwork in this painting...but it was done correctly I believe!  One of the most amusing little tidbits I learned is that the kimono is wrapped around left over right.  A particular video did a little skit involving "leftover rice"...ending with the lesson that the closure is to be made left over right....leftover rice.  I just loved that.  

This painting is the result of my kimono purchase, the trial and errors getting it situated on my model and the cooperation of my beautiful model Kim.  

Daydreaming

Ray of Light

12 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

$300

I love paintings that tell a story.  This story is about daydreaming.  Wouldn't you just love to sit in a field and feel the warmth of the sun as you dream your favorite dreams?  That is what this painting is all about...the sun and daydreaming.  The key to daydreaming is to dream big...reach high...the sky is the limit.  

Songbird - quick sketch of a very special little lady

Songbird

11 x 16

Oil on Raymar Panel
SOLD

I just took a quick trip to San Jose, California for an International School of Bangkok, Thailand all grades reunion.  It was a wonderful week.  I saw lots of old friends and made new friends that know what it is like to attend an overseas school.  The best part was attending with my two older brothers.  So fun to re-live our childhood experiences.  

To warm up and get ready to begin my paintings this week I started with this quick sketch of a very special songbird...she is so very cute...I fall in love with her every time I see her pictures.  I am sure I will paint her again.  What a great way to warm up...so off I go to...paint, paint, paint... 

Impressions of Cate

Impressions of Cate

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar panel

$600

A week or so ago I was fortunate to have a friend's daughter sit for me.  I painted most of this while Cate was in my studio and finished up after she left.  Cate is a beautiful young girl with fabulous, luxurious hair.  She was so fun to work with.  She was game for dressing up, wearing hats, and very natural in all her poses.  I was amazed at her maturity and ability to sit...so poised and elegant.  I look forward to having her sit for me again as I pursue painting from life.  

Ballerina - Pointe Shoes

Ballet

Sold

My cousin's daughter takes ballet...What a treat for me!  She agreed to come over for a photo shoot.  I took dozens of pictures of her with long tutu's, short tutu's, leotards and...most importantly Toe shoes...which I found out are REALLY called Pointe Shoes.  She is a beautiful girl and a fabulous model.  Her body lines and expressions were more than I could have hoped for.  It was a wonderful day.  Since then I peruse the photos often selecting different ones to paint.  I have painted her about 8 times...only two will ever be seen by the public ;)...but I have had a ball.  This is my favorite.

Sharing - A boy and his dog

Sharing 

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

$600

I just love this scene for so many reasons.  It shows the special bond between a boy and his dog...it shows the selfless act of sharing his cup of water...and it shows the complete and utter trust between the two.  It was a joy to paint.

In other bits of good news I have had the complete and utter privilege of photographing both of my parents in a recent photo shoot and plan on portraits of them both in the near future.  They are in their late 80's and cannot sit for me but agreed to the shoot.  

AND I begin my next copy at the National Gallery of Art this Wednesday.  I am painting "Autumn" by Winslow Homer.  I love the deep rich reds and greens in this piece...and of course the figurative work also.  Stay tuned to see my progress...

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 ;)