Mr Reeves - International School of Bangkok Thailand all classes reunion

Mr Reeves

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar panel

$150

Today's 30 in 30 painting is a quick sketch of Mr. Reeves.  During his time at the International School of Bangkok Mr Reeves shaped many lives...he taught more than just science.  His students always make sure he attends the reunions and make sure he is well taken care of.  

This one was painted on a medium gray background.  I usually paint on white, but loved the way this gray color affected my skin tones.  So fun to experiment and these quick paintings are the perfect time to stretch myself.

Samlar - International School of Bangkok Thailand all Classes reunion 2014

Samlar

9 x 12

Oil on Raymay panel

$150

When I lived in Thailand my friend and I often took these three wheeled vehicles called Samlars for trips around town.  Most of the Samlars were motorized by the time I got to Thailand...there were still some bicycle ones but not too many.  I was thrilled to go to the International School of Bangkok Thailand all classes reunion and see that they actually had a samlar on display!  Such good memories.  

So for day 4 of my 30 in 30...I have another fond memory.  

You've Got a Friend - International School of Bangkok reunion challenge

You've Got a Friend

10 x 10

International School of Bangkok 30 in 30 Challenge

$150

As I said this was my first ISB reunion.  One thing I noticed is that once you enter the building, you've got a friend.  The camaraderie this groups shows is unbelievable.  I had seen it on Facebook, but to see it in person is heartwarming.  Old friends, new acquaintances and friendly faces everywhere I looked.  It was great fun.

This is part of the Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 challenge.  

Kisses - International School of Bangkok Reunion 2014

Kisses

ISB 30 in 30 Series

10 x 10

$150

                                                                       

For years my brother, Vince, has been encouraging me to attend an International School of Bangkok, Thailand (ISB) all class reunion.  We attended ISB during our high school years and they have a reunion every other year for anyone who has ever attended.  Vince has been going for a long time...I hesitate every year for unknown reasons.  This year I decided I would join in the fun and attend.  It was held in San Jose and we had great fun.  Thanks to all the people who make the magic happen every other year!  

AS YOU CAN SEE...Vince has his reasons for attending!  

This painting is the first of my 30 in 30 for the Leslie Saeta Challenge.  I am going to paint scenes from the ISB reunion and thanks to many talented photographers who have generously offered to let me paint their photos I have lots of pictures to choose from! 

These paintings will all be for sale for $150 each regardless of the size.  

I Love a Parade

Watching the Parade

11 x 14

Oil On Raymar Panel

One of my dear friends shared this adorable photo of her granddaughter with me.  I just could not resist painting it!  The little one was watching a parade but I think was most impressed with the red lollipop in her hand.  It was fun to capture her pensive expression.  

I always tell myself to paint something patriotic around the 4th of July...then I get interested in something else and never quite get my patriotic paintings completed on time.  This week, while in the midst of deadlines and paintings that HAVE to get done...I decided this adorable little girl would be a nice respite from my "work"

The Little Pianist

The Little Pianist

16 x 20

Oil on Raymar Panel

$800

I have a dear friend on Facebook who posts pictures of her adorable grandchild and I just cannot resist painting some of them.  It is not only good practice for me...it makes me happy.  I love this little songbird.  When I started sketching this scene I loved it right away.  That doesn't always happen...but when it does I feel like a million bucks!  

scroll down to see the progression.

This is the first sketch.  I approach different paintings in different ways.  Most of the time I block in colors and shapes and then keep refining until I get the look I want.  This time I actually drew the piano.  I wanted to make sure the lines were correct.  I really like the look of the block in.  So now I begin putting in more of the color.

I have the piano sketched in and I am pleased with the look.  I love the little red panties.  

My final task was to put in the light from the window.  I mixed some white and a bit of lemon yellow and a touch of yellow ochre for a bright mixture then scraped it across the piano with my palette knife.  I also scraped some on the piano bench.  

Plein Air Painting

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Tombstones

8 x 10

Oil on panel

Tombstone

8 x 10

Oil on Panel

I went on my first plein air painting excursion last week.  A dear friend lives 3 1/2 hours south of me so I decided to venture to her house and we trekked out to find our plein air mojo!  Sue Churchgrant is an accomplished watercolorist and oil painter who was kind enough to let me stay in her home and accompanied me on this adventure.  

We first visited a park that had a little of everything.  Waterfalls, streams, rocks, hills, fishermen, paths through the woods, picnic tables and even a cemetery!  My first couple of paintings were tough.  It was hard to focus and hard to contain my vision.  I had a "finder" window but kept losing my place.  On the second day I decided to paint the small gravesite you see above.  The landscaping timbers kept me focused on that scene.  As I stood and painted I noticed that small grave marker beside me and the light hit it so perfectly I took a small respite from my current painting and did a quick sketch of the tombstone.  Then back to finish up my scene.

The experience was challenging but positive.  It was fun to have Sue there...she remembered the bug spray and a couple other items I neglected to pack...besides moral support...It was nice to have someone to bounce ideas off offer assistance.