On the Easel - Stage 4

Moving on with adding the background. Having transitioned back to regular oils using "odorless" spirits...I love the work, but the "fumes" are bothering me :( ...it's isn't always the smell people have problems with. The chemicals can be a killer. That and spending a whole day on Saturday in a room with 11 other oils painters. My allergies are really bothering me. But, I will continue to use current oils to complete this particular painting...am reconsidering the water misible...hmmmm...

On the Easel - Laura Di "after" Princess Di

I can't believe it's been nearly one year since I've posted to this blog!!! Shame on me. I have done some painting, but mostly studio work and just haven't gotten around to posting here. But, I have renewed vigor and excitement in working on a new painting. I was inspired by the famous portrait of Princess Diana by Nelson Shanks, so dress up my gorgeous niece in an outfit I can no longer wear :( and posed her in a similar style to the "master" work. It came out very nicely and I am in the early groundwork. It is on my favorite surface "Yes" triple primed linen streched, 18x24. I really wanted a 20x30, but they did not have my brand in that size, so I settled. Anyway...this is a start and I have a dealine, again, of Feb 18th to enter the Portrait Artists of Arizona 2nd Annual Members Exhibition coming up in April!

Art Shows and Exhibits

New for 2011, I have work exhibiting from Feb-July at the Skye Restaurant in Glendale, AZ off Bell Road and the 101. Also, from March 8 through April 6th, I have work in the Portrait Artists of Arizona Members Exhibition at ASU Gammage. Gammage exhibit is availabe for ticketed patrons or on Monday's between 1-4pm.

"Andalusian Spirit" - equine painting

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 18"w x 24"h

I have always loved the beautiful Spanish breed of the Andalusian horses, because of their beautifully curved necks and extremely long and flowing manes. I searched extensively for the right inspiration, one that exudes fire and drama to bring out my own passion for horses. I had a short turnaround time because I wanted to enter it into an art exhibit and only had one week. So, I chose acrylics because they dry very quickly, yet also allow for blending, glazing and texture. To achieve the dappled gray effect on the body, I used sponging techniques with natural sea sponges. This is the first horse painting I've ever done, and what I hope to be the first of a long series of Andalusian equine paintings.

It will be on exhibit/sale at the Alliance show at Skye Restaurant in Glendale, AZ from Feb-July 2011.
This painting also won 1st Place in the Artist of the Month for Tempe Artists Guild in January 2011.

"The Bellydancer"

Recent commission. So much fun to work on because of its interesting pose, love doing costumes and my favorite medium, charcoal and white chalk. Approx 16"wx19"h, on pale green canson mi-tientes.

Jesse - PAOA Portrait Studio

Super pleased with my results from yesterday's Portrait Studio painting model Jesse St. James. My confidence level is very high and I finished this in about 2.5 hrs! Yay and it is a good likeness. I think I am finally moving towards a "Pamela-style" and I like it. This is a 12x14 painting on triple primed linen with an acrylic burnt sienna ground. Artisan Oils with Gamblin's Neomegilp medium.

Portrait Study in Local Cultural Dress

Simply loved painting from this model in PAOA's Portrait Studio session on September 18th. I'm really happy with my results and am hoping I get back in my studio to finish the hands and do some refinements. Oil on triple-primed linen 12"x14"

Finishing up unfinished works...

I have been continuing the project of going back to unfinished works from Portrait Studios. This one still looks like an old tintype, even with all the added color. Perhaps it is the pose, very stiff. At any rate, it is a work in progress...still.

"Grecian Dreamer" - Oil

This was started in a live model portrait studio last fall and I've finally finished it to my satisfaction. Oil on linen 16" x 20". This was my favorite costume for my portrait group, as I made the Grecian gown and garland for her hair myself! The only think I regret in that from this pose you can't see the model's glorious hair that billowed out on the other side. Sometimes you can't get setup in the place you wish in these shared sessions. Maybe this will motivate me to get my studio setup with a platform and start working from life at home :) Eventually ! Ha!

"The Granddaughters"

More work done to refine the faces and hands.












12"x16" oil on gessoed panel, very slick and shiny surface. I used Artisan water miseble oils with Gamblin's Neo Megilp medium. Boy, the paint sure moved around a lot and I think I probably should Not have used bristle brushes. However, it make for an interesting loose look. My first attempt at 3 figures on any size, but this small sure was a challenge making the faces very tiny. But, I sure enjoyed the experience! I may try another of the same girls but on a larger linen canvas with a little tighter look on the faces.