Young Love

This is a another try at an earlier painting that I called "Little Spies." I really liked the composition of the first painting, but wanted to zoom in and create a stronger focal point. I also believe I'm growing in my craft, and really like the light and shadow effects in this painting. The sunlight coming through the branches of the tree needed particular attention. I enjoyed the process! The actual size of this painting is 12 x 24.

The Shadow Knows

Everyone I know has experienced life in a different way. That's what makes us unique. We all have our shadows that tell a story only we can share. I think that is part of the reason I enjoy painting people. The technical aspects of portrait and figurative painting include more than just putting paint on a canvas. The challenge to me is to capture a person's inner qualities as well as to reproduce their image. This is Linda. Her gentle shadow in the background represents the light that shines on her, and from her. She is a friend, and an inspiration.

Best Friends Forever

A friend of mine asked if I would be willing to paint a miniature portrait for her collection of postcard-sized works. After I said I'd attempt the challenge, she gave me a photo of another friend of hers and asked if I could work it in. Thank goodness for Photoshop! After cutting and pasting and playing with the composition on my computer, this is what I came up with as the final painting. It's very difficult to paint from a photo unless I have gotten to know the person! I hope I did them justice in this tiny size. The actual size is 4" x 6".

Plein Air Dreaming

The wind has been so strong this week that I can't even think about getting out to do some plein air painting. And there's snow in the forecast tonight! So I pulled out some of the photos I've been taking for reference and this scene called to me. It's so beautiful where I live (when the weather cooperates)!

Who was that masked woman?

My sister's birthday is the day after Halloween, and every year she celebrates in style! I finally took the opportunity to immortalize her in her most dramatic costume yet. Here she's hiding the fact that dozens of Swaroski (sp?) crystals are stitched into the front of her top and the costume is completely authentic, right down to the undergarments. The outfit was made for her by a local costume designer who has provided costuming for major films and plays across the country. She was absolutely breathtaking in it, but it's her inner beauty that is hard to depict in a painting!