Behind Bars

This is Gretzky ... He was painted from a favorite photograph taken by his owner a few years ago. Upon finishing this painting, I've decided it would be fun to pursue painting more puppies! It was so much fun to see him emerge before my eyes. I think maybe I have dogs in my head lately. We've begun a search for a dog and, although we're not in a hurry, it is a void that will inevitably need to be filled.

Guitar Hero

Our son-in-law, Earl, never ceases to amaze me with his versatility and wit. His intelligence is matched by his creative abilities. Here he is, charming the socks off of our grandson, Brady. This was a quick study done as a possible prelude to a larger painting. I love this scene and debated whether to call it "Magic Carpet Ride" or "Guitar Hero." Either way, Earl is obviously his son's hero.

Dance Series

Being a portrait and figure "specialist" I recognize the need to focus on what I do best, while creating paintings that are more "mainstream" in style and design. There are many art forms, all of which require dedication, discipline and confidence. This painting is the first of what I hope will be a series of dance paintings. I want to extend a special thank you to Ms. Bunting and her wonderful students at First Street Academy of Dance for so graciously allowing me to intrude on their lessons! Your input is always appreciated!

Serenity

Babies are a challenge to paint! Their porcelain skin, distorted features, and expressive looks all make me wonder why I'm so moved to paint them. This is from a photograph our daughter took of our grandson, Brady... Yes, it is off-center. It's a very artsy photo – thanks for your permission to do a painting from it, Jess!

Jewels

This is Julie. She traveled an hour and a half just to visit me on a day I was scheduled to be at East Ludington Gallery in Escanaba. Well, she may have had ulterior motives -- there is a casino not too far from downtown Escanaba. But I was honored and humbled that she made a point to travel that far at this time of year in the cold northwoods of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. So I invited her to sit for me. The lighting in the gallery is not the best, but I think it's a fair likeness. Julie is a beautiful person, inside and out, and has a heart of gold. (Hence, the golden glow around her.) Friends are truly jewels in our lives, and I cherish every one.

An amazing opportunity!

I am honored to have recently been permitted a portrait sitting with Congressman Bart Stupak. I have run across many instances of artists who have taken the liberty of painting a well-known person's portrait without permission and I have mixed emotions about this. Although in my early years of portrait study, my naivetée beckoned me to paint anyone and anything just to get the practice, I have become much more aware of the personal nature of painting someone's likeness. I now believe it is important and necessary to get their permission before doing it.

Which brings me to today's painting. This is not about politics. Mr. Stupak represents my area of Michigan, and I have had several opportunities to meet him in person. He was genuinely interested in my work as an artist. At one point I suggested that perhaps some day he would allow me the honor of painting his portrait, explaining that I still consider myself to be in the learning stages. He was extremely gracious, and generous with his time. I am now in the process of painting a full-body corporate portrait of him as a result of our initial sitting. This vignette was painted alla-prima as a study for the larger painting. To be permitted to paint a portrait of a well-known senior congressman is about the most exciting thing that has happened to me as an artist. Thank you, Mr. Stupak!

Happy New Year!

Resolutions are a funny thing... as determined as one might be to make and keep meaningful resolutions, life sometimes gets in the way of the best intentions. Now that I am back on track, I'm looking forward to a year of growth as an artist, and as a person. It is, after all, only January 12. I have a full year of exciting paintings to get done!

This is Hanna. She is a sweet, gentle purebred Springer Spaniel who was rescused from the local animal shelter a few years ago. Recent paintings might lead you to believe that I'm focusing on pet portraits. Although I do enjoy painting pets, I actually have a number of "people portraits" in the works that I'm looking forward to sharing with you. I look forward to your feedback...

Down Time

Despite my best intentions, I'm afraid a higher power had other plans for my Christmas season this year. After dislocating my shoulder about two weeks ago, I have been rehabilitating and am slowly coming back to life. Fortunately, it was not my "painting arm," but my other arm/hand is feeling the effects of the added stress. I have been painting a bit and am looking forward to posting again. I have some exciting new things in the works, and look forward to getting back to "normal." In the meantime, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Pet Portrait 2

This is the result of a brief encounter with a neighbor walking his dog past our house. He watched curiously as I loaded paintings into my vehicle for a trip to the gallery and finally asked where I got them. When I told him I painted them, he seemed a bit stunned that this was going on in the neighborhood. I invited him in to my small studio, and assured him that nothing clandestine was going on. He then asked if I do pet portraits. When I said I've done a few, he replied, "Alice would sh--!" Really... So here's to you, Alice! Please don't...

Family Memories

This was done at the request of a dear lady who admired a previous painting I had done. She wanted a keepsake of her happy memory with her parents. I hesitated at first since it was being done from an older photograph, but was honored that she appreciated my work. Mona is a loving person with strength and courage. I hope I captured her spirit in this painting!

Pet Portraits

If you've ever owned a pet, you know how attached you can become to it. As a pet lover, I have decided it's time to do more of those beloved creatures. This is "Al," painted posthumously for a dear friend. Al was her pride and joy. When it comes to painting pets, I believe it's important to capture the "little things" that make them unique and special. Stay tuned for more....

Welcome to my blog

For as long as I can recall, I have been fascinated by the human face and form. I find it amazing that every individual on earth is unique. We are all formed by the same Creator, yet we are as distinct as every variety of flower that blossoms.

I have been fortunate to study with well-known portrait artists such as Margaret Carter Baumgartner, Judith Carducci, and Everett Raymond Kinstler. I am honored to know Ken Marsden as my mentor and friend, whose brilliant watercolors, wonderful teaching style, and entertaining conversation have inspired me to continue to paint. I have been blessed to have a loving, supportive husband who has enabled me to pursue my passion. I am moved by the works of Bouguereau, Cassatt, Renior, Sargent, and Velazquez.

My ultimate goal is to create a work of art that will stand the test of time. I want to produce a legacy in oils that will be honored for hundreds of years, and for that purpose I use the highest quality materials available.