mother and child

This is another larger painting that I have been working on. I was really happy with the way it just almost painted itself.  Working with babies is virtually impossible to do from life. This was a photo that I took a couple of years ago.  I spent many years painting portraits at an amusement park and festivals around town.  This involved all ages sitting for thirty minutes or more. Many times I was painting a baby in the mother's lap while the proud father tried to coax a smile.  I never quite understood why anyone would want their baby's portrait painted because the child changes so quickly as they grow month to month. 

With this painting, I think the interaction between the mother and child is what it's all about.  The relationship is forever rewarding.

Daydream believer

Really rainy outside.  I decided to work on a quick study of my daughter.  She has patiently sat for me for several portraits this summer.  I think there is a lot to say for practice and certainly important to actually paint from life.  This was an opportunity for me to work from what I have practiced and know in my memory.  I am pleased at the final painting.  I could have gone much further on it but it is really just a study and something that I wanted to keep so I will quit at this stage of the work.  Studio work is greatly improved with life study and plein aire.

Happy painting.  I would love your comments !

View of the city

I have been working hard on a studio painting and neglecting my blog. Occasionally I get a nice day and head out to paint outside.  This was a beautiful day.  I will probably try to paint this painting larger by referring to the small study.  I will post it when I finish the painting.

Thanks for your interest !!

Blackeyed Susans

Today I painted these flowers that opened overnight.  I have to paint the flowers as soon as they open because the deer come in the night and eat them all.  The daylillies that I painted last week are all gone this week and there were loads of blooms.  I had them fenced off but a doe and two little ones came and the babies scooted under the fencing and gobbled them up. 

I am enjoying the flowers in paintings. This is another small painting 6X8.

Thank you for your interest and comments.

Blue CHina Plate

Today I painted a blue plate with one of the roses from my garden.  The rose smelled so nice and my Boston Terrier smelled so bad. My sister was visiting and she read a pretty funny book to my model and I and I painted a portrait after the small painting that I am posting. The portrait was a larger painting and will require another sitting.  I will post it when it is finished.

Happy Painting !

Impatiens

Well, I have fixed the painting of the first daylily but have not photographed it yet.  My problem with it seemed to be that the background was not the right value.  Sometimes, artistic license does not work the way you want it to.  This is a painting that I did of my impatiens in a pot on the back porch.  Plein aire in the comfort of the porch !!!  I appreciate your thoughts.

First Daylily

Today is the first day that my Lemon Daylillies opened.  I cut the first one and painted it. I decided to use a light background which I have not been doing and I don't think I am satisfied with the way it turned out so I will continue trying this.

Let me know what you would advise. 

Thanks and happy painting !

Joaquin

Here is another portrait painted.  Joaquin makes a great subject.  He is very easy going and patient.  The reason this is so great is that it puts me at ease and I don't think too much about the sitter.  I can then get into the zone easily.  This portrait turned out nicely.  i have made a few changes since this photo was taken and may post the finalized photo later.

Thanks for your interest !