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 !

Carousel Ride

This painting was painted in the studio.  I still may be making a few small changes but did not want to wait to post it.  So many times, I will wait a few weeks before I sign a painting.  Sometimes, I may be too hard on myself.  We are our own worst critics.  

Happy painting !

Portrait of Elizabeth

Painting a portrait from life is something that I have done many times. The main thing that you have to keep in mind is that if your subject is lit by a cool light source, you will have warm shadows.  This is a model that I have been painting and sculpting for years.  She is truly a part of me. She is my child. 

Painting at MaryBeth's

I have been painting outdoors this week.  It has been really hot.  I painted at a friend's house and enjoyed the difficulties of trying to paint the elliptical shapes of lily pads, while little bugs crawl out of the grass and up your legs. Plein aire painting is so rewarding because it isn't something that is easy.  There are always elements of surprise. The lily pond flowers began to close up about an hour into the painting. After two hours of trying to beat the heat and elements, we agreed to paint and finish the next day.  Unfortunately, after a night of heavy storms, the lily pond did not look at all the same.  It was an adventure.

Thanks and happy painting!

Back to blogging after short trip

I 'm sorry that I haven't blogged in a few weeks.  I have wanted to but with the beginning of summer comes lots of craziness.  I have painted two larger paintings and I will post them when they are finished in the next day or two. Here is what I woke up to this morning.  It was a great day for plein aire painting.  Beautiful sun shining through the toilet paper and trees.

Happy Painting !

Painting in NYC

I am behind in posting due to a recent visit to NYC and the end of school.  There are lot's of demands on my time and usually I try to get a painting in regardless but the exception seems to be when the kids are home for the summer and holidays.  I just returned from a trip in to New York to attend the Richard Schmid at the Salmagundi Club opening.  It was fun but nothing to compare to the rush I got from painting in Central Park and Union Square.  Next I hope to go up and stay for a week and just paint everywhere. Here are the two 6X8 paintings I squeezed in one day of the three day trip...just little studies but I think I caught the mood.  

Thanks for your interest !