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 !

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!