James

I came home from work at 9:00PM and then had dinner and cleaned up. At 10PM I didn't think that I would have time to make and post a paintng but James volunteered to sit for me and I couldn't pass that up! This quick study took me only one hour to sketch and paint. I started at a little past 10 and was done by 11:15. I was able to take a picture, upload it to my computer and post it just under the midnight bell! Thanks, James, I couldn't have done it without you! (BTW he was watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 Earth vs the Spider, during his sitting.)

Japanese Bowls

Today was a great day for art. I went to Providence, Rhode Island with my son for a day of going to some great art stores, site seeing and working on my painting while James worked on his graphic novel. I also gave my plein air easel some improvements and now it is easier than ever to make a painting for this blog. Plus I found a great cigar shop with three charming Italian men who gave me two cigar boxes!! It was a fun day!

6"x6" / Oil on Panel

Belleek Bowl and Jewelry Case

The whole time that I was painting this, I was thinking about my sisters, especially AnnMarie, who always encourages me to paint. I have been given a lot of this Irish china called Belleek over the years from my family. This work is a "shout out" to my Irish heritage and the fact that AnnMarie and I recently got our Irish duel citizenships!

6" x 6" / Oil on Board

SOLD

Family Composition...which one do you like?

These are three that I worked on yesterday and the day before. Just tying to work out something that looks relaxed and not posed. I like that there is interaction between the family members and that they are not just looking into the camera. It gives me the impression that we are viewing them as they would be live on the beach so that their personalities are more evident than just their images....a bit deeper and more feeling than just a straight-on smiling group of faces.

Preliminary Sketches

Friday morning we had the photoshoot for the next portrait commission which is of a sweet family of five. I got the first chance I've had since getting the photos in on Saturday night to sit down and start sketching out composition ideas. This is just one of three ideas that I am working on. Not quite sure which I will go with for the final work because, if all goes as planned, the family will choose from two or three of them. Lots of little details to work out first to make it really work.