The Model That's Always There...

Okay, okay. Before you call me a narcissist, let me explain why I paint so many self portraits. 1. The model is FREE. 2. I can paint at any time without having to schedule it. 3. It allows for some crazy experimentation. 4. It allows for more practice working with a model that doesn't hold still. There are many more reasons, but those a few of the main ones.  Today I did a quick self portrait in about an hour and a half. The inspiration was, ironically, that I had no inspiration, but still felt like I should paint for a little while, at least. Recently, I put up some beautiful vintage-looking curtains in my studio. They block out direct sunlight without overly darkening the room, and the colors are lovely. I've been thinking about setting up a model in front of the curtains for a… Read more »

The Model That's Always There...

Extreme Close-Ups of a Finished Portrait

I have several portrait commissions going right now, and I just finished one last week. Unfortunately, I can't show it to you until it's unveiled in November, but I couldn't resist giving you a couple little detail shots in the mean time, since this is one of my most successful commissioned portraits EVER. :-) I was loving the outdoor light, white dresses, and rugged rocks. You'll notice I tried to stay fairly loose and painterly in the rocks and clothing, but smoothed out my brushwork over the skin. The weight, size, and thickness of a brushstroke should be determined by the subject matter. I wanted to treat the skin of the two girls with both sensitivity and freshness to indicate their youth. The overall canvas size is 42x36". I can't wait to show you the whole … Read more »

Extreme Close-Ups of a Finished Portrait

Back in Wisconsin

I spent five days last week visiting family in Wisconsin. It had been quite a few years since I was in my home state during this time of year. I wish I could be there just a couple of weeks later, when the leaves start to change, but it was still a gorgeous time to be in the Midwest. The light is starting to change, with longer shadows, more atmosphere, shorter days. Besides the blue chickory that lines the roadsides, the flowers are mostly yellow goldenrod, black-eyed susans and coneflowers, or white Queen Anne's Lace, indicating late summer and pending autumn. The crickets sing constantly. The sounds and smells are so much like home to me, it was truly refreshing to experience them once again. The sunsets were beautiful, too. Every time I come back, I feel torn. A huge piece of my h… Read more »

Back in Wisconsin

Photos with Grandpa

When I was in Wisconsin for Grandpa's funeral this past weekend, my mom was able to find the photos I was missing from that last blog post. Here they are (Emily in the orange hat, me in the purple pants). :-) Thank you, everyone, for the prayers and condolences. I appreciate it so very much. Grandpa will never be forgotten and I hope to continue honoring his memory through my art and life. Read more »

Photos with Grandpa