Friday, December 31, 2010

Week 12 - Finished Commission work to go with the earlier companion pieces.




Michael is the brother of two sisters I painted 10 years ago! My work has really changed since then, so this was a challenge; to make this piece compatible with the others and yet keeping the quality higher. Both of the others were done in this size, in a vignette style with a yellow ochre under painting and blue-ish, green-ish background. This doesn't match exactly, but is similar enough to work.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Week 11 - Color boost


Yesterday, a friend brought me a tiny bouquet of pansies and itty bitty roses. I was smitten! Put aside the commission I was working on and dove right into the rich colors of the flowers. So this is a bit of a poster study. Mostly it was fun for me to sample some of the pure tones instead of subtle nuances.

And how wonderful to have this lovely "gift" of fresh flowers at Christmas!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Week 11 - Done and sent

Watercolor portrait. First one since really working on portraiture and had a very tough time with it. Gee, I'd forgotten that watercolor and oil are sooooo different! Worked from client photos of grandchildren. It has now been photographed, packed and mailed! Now it is on to the next project!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Week 10 - Trying to re-set the pace

Alot has happened since the last post, though not so much progress. Got stalled on the watercolor and oil sketch. Expect to be re-energized after this weekend!

We went to Dallas to deliver the landscape to my client's home. I was so honored by the reception; they'd changed their lighting for the piece and we all celebrated with a lovely dinner.
That same evening, I spent some time doing another quick sketch of my client in preparation for the portrait. No hat and a bit more relaxed this time. The next step is to do a drawing that incorporates elements from photos, drawings and background info.
Important notes: when asked how he'd describe himself, he said "Teacher, Rancher & Grandfather". I will keep those words in mind as I work on the painting.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Week 8 - No visible progress...however

Nothing to show at the moment. A lot of behind the scenes work is going on, though.

I am working on a watercolor portrait commission. A double portrait of two teens. The grandchildren of a very good friend who is giving it to the kids' parents. I'm struggling a bit because it is watercolor and I've been working mostly with oil or drawing lately. Also, the reference photos were taken with a flash and that creates different challenges. Hopefully, I'll get it finished by the end of this week.

Late last week I got an email from a past customer who would like a portrait of one of their children to go with two others (2 other children) they have from years ago. I will be starting on that one very soon!

The commissioned piece of the gentleman from Dallas is in the planning process. I have photos and the sketch to work from. Plus the client is sending photos of some different clothing and backgrounds. And we are heading there next week and I'll get more photos and sketches done. The stretcher bars have arrived and I'll be stretching the canvas soon.

Received an email yesterday from someone who is very interested in commissioning a portrait. So we've started the discussion; what would she like as far as medium, size, background, clothing. As Jennifer (my mentor) says, who is the audience? Is this for professional use? Or a family piece? etc. So this potential client will be thinking about these things and we'll work toward scheduling the work. (yippee!!!)

Got a call yesterday (a busy day) from the Odessa Art Association. They would like me to jury/judge their main show next spring!

So, tho I don't really feel like I'm doing anything differently, it really seems like the energy from the mentoring relationship is fruitful. Wow!

Photos will be forthcoming! But not today.