Painted this portrait of my dear friend Brian Hall last year. He was one of the three climbers that perished on Mt. Hood in Oregon almost two years ago. It took me a long time before I could even paint this picture because I missed him so much. You can't see someone two to three times a week for ten years and then not miss them! He was a fabulous trainer, supportive friend and just an all round marvelous person who touched so many lives that I can't even imagine! I was just one of many that loved Brian. Once painted, I didn't want to let it go, but as with Brian, he wasn't destined to be in my life forever. I sent it home to the ones that, I'm sure, missed him most.
I didn't hear back from his parents until this week because they have been helping his sister, Angela, who lives in Boise, Idaho. She is having a difficult time with the loss of her big brother. The package sat OUTSIDE (blizzard,snow and rain) for almost 4 months and Brian's mom said she thought "someone" was watching over my precious gift. She said they cried when they opened it and smile whenever they see it in their bedroom. I'm so glad and proud that she could see that I put a lot of my heart into the painting and that it pleased them as much as it has.
Finally finished my Virtual paintout painting last night. It is such a busy scene and I chose to leave a lot out. Can't wait to see what the next challenge is going to be ................ Paris, somewhere in Germany or Switzerland or a US city? The hunt is half the fun! 
Painted this portrait of my dear friend Brian Hall last year. He was one of the three climbers that perished on Mt. Hood in Oregon almost two years ago. It took me a long time before I could even paint this picture because I missed him so much. You can't see someone two to three times a week for ten years and then not miss them! He was a fabulous trainer, supportive friend and just an all round marvelous person who touched so many lives that I can't even imagine! I was just one of many that loved Brian. Once painted, I didn't want to let it go, but as with Brian, he wasn't destined to be in my life forever. I sent it home to the ones that, I'm sure, missed him most.
This is also an early acrylic from last year. I visited this charming town in 2004 with a good friend. All the villages in France looked like they had come right out of a picture book. There were over-flowing flower boxes and quiet streams like this one.
This was only the second portrait that I'd attempted. The painting was so whimsical, just like the tiny Zoe. I was able to capture her intelligent, sweet look and get the forshortening of her arm just right. Wish I'd done it in oils. Maybe I'll have to do her again.
I finally finished my Easter picture on Tuesday but I have been so busy teaching at Lakewood that I haven't had a chance to get this on my blog. I am pleased with the outcome - not as pleased as I was with myself that Easter though. It was a lot of fun to paint.
