Wednesday, April 29, 2009

04/29/09

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! 
Please feel free to comment.  I am only a beginner!

Saturday, April 25, 2009

04/25/09

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.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

o4/22/09

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.

04/22/09

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.

Monday, April 20, 2009

04/20/09

Great day painting was cut short by obligations.  I do love working in oil but it takes so long.  I think I will be switching back and forth between oil and acrylics for quite a while. 

I am still working on the Amsterdam Virtual Paintout.  I hope I make it in time.  Between working and slow drying time, I'm chomping at the bit and far behind. Working on a portrait of a friend, and began an abstract today that I think will be fun. Also began a close-up of a flower.(a la my friends Grant and Donna) Don't know if mine will turn out as awesome as theirs have but I'm going to give it my best.  

Hopefully, I will have some paintings to put up for display soon or I will go back and show some of my acrylic work. 


Saturday, April 18, 2009

04/18/09

Thank heaven for weekends!  Wahoooo!

Friday, April 17, 2009

04/17/09

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.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

04/14/09

I'm not quite finished but it is pretty close to what I looked like.  This is so retro!  The color of the dress and style is a hoot.  My father always made us face the sun - big squint! - and he took this picture early in the morning before we went to Easter Mass.  I really thought I looked like a movie star - the things children think!

04/14/09

04/14/09

I love this little picture! A controversy arose with my choice of frame - I like the way the dark areas of the frame is reflected in the dark of the trees and the whole painting has that golden look.  Amazingly, it was my first painting of this size (4x6) and it was painted en plein air.

04/14/09

Sunday, April 5, 2009

04/05/09

This little fellow was painted a while ago.  He was so easy to paint and I was able to capture his fun spirit.  This is one of the happiest children I've ever met.

Friday, April 3, 2009

My Curse needs to be lifted!

Thursday, April 2nd was very windy.  I took my dog for a quick walk before I went to the studio as planned.  A large branch fell out of a tree and crashed on my head! I slowly melted to the ground as I saw stars and tried to catch myself by landing on my right knee and left hand.  My hero is my baby boy, Chibi, who licked my face and barked until I woke up. ( only seconds)  I quickly got up and got home, put on a splint and iced my head and wrist. Thought I'd go on to the studio to take my mind off of my aches but once there I decided I'd better call the hand Dr. because my left hand was hurting like it did when I broke my thumb.  Dr. Fredrick was in surgery all day so I went to the Carrell Clinic Emergency ( best place in town for non-life threatening emergencies) Had a possible concussion and broken wrist.  Dr. Wu sent me with a prescription for pain, x-rays and directions to follow. After tutoring I was in severe pain, which is unusual for me.  Slept little and still hurt quite a bit.  Still don't know much more - have to return on April 13 to get re-x-rayed because  this kind of break doesn't show up right away.  Very boring and painful way to start April.  I do have some paintings to post from my trip.  Will do that soon.