1/26/10 Benjamin Patillo - FINISHED

This is the finished portrait of Benjamin Patillo. I used a picture by Tracy Allen Croysdale - a professional photographer. Her pictures of little "Banjo" were the inspiration for this painting. I really gravitated to the strong colors and intense look on Benjamin's face. These were taken this summer when he had just turned one. I am very proud of the delicacy I used on his face and the thick fast strokes I used in the background. This is one of my favorite portraits that I've ever done.

1/25/10 Little Lady

This "Little Lady," was a very quick painting. Fun to work fast. Not my best work but it was fun. I love lady bugs!

01/23/10 Sailing Away

This is a VERY large painting for me to complete. I really think I captured the sky but blew it on the water. I just quickly drew in the other sailboats with my oil crayon and, surprisingly, I like the effect.

I have returned to teaching. This will be a hard 6 weeks because I'm not as familiar with the second grade curriculum as I am the 3rd and 4th. I already treat them like little people and it seems to work out well so far. This will only slow down my painting, not stop it! I will be painting on weekends with my dog, Chibi -because I don't get to spend as much time with him as I'd like. Long days and early evening for the next 6 weeks.

01/12/10 Allie finally finished!

I finished Allie up today and signed it. This is what she looks like - at least to me. She is so beautiful, smart and kind - you can't imagine a better person. I'm sure her parents would agree. Now the hard part - letting her dry before I frame her!

1/6/10 Allie - not finished but well on her way

I've just barely begun her hair! Some times when I look at it - it looks just like her and other times, I wonder how I could go so wrong. There is something that I've done or not done to the right side of her face ( I think it is her jawline) that isn't correct. I still have to darken the shadows that should be on the sides of her temples and work on her hair! I did get her nose but the shape of her face is off. Don't worry it WILL be correct before I finish or I'll start over.

This is an example of a great picture that is difficult to paint because it doesn' thave any deep shadows. The front flash deletes them when they take the picture.

1/5/10 The Greats

I got the kiddos finished last night. It turned out better than I thought it would. It actually looks like their picture! They are SO cute. Maybe I'll keep it since I don't get to see them very often! This picture captures their personalities. Payton is a "wild Irish rose," and Morgan is a more quiet, deep-thinking little guy. They are both simply adorable and one of the loves of my life!

01/02/10 "The Greats" - progress

This picture was part of a Christmas card from my nephew Mike and his cute wife Nancy. I call them "the greats" because I have asked them to call me "Carol the great," rather than Great Aunt Carol! They are a precious pair - Payton, 2 yrs., and Morgan,about to turn 4. It isn't finished but I will have to put in the finishing touches when it dries. I did the whole thing in one day and the paint is practically dripping off the canvas.

I don't know who will get this. Karen Rike came up with a super idea - auction it off between the family members! It was lots of fun because I used my palette knife on a lot of it. I will keep you updated on the progress