03/29/11 Eddie Pontorno

This is a portrait of my "papa Eddie" Pontorno. He passed away this month at the age of 84 and he will be greatly missed. The image I used was one from his step-son's wedding about 20 years ago. The reason he looks so good is his Italian blood! He and Marjie were like a mom and dad to me for quite a few years and I still adore them. I want to send this to Marjie but it has to be perfect. I can see I still need to work on his eyes and nose. What a "love, "he was.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog. Thank you, Eddie for your kindness and guidance.

03/20/11 Ala Prima!! Keaton Hale

This little cutie is Keaton Hale. I have painted her before - sometimes with success and other times it was a dismal failure! During this Spring Break, Keaton, her mommy, Kelli, and daddy, Nathan, went to Cabo! So this painting is titled "Cabo Cutie," because she is my littlest muse!

I have only been able to do a painting all in one session (ala prima) with my niece and nephew that I know VERY well. To top it all off - this was mostly done with a palette knife! She just fell in place. Of course there is so much paint on this picture that she will be 10 years old before it dries!!! I need to tweek her left arm because it doesn't show up but other than that, as Charlie Sheen says,"Winning!"

Thanks for checking out my blog on this beautiful day!!

03/19/11 Almost finished!

Almost through with this portrait! The photo image was so lovely that I really wanted to achieve a lovely painting. Painted for a couple of hours at the studio today and had pleasing results.

Thanks for taking time to look at my blog.

03/19/11 On the easel

Just started this portrait last week. It was bought at the Hyer Christmas Bazaar last year . The photo of this child is lovely so I'm trying to do it justice in my painting. It is slow going but I will get it done. There is still lots to do and correct but I'm pleased with the start.

Thank you for taking the time to look at my blog.

03/18/11 Finally finished the finishing touches

Sweet Suzy gave me a lesson on wet dogs yesterday!! Much more subtle and MUCH better than before. Now I'm pleased with him/her.

I have just gotten the scripture on this religious painting and am ready to enter it into competition. This is as far away from my usual paintings as can be imagined but I enjoyed doing it.

Thank you for looking at my blog.

03/06/11 Lab with Drake in his mouth

I'll apologize for my poor photo right off the bat! I went down and worked on the feathers this afternoon with some success. I'm pleased with this painting and hope someone will think it looks just like their dog and buy it.I am pleased with the dog's face and the dead Mallard , even though it was a challenge, looks quite good. I will have to improve on the wet coat but I can do it. I think we will have a critique of it on Tuesday afternoon.

thanks for taking the time to look at my blog.

03/02/11 Still working on those feathers!

I haven't had much time to paint lately and won't get to until Sunday at the earliest. Working at school just saps my energy! I did get to make a little progress on the mallard today. I just jumped right in and started to (as some of my friends say)"slap that paint right on there." It turned out much better than I thought it would. Still a lot to do before I finish but he is finally taking shape.

Thanks for taking a look.