This little lady is Lainie Lodewick the daughter of my friend and advisor Patrick Lodewick. Patrick took this picture and sent it to me . Since he said it is one of her signature "looks," I thought I'd give it a try. I still have a few more little things to do to it and I'll be ready to just let it dry.
I was commissioned this summer to paint a portrait of this little girl. I wasn't very excited about it because they wanted it in the blue tonal style that I did a couple of years ago. I figured that one was just a fluke that it turned out so well and I wasn't sure I could successfully duplicate it. Two days ago I just dove right in and started it and I was able to finish it yesterday. This type of portrait is difficult because you have to concentrate so hard on your values. This work really pushed my abilities and I'm glad I did it because it gave me more confidence.
Finished my small palette knife painting yesterday and now it has to dry for a while. It is very wet with thick layers of paint. I like the way the road leads your eye into the painting and the fence-line follows the road. 
Just started this painting today. It is LOADED with thick paint. It is good that I won't be able to work on it until Saturday because it is so wet. This is a wooden fence-line on a south Texas Highway. The fence is one of those old fashioned ones that is stacked wooden pieces and it twists and turns just the way the road does. I like the way the road leads your eye into the picture (even at this early stage). 
Just started this little beauty yesterday and have almost completed it. I want to use this either in the Wine Therapist show or at the Lakewood Home tour/ Market show in the fall. I'm trying to get some done ahead of time for these shows that are relevant to the areas where they'll be shown! White Rock Lake is a big deal in East Dallas. Since the renovation, the spillway is lovely. Got to get over there for more pictures.
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!
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.
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!
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. 
"The Girls," (as they are called collectively) have been completed and delivered! The Munceys are thrilled. Stephen has wanted them painted for a while - Bridgette just kept forgetting to give me the pictures! They were easier to paint than I thought they would be. It really only took about a week - total, to finish them. They are very sweet schnausers - Sophie is the baby and very shy, Gretchen is just a love - she rolls over to have her tummy scratched!
