Yesterday I delivered this portrait of 3 lively Pugs. It had been a while since I had the opportunity to paint this breed. Pugs always make for a fun project. These 3 were too cute and each had its own unique personality. I was pleased with the way the background set off the subjects. With neutral (tan/cream/beige) dogs it's sometimes difficult to chose a complimentary background. I rather like this choice and I think it will look great in the client's home.
I still can't think of a title for the pool ball painting below so for the three people who drop in here from time to time I ask you to help me. Any ideas? I draw a blank (pun intended). Could it be because its FRIDAY THE 13th? Nah. If my dear husband would ever check my blog he would likely come up with a great title. Or I could just ask him. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
I could NOT think of a title for this, at least not anything entertaining. I'll sleep on it. In the meantime I just titled it "32" for probably obvious reasons. This is a very large painting so seeing it online is misleading. It is an oil on panel and is 40 X 25. Each billiard ball is about 10" in diameter. I have been wanting to paint these for months and finally got around to it. It really was a blast. Now if I could just find a buyer who might want it for a rec room...or hallway...or bathroom...or den...or kitchen...
This one was a real departure for me but so much fun! My client had a small favorite photo from a memorable vacation years ago and she wanted me to paint larger for above the fireplace. I was so excited to paint it because I could see why she loved it. It really captured a moment in time. A different kind of painting for me because it was more painterly and allowed me to leave visible brush strokes, something I don't normally do especially since much of my portrait work of children is done in pastel. What a great summer painting experience. It really got me in the summer mood! Oil on panel. 36 X 24.
Who can resist the sweet expression on this dog's face?! I loved the challenge of painting all that gorgeous fur. You have to admire folks that keep their dogs looking so beautiful. Oil on prepared panel. Approx. 16 X 24.
Monday I presented this portrait to the client after many, many hours of work. Fortunately the client was pleased! I have to say that I was as well. This is one of my favorites of the past year. This portrait was done in oil on prepared panel and measures 40 X 33....not tiny at all. Well, back to work!
Just kidding. Here is a recent oil portrait done for a client who already has three I have done over the past 10-15 years. I must to say that part of the fun doing this work is seeing past clients again and these clients are no exception.
This week's most recent work had me using pastels for a portrait of these adorable boys. If only my children would get along as well as these two seem to get along!
Last week my opening reception for my month long solo exhibit at Framations Gallery in St. Charles went GREAT! LOTS of people came by...possibly hundreds. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Many of my portrait subjects stopped by. I also had the bonus of a visit from my 7th grade science teacher who brought a painting I had done for him when I was 12 years old! That was so much fun to see. To anyone who came by I thank you for being so supportive and making the evening memorable for me. I hope you enjoyed yourselves. Thank you to Julie who came from Indiana to help me get ready and did what she does best...be a great friend. Thanks also to my extremely patient husband and kids. They sure put up with a lot from me these past few months. Special thanks to Sarah and Amy who own the gallery. They were awesome!
Finally on May 15th the finished and framed portraits of this year's Women of Achievement (St. Louis) were unveiled in the reception ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton. All 10 portraits were displayed around the room for viewing by those attending the luncheon to honor 10 amazing women. If you click on the picture above you can see a larger version. Though I only have a few weeks to complete these each year I am so honored to do these portraits.
