"Derek" ©

Derek sat for a bunch of artists Monday morning at the McGroarty Art Center in Tujunga, thanks to Julie Snyder. We had 3 hours to paint Derek and the time flew by. Later after I got the painting home I worked on it a bit more but this is the image of how it looked at the end of the modeling session.

Oil on Linen, 12" X 9"

Ring Cycle painting ©

In order to celebrate the coming of Wagner's Ring Cycle coming to Los Angeles the California Art Club is creating an exhibit. This is one of the paintings that I have been working on to submit for the exhibition. You never know if what will be accepted for the exhibit but just the opportunity to get pushed out of the box is one of the many benefits of the club.

Oil on Linen, 24" X 20"

"Carlos" ©

Julie Sydner hired a fellow to play a day labor as a model today at the McGroarty Art Center. About 11 artists painted "Carlos" and this is my effort.

Oil on Panel, 11" X 14"

"Ashley" ©

Painting from life is always a challenge, whether landscape or portrait. The land seems somewhat easier then the simple human form. Yet painting a person is so interesting, all of those color shifts within one surface that gently curves this way and that. Yesterday I was lucky to have the opportunity to paint "Ashley", a lovely lady, engaged to be married and it was her 28th birthday.

Oil on panel, 10" X 8"

"Ring Cycle Model" ©

Yesterday I had the chance to paint a portrait of a model dressed in a costume from Wagner's Ring Cycle. With this study and my digital references, a larger painting will be born.

Oil on Panel, 9" x 12"

"Dave, The Pirate" ©

Last Thursday evening during the Old Town Newhall Artwalk, Dave posed once again for us as a pirate. He's such a nice guy it was hard to image Dave doing any sort of pirateering. (Yes, probably made up a word.) I learned more about "street" painting, especially with the sun sinking earlier but mostly not to forget Cadmium Lemon.

Oil on Panel, 10" X 8"

"Dave" ©

It's been a long time since I had the opportunity to paint from a live model. Last evening during the first ever Old Town Newhall Artwalk a great guy named "Dave" agreed to sit for a couple of us. We had a super time painting and chatting with guests out for the evening to view art, drink a bit of wine and cheese.

Oil on Panel, 8" X 10"

"Alejandra" ©

Another attempt at a live model. This is Alejandra, a strong face and lovely person. Three hours of painting from life ends with an exhilarated exhaustion every time. As I get more comfortable with the process hopefully the ending will only be exhilaration!

Oil on Linen Panel, 12" X 16"

"Jennifer" ©

My third time working from a live model. The difference between this type of painting and working plein air is huge. The light is constant, your inside (no bugs, snakes, wind etc.) and the level of concentration I can reach is much higher. I am in awe looking at the other artists works. A couple hundred more attempts and it will start to click. I am just jazzed with the process and so pleased to have the opportunity.

Oil on panel, 9" X 12"

"Cynthia" ©

I learned two important lessons during this 3 hour session with a model. Lesson one, never paint a portrait from the side. Being new to the group I let everyone find their spot, then fit myself in on the side. To me it's just not an exciting view, I miss the models eyes, or at least one eye. Lesson Two, an artist that paints portraits regularly explained to me that it's more elegant to have the head sized down small in relation to the size of the canvas. Last time I had the head quite large, so I attempted in this piece to go smaller. Next time my goal will be to paint looser. I learned so much and am grateful for the opportunity to paint from life.

Oil on Panel, 9" X 12"

"Vanessa" ©

Today before tackling the horse painting again, I went to the McGroarty Arts Center in Tujunga to paint a live model. Artist Julie Snyder has arranged this 3 hour workshop for any artist that would like to draw or paint a live person. The time flew, besides the music playing all you could hear were the sounds of a studio, brushes on canvas and charcoal rubbing against paper. I had a blast and can't wait to go back! If you would like to see a real figure painters work visit Julie's website at http://www.juliesnyder.com/.

Oil on Panel, 11" X 14"

"Danielle and Joey" ©

"Danielle and Joey" were painted on request by her family. They supplied a super photograph and just asked me to do my best. Danielle is lovely girl I wouldn't mind adopting and I care for her a great deal. Joey is one of those amazing dogs, that come along once in a lifetime. Spending time with these two, even if it's just on canvas, was like going on vacation during the holiday scramble.

Oil on Canvas, 16" X 20"

sold

"Lisa" ©

Today I was allowed to paint a live model for the first time. Another artist arranged for me to join in a weekly event of painting in a private studio. I was unsure of what I would manage to get onto the canvas. The advantage of working in a controlled environment is having the light stay constant, usually I am outside and the light is shifting every few minutes. What was wonderful was to be able to really look at another human without either one of us feeling odd. Lisa chose to keep her eyes shut. I don't know if this a common pose, I didn't care I was just thrilled to have the chance to paint looking at a live lovely lady, named "Lisa".

Oil on Linen, 11" X 14"

"Arriving Rain" ©

This view is from the ridge overlooking the creek in front of our home, looking to the east. Clouds had come into the valley, mixing it up with blue skies and fluffy white clouds until the enough of the storm had taken over the sky to rain on the earth.

Oil on Linen, 16" X 20"

"To Be Young" ©

Maybe 6 years old, I can't remember. I think my Mom took a photo of me out on the driveway in front of the house. It's very strange to look at a photo of myself and then attempt to paint it. The little girl is familiar, every bit of her and yet she seems like a dream. I still have the necklace in a small jewelry box that my Grandmother gave to me years ago.

Oil on Linen, 14" X 11"

"Out Cold" ©

All day I painted on an 18" X 24" landscape, which is not anywhere near finished. Needing a break I had the idea to just paint a little painting that would be a pleasure. My old carving buddy, William had sent me a photo of his grand daughter, asleep in her car seat, all bundled up complete with a knit hat. She and I spent the evening together and while painting her, I really enjoyed getting to know her sweet face.

Oil on canvas, 4" X 6"