Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Inspiration




















What can I say? This was named Inspiration for a few reasons. I was inpired to do this piece by my friend Tonya,creating it was a completely inspirational, absorbing, and transformational experience, and lastly I hope it is inspirational to you!

Pastel on Strathmore Medium Paper 14" x 17" $99 unframed


Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Little Man




















This is a portrait of my friend's little boy Rishi, and is a gift to her. It is based on a reference photo and was done using watercolor pencils and pastel paint. The watercolor pencils are nice because their pencil form provides more accuracy in application than a brush, but with the added versatility of watercolor, the colors can be blended and made more vibrants by brushing over them with water. I used pastel for the face and neck to keep it soft, and for the background for ease of coverage. 9" x 12" Watercolor pencil and pastel on paper

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Fire & Ice
















The reference photo which inspired this painting was sent to me by my friend. It was originally a picture of an iceberg, so was very much blue/green, with water in the foreground. Encouraged by Tonya, I changed the pallette to mostly reds. Once red, the lines and values of the iceberg took on the look of a mountain to me. Painting rocks and fabric have the same effect on me as painting macro flowers; they pull me in and I become part of the object while painting it. This was a great escape. Thanks Tonya! Oil on wood panel 6" x 8" SOLD


Monday, February 1, 2010

Reflecting On Old Times




















A new subject for me, a new surface, and a different way to get the job done. This was a one-session painting, so started and finished today. Although I typically paint on canvas, artists' panel, or vinyl records, this was done on a panel which required a primer before painting. I covered the surface with gesso, and commenced to painting. The straight, thin lines that accent the car window were a great challenge to me, and I didn't take the time to tape anything off. This added the element of freehand detail. I love the original composition and color palette of the reference photo called "Firedome Chrome" taken by Murray Bloom, and I thank him graciously for his permission to use it for this painting. I took the liberty to add a wide border around the image, which in the end gave the effect of peering at the old car through a wooden window. 11" x 14" Oil on wood panel $99