Solveig

Solveig is a fine model, but this painting of her was a big disappointment to me. Normally I can finish a painting in three hours and capture a decent likeness. This one doesn't look like Solveig, and it's far from finished. The only part I sort of like is the shirt, and even that isn't all it could be. This canvas may end up getting painted over!

Carla, Belatedly

This is the first painting I did with the East Bay Figure Painting group. The whole experience was very positive. The Firehouse is conveniently located, the painters who greeted me were warm, welcoming, interesting women, and Carla was great fun to paint. I had such a great time I joined the group.

I'm pretty happy with this painting, except for the shape of Carla's shadow, which looks a little artificial.

Barbara

Barbara's a great model. She's punctual, motionless, accurate, and fun to paint.

While doing her earrings, I noticed that they're not identical--in fact, one is the upside-down version of the other!

Another Barbara

This is probably one of the tiniest paintings I have done all year, 12 x 9 inches. It was a masonite board I bought at Utrecht because I left my canvas at home. It is harder for me to work in this size, because it requires more control over my movements. I was happier with the way I handled her shoes this time, but what I really should have done is bring down all of the values in the painting so that the sparkle from those sequins done with pure titanium white would read like a sparkle. That was hard, though, because the blue light from the window was difficult to ignore, it was so bright and attractive.

Diana and the Painter

This small acrylic 12" by 16" was done when Diana modeled for us. Diana is also a painter and this was in my mind when I reworked the composition and the figures after the session.

Karen

Bonnie

These are two portraits of Bonnie that I did at the Firehouse. They're both 18" x 24" and done in acrylics. I like to work fast and finished each one later.
Best,
Diana Blackwell

First blog!

Rebeca is kindly showing me how to blog. Her instructions are clear and easy to follow.
Yay! Watch out--soon I'll be posting regularly.
Best,
Diana

Barbara and the Painters

This small acrylic, 12" by 24'', continues a series I have started on the model and painters. I worked at it over two sessions with Barbara, our model, and then did more at the studio. My figure looks somewhat like Barbara and I wonder after a conversation I just had about portraits-- Is it a portrait?

Karen Zullo Sherr

Barbara At The Firehouse

I thought this was one of my better pieces for the summer, so I am using it as a first post. Barbara is a very experienced, excellent model from the Bay Area Models Guild, the oldest model organization in our area. This acrylic on canvas was done during a three hr session and it is not very big (16 x 20"). We placed her near one of our storefront windows, so she gets some of that great outside light.