Edna

I found myself with this similar view of Edna that I had used with Matt and tried to use a composition with a larger figure. That meant I eliminated a view of the other other artists if I was going to be true to the space. But it also let me have some fun with the still life. I is a 16 by 20 acrylic. Karen

Matt at the Firehouse

Matt had a wonderful warm skin tone. The only space left for me was slightly behind the model but I liked the view as well as the references it had to a beautiful Elmer Bishoff I have always liked done from almost this angle. It is an 20 by 24 acrylic. Karen

Edna, Revised

Here's the finished version of Edna. It looks less yellow
than the earlier photo, because I shot the newer photo
outdoors, under neutral light. Everything's tighter
and crisper.

Matt

We painted Matt a couple of weeks ago, but it took me some time to get thisportrait to a presentable state. The floral background, which I roughed in at the Firehouse, took a lot of work to refine at home. The figure still needs some work: the right hand is wrong, the green jacket needs some highlights, and the hair could use a few highlights too. I'm not sure whether to leave the yellow pillow or re-paint it red. Despite its still-unfinished state, and various flaws, I like this painting because of the floral background. (I'm a sucker for flowerd backgrounds.)

Shawnrey at the Firehouse

This is the second painting of Shawnrey for the two session pose. I had planned on doing this view the first time. I liked the composition and the painting fell together too soon . Sometimes when that happens I also stop to soon and later I feel the work is not developed enough. This time I kept working even though I was unsure where I was going. I felt I had ruined it. But later I decided it works. It is 20" by 24" acrylic.

Karen

Shawnree in a Green Dress

Shawnree is one of my favorite guild models. She has a beautiful expression. But I had a hard time with this painting. This is the painting I was doing two years ago. The resulting 20 x 20" oil is good, but not what I want. However, frustration alone gets me nowhere. I placed it on top of the fireplace, so I can look at it everyday and figure out what I did not like. I am learning to be more patient with myself as a painter, and to do some writing about the paintings, which is also very helpful. Rebeca

Shawnrey at the Firehouse

I took awhile to set up my easel and paint and got a good sense of the space. After working on it for awhile Debra asked if I minded if she moved over in front of me to draw. I told her no and realized her new position improved my composition. It is an 20 by 24 acrylic. Karen