Here are the rest of my most recent paintings. The only one not painted from life is the sunset. I love the dahlias, they were a nightmare to paint, but I loved the way they turned out. As for the nude women, well, I believe the study of the nude figure is important in every artists education, I just want to keep my blog PG for my sensitive readers. The african american portrait is a little off in color integrity but you get the idea.

Into the elements

So, I have lived in the beautiful Palos Verde's area for almost 3 years.....I have not once taken my easel out to paint..........so sad, I know. Well I finally got out there. I left around 3:30 since that's about when the sun is heading down these days. Let me tell you, painting out of doors is no picnic, and I live in a temperate climate! Its sounds weird, but you have to deal with all the extra elements of the out doors. These include: wind, sun ,crazy onlookers, rapidly changing light, not to mention a faulty easel. Painting is challenging enough as it is. I came away with 4 mediocre paintings and a headache from staring at the sun. I risked blindness to figure out...."now what color exactly is that sun". I never really have been interested in painting landscapes, I would much rather paint people. I have learned that if you have fun while you paint, it shows in your paintings, they just turn out better. As you will see, I didn't enjoy myself that much, but an artist has to stretch themselves right? Thank you cyberspace for this therapeutic rant

Painting from life

This is the only way to paint: from a live model. It is more economical to sign up for a class than to pay for a private model. I can't describe the feeling of seeing colors that have no name, then trying to duplicate them. It is so exciting to me. These are recordings of the colors of light rather than a perfect refined likeness. The pictures are not the best, I'm still refining that skill

rest time is over!

Work has been keeping me quite busy,....(wait, thats just an excuse) but it does seems to zap my energy for creating art. I guess thats why I attend a life painting class once a week. It keeps me connected with what I love to do: paint people. I will take photo's of my recent work from that class and post very soon,...maybe today!

Classes for kids!

I will be teaching at the Palos Verdes Art Center Again Saturday mornings and afternoon. If you are interested please go to pvartcenter.org Looking forward to fall and cooler weather!

Nauvoo Temple

This is my next painting adventure. I have'nt done many paintings of buildings, let alone a temple. The painting is for my mother in law, Susan. Hopefully I can get it done by christmas. She donated 400 dollars to the Nie-nie fund. In return, she gets a painting. (she was the one and only bidder in my painting auction) Anyways, I will try to get some of my recent paintings photographed so I can post them. Thanks for looking!

Invitation

The Palos Verdes Art Center is holding an exhibition for its intructors. I will be showing just a few paintings. There will be many other wonderful works from the other talented instructors as well. I will be at the opening reception and would love to have friends and family join me. It will be on June 19th from 5-8. Located at 5504 west Crestridge rd. Rancho palos verdes,90275