Quick Study

At the end of our session last night I had just enough time for a quick study.

Man in a Beret (working title)

Last night I joined a group of local artists that meet on thursday nights to draw or paint portraits from a model. There is no instruction, just a group getting together to do what they love. The atmosphere was inspiring, the model superb and everyone made me, the newcomer, feel very welcome. I had a great painting night and could barely sleep last night because I had so much fun. Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the gentleman who modeled for us, so just a working title for this painting for now.

Evan and his Great Grandpa

This is a painting of my son and his Great Grandpa. I wanted to capture my Grandfather's quiet contemplation as he watches the bundle of energy and life that flows out of his Great Grandson. Sounds corny I know but I find the contrast between the two of them fascinating. Looking at it now I see that I need to adjust the hand that is behind Evan's head, but other than that I am quite happy with this attempt.

Just Sitting

I struggled with this one to get the figures just right and it took longer than I thought it should. The background changed 2 or 3 times until I finally realized that the painting is about the figures and I needed to simplify everything else. The reference for this painting was a photo I took of a motley crew ( I mean my family) enjoying a warm day at the beach.

I Have It Right Here

Sandy Shadow

This is one of my Uncle Rick's grandkids. I think it is Haley - but I am not sure. In the photo I took there were kids everywhere and there she was in the middle of all this activity in her own little world.

Race You

This painting is based on a photo I took of my son chasing after his friend Noah at the beach this summer. They are both 5 years old and were racing into the lake before I had even set down my chair and the sand toys.

Orange Scoops

After seeing the paintings of oranges by Ed Cooper I was determined to try and paint an orange. I have never painted one to my satisfaction. After 2 wipe offs and feeling like I had forgotten how to paint during Christmas holidays I came up with this. Not the best painting of oranges I have seen, but not my worst attempt. (Ed you make it look effortless.)

Painting by Kim Rempel - Sunshine on a Grey Day

I never win anything - ever, so I was so surprised to find out I had won a painting by Kim Rempel. It arrived at my doorstep just before New Years and I already have it hanging on the wall. I just love it. Please check out Kim's blog, she is a daily painter from Ontario, Canada who often features a draw for a painting of your choice from her site. Her paintings have a sensitive touch to them that is really lovely.

Portrait of David Te - DSFDF Portrait Challenge

Update: I found out that the artist I was paired up with for the DSFDF Portrait Challenge was David Te. Please check out his portrait of me - it is really wonderful and I think he captured me beautifully.