Painting My Aunt Janice

Aunt Janice, 24x36, Oil on canvas

I painted this portrait of my Aunt Janice who is also an artist. I really enjoyed this project, in part, because Janice was a large part of the reason I wanted to pursue art as a young child. I always loved receiving hand-painted Christmas presents from her for Christmas and other special occasions.

I painted her at her easel in her kitchen where she often paints. On the easel is her current project. The main lighting source was the windows behind her which created dramatic shadows and lit up the canvas on the easel.

Sibling Portrait

Hughes Children, 24 x 36, oil on canvas

This is one of several paintings that I have completed in the last month. I wanted to keep the pose casual in keeping with the families lifestyle. The family dog, Sophie, also made it into the painting. I really enjoyed incorporating the children's interests into the portrait.

T BIRDS AND A PINK LADY

Halloween 2010 Photo Shoot "Grease is the word!"

This year's Halloween costume photo shoot was the most fun yet! Clara is a Pink Lady (her costume looks a little more Grease II than I) and Avery and Oliver are T Birds. The adventure took us down Route 66, to a diner and to the Admiral Twin Drive-in!

Art in the Square

Waiting 24 x 30 oil on canvas

I will be one the artists showing my work at Art in the Square at Utica Square on Saturday, October 5th. My location will be outside of Petty's Fine Foods. Inspired by this location, I wanted to do a painting specific to Utica and the event. This is the resulting painting titled "Waiting." I really enjoyed doing this figurative piece because of the challenge of the store window and the metal bistro table. I plan to do more figurative pieces like this one as time permits.

An Oliver Portrait

Oliver 16 x 20 Oil on canvas

My latest portrait, Oliver with a favorite book, is a companion piece to the one I recently did of Clara. I again used a chinoiserie wallpaper to introduce pattern and color to the background. I think this gives an otherwise classic composition a more modern feel.

My new painting of Clara

Clara 16x20 Oil on Canvas

I wanted to do a painting that was foremost a figurative piece and not a traditional portrait. I wanted it to tell a story with universal appeal. Clara was my model along with one of her stuffed bears. I tried to capture something timeless in her pose and clothing but kept it current through my use of color.

The Sister's Portrait

Dressing Up 20X30 Oil on Linen

My nieces, Maya and Peri, are the subject of my newest portrait. They love to dress-up and I was inspired by a visit they paid us last spring where they dressed up with my daughter and played princesses. The painting was given to them for their 6th birthday (although it was a little belated!) My birthday wish for them is that they continue to play make-believe for years to come and never forget they are princesses!