Head and Shoulders Portrait

Oliver Dixon 14 x 20 Oil on Canvas

I just finished this portrait of Oliver this week. It is a head and shoulders size portrait and is 14 x 20 inches. (unframed) I worked from photo references for most of this painting, however, I did get him to pose for me for some of the finish work. He can sit surprisingly still for a 4 year old even if it is only for a short while!

Figurative Painting on a Small Canvas

Playtime 11 x 14 Oil on canvas board

I have been painting figurative oils on a small scale the last few months. This is very different then painting the large canvases upon which I paint portraits. It has been a fun exercise. Above is on of my favorite paintings that has resulted from this new endeavour. It is of Oliver playing with a favorite toy on the sofa. A benefit of smaller paintings is they fit just about anywhere. This one will be making an appearance at my husbands office. Who said you can't have original oil paintings in your cubical?

Portrait of Alex

Alex 24x 30 Oil on canvas

I just finished a portrait of my niece, Alex. She wanted to be painted with her hunting bow. We went to Chandler Park for the initial photo shoot to determine the composition. The monochromatic colors of both her surroundings and wardrobe lent itself to a limited pallet. Texture became a very important element of the overall composition. I really enjoyed working with a more limited pallet and will definitely do so again.

Avery Painting

Avery 12 x 12, oil on canvas

Here is a painting of Avery I completed over the Holidays. It is only 12 inches square in size. It is fun to do these head and shoulder studies from time to time. It will probably end up hung in his room as he does not have a portrait displayed in there yet. (Clara has The Young Artist portrait in her room.) I am working on a larger piece that includes all three children but focuses on Oliver. (That one will likely end Oliver's in his room.)

Happy New Years to you and yours!

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!