December Artmakings

This December there were several commissions to finish and new prints to send out. Portraits, prints and original paintings were being shipped, picked up, and delivered daily. I am so grateful for the support of my small business. It has really been a great year!

my first round of giclee prints

ready for delivery

the wonderful  Dr. Pepper, for Macy. Water color. 18x24.

The process for completing a portrait like this is very methodical and technical. Here is how I go about getting it done:

 the drawing might be the most important step. Without a good drawing there is no possible way to get  a likeness (for me). This takes a great deal of concentration.

 Then I block in the darkest shadows with a light wash

 I create surface details in very small sections, otherwise it can get overwhelming. Not everyone would do it this way, but it is the best way for me. In this case I had a very high resolution image to work from, so I was able to zoom in and really capture minute details (thank you photographer Mike!)

This is my set up of materials. Paint and water are always as close to my hand as possible.

I build color using many layers of transparent paint so that the image never looks too heavy or wooden.

 The last step is a light background wash. I like to keep it very simple so that the subject has nothing to compete with in the background.

And the very final step is delivery! I wrap up the painting and drive it to its new home.

December Art Show

After months and months of hard work it is all over. Alison McDole and I created 35 works altogether for the show. The opening was a very fine December evening. The gallery was filled with people and many of the paintings have found new homes. Thank you to all who were able to come!

 before hanging

Adjusting the legs into position

  My kingdom for a horse

cardboard

  Photo by Audre Rae Photography

 Bridge

Wood

 Safe Passage 

 Acrylic

Sold

Photo by Audre Rae Photography

 Be Bold

  Watercolor

 Photo by Audre Rae