October Newsletter

My October Newsletter is out!  I am running a special deal on commissions this month (and into November)  If you ever thought about commissioning me to paint a pet portrait, now is a great time to do it.  Pet portraits make wonderful gifts!  Think ahead to surprise a loved one!

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I also always try to include tips about oil painting and information about upcoming art shows and events!
Thanks and enjoy this rainy day!

Unlikely pear, oil on canvas, 6"x6", $75.00

New Commission - "Krystle & Kayne"

I was commissioned to paint a portrait for a young lady who will be graduating High School this June.  The love of her life is her horse, Kayne.  As a nice, commemorative present that is a bit more creative than just money, her dad and his wife asked if I could paint this picture for her.  I was so happy to do it as it brings me great satisfaction to paint a picture where the subject is so beloved.  It was also good fun to paint a double portrait of two very different subjects.  I hope this painting brings Krystle many years of happiness! 

Krystale & Kayle, 8" x 8", oil on canvas

Jonna and Mosby

A little while ago I posted a picture of a painting I was almost finished of my friend Jonna and her horse, Mosby.  I was frustrated with it for various reasons and had to set it aside for awhile.  Today I felt ready to tackle the finishing touches on it and I think I am done!  Here it is....

Jonna and Mosby, 12" x 12", oil on canvas

Portrait of Meilea

I decided to really challenge myself and paint a portrait of my daughter, Meilea.  I took this photograph of her sometime this winter and just couldn't get over how beautiful she is and just loved the picture.  It seemed like a perfect place to start.  I also have this wonderful book about painting portraits in oil that I used as I progressed through the painting to get tips on good color combinations, particularly for the hair and skin.  Below are several photos showing the painting in different stages.  The 5th one shows the painting next to the photo, and the last one is the completed portrait.    It took me about a week from start to finish, but I admittedly did not work on the painting on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, so more like 4 days, each session about 4 hours.  I did the original drawing in pencil directly on the canvas, used acrylic to do the base coat and create a monotone value study, then finished it in oil.  Very pleased with the results!

Meilea, 18"x24", oil, 2013

Arts on the avenue

Every summer, West Reading closes Penn avenue to cars and such traffic and opens it up to local artisans who showcase and sell their wares.  When I went last year, I was interested in the people who showed up.  This lady was there with her little dog and they made such a great picture.  I snapped a few photos and painted this as an homage to her unique character.

Lady and dog on the Avenue, acrylic on canvas, 18" x 24", 2012

New paintings of dogs

English Bulldog, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 18", 2012

Dogs, up close and personal.  These were done within the past month or so, first as an exercise in underpainting, turning into an interesting study of dog portraiture.  Dogs in a muted, primary color scheme, texture, perspective and in your face.  Cute enough to pinch.

Dauschaund pup, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 18", 2012

Jack the mutt, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 18", 2012

There will be more dogs to come... I promise!