OLD JAIL ART CENTER

Yesterday Linda Reedy and I took a day trip to Albany, Texas.  We had intentions to do some sketching and take photos for painting.  However, we were happy to find an amazing art museum in this little town!  The Old Jail Art Center, which is an example of 19th century Texas classic architecture, has had two expansions and houses incredible art from four private collectors.  The collections include works from Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee, Amedeo Modigliani, Rembrandt and many, many more artists.  The current exhibition is "FACE TIME: Portraits from the Collection."  It really is worth a little drive to see the works inside (no photographs allowed) and the fabulous sculpture garden outside (I've included only a small sample of this).  After visiting the Old Jail Art Center there are local restaurants and shops that are fun to stop in and explore.

ENJOY YOUR WEEK-END!!

FACE No. 41

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

I just can't stay away from these mug shots.  Even with the bad lighting I am learning a great deal about skin tones, shadows, planes, etc.  When I began this series I had no idea how many portraits I would paint.  Now I am thinking they will continue for a long time.  

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TWO ONIONS

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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This was painted for Rookie Painter's September challenge.  I wanted to express the warm and cool colors I saw in these beautiful onions.  This was really fun to paint and I am considering doing a series of onions.  Something to think about. :-)

ENJOY YOUR WEEK-END!!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ELEPHANT AND A BLUEBERRY?

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

"Blue, Blue, My World is Blue!" is September's challenge for Some Texas Artists Like to Paint.  Blueberries came to mind.  And Blueberry Hill was playing while I painted.  I like to eat this beautiful little berry and they are so good for us!

And, the difference between an elephant and a blueberry?  They're both blue, except for the elephant!

HAVE A FANTASTIC COLOR FILLED WEEK-END!!

FACE No. 40

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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FACE No. 39

12x8 Oil on Panel

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This woman had such interesting hair and pose that I had to paint her.  She looked almost regal and proud to me.  Of course, it is a mug shot so hopefully I'm just reading proud into her appearance. 

On another note ....... as you know my beloved Texas is burning.  One of the worst fires is in Bastrop, Texas where Carol Marine, her husband David, and their 6 year old son, Jacob live.  Sadly, their house and Carol's studio was destroyed in the fire.  Thankfully all are safe! PLEASE click here to make a donation and help the Marines get back on their feet.  

Sending love, prayers, good energy and hugs to you, Carol, David and Jacob!

FACE No. 38

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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FACE No. 37

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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This was painted for this week's Daily Paintworks challenge.  And a challenge it is!!  Mary Douglas is having everyone paint in rectangles .... yikes!  Each brush stroke should be a different color.  It was tough, but I am pleased with how this turned out and believe me I learned a lot!  Thanks, Mary!

Wishing everyone a safe, fun and

creative holiday week-end!!
And for those of us who watch
college football ........


WAR EAGLE!!!

FACE No. 36

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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Celeste Bergin asked me if I felt sorry for the people I am painting. I've given this a lot of thought and it isn't an easy question to answer, especially with a simple yes or no. I don't know any of these people and I make an effort not to know for what crime they have been accused and their names. Some of the mug shots were taken at time of arrest and some after they have been convicted. So, for me this is an exercise in learning. However, having said that there are times when I feel a sadness, sometimes a profound sadness, sometimes less, but always complex. It's a feeling not only for the person, but for all the people this person has touched. When a crime has been committed from the less serious to the most horrible there are consequences that ripple far beyond this one person. For me, this is a complex issue and not an easy task to compress my thoughts into a few sentences. So, I would say that feeling sorry doesn't enter the picture as much as sadness. Thanks, Celeste! it's a thought provoking question.