FACE No. 91

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

For purchase information click HERE.

My postings have become far and few between.  My husband and I are in the middle of moving.  We just sold our house and are building a house, so for the next few months I will continue to paint, but will post when I can.  

When I began painting mug shots I had no idea how far I would go with it.  I am a little surprised that I am on 91 and still enjoying the series.  Of course, I will make it to 100 and then, who knows.  There are so many interesting faces and I learn with each one so I suspect the series will continue.

TWO AFRICAN VIOLETS

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

For purchase information click HERE.

6x6 on Ampersand Gessobord
For purchase information click HERE.

Obviously, I painted two paintings of the same subject.  One is 4x4 and one is 6x6 .... why?  Just did.  :-)

FACE No. 90

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

For purchase information click HERE.

This is another vintage mugshot.  I really struggled with this one.  Painting from a black and white photograph taken decades and decades ago is not an easy task.  However, when I saw her glasses I had to paint her.  She had a scarf wrapped around her neck that I painted and then wiped it out.  I'm afraid it did me in.  I'm pleased with how she turned out with those iconic glasses.

FACE NO. 89

8x8 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

For purchase information click HERE.

This young woman was arrested in March of 1928.  I found it interesting that most of the mugshots of this era included three photos, a profile, a straight on, and a full body portrait.  Some of the people in these mugshots had some interesting clothing and poses.  Some of the clothing were very dapper, especially with the men.  To view other painted vintage mugshots take a look at Kathleen Coy's blog.

FACE OF A WOMAN

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

For purchase information click HERE.

This is a portrait taken from a photograph found on Morgue File which is a site loaded with fantastic free photos.  If you are in need of some inspiration this is a good place to explore.

PAPER BAG

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

For purchase information click HERE.

It is always enjoyable for me to paint a simple object.  When the painting begins it is obvious that it is not as simple as it seems and as the painting progresses the beauty and interesting qualities of the object become clear.  As the light hits this paper bag the simplicity becomes complex with its creases, folds, and shadows.  As an artist I appreciate the fact that we observe closely and enjoy seeing all the small variations that makes each object unique.

PAKISTAN MAN

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

Click HERE for purchase information.

The inspiration for this portrait came from a photograph taken and generously shared by Steve Evans.  To see more of his work, which I recommend, click HERE. 

SCISSORS

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

For purchase information click HERE.

LUCY

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

This is Lucy.  She is a beautiful rescue dog and belongs to my niece, Jennifer.  Next week is Jennifer's birthday and I thought she might like to have a painting of her sweet Lucy.  Shhhhh - don't tell.

It's Friday!  Have a fantastic weekend!

Thinking of all of you in the coming blizzard.

Stay safe!

Stay warm!

NEW HOUSE

My postings for the next few months are going to be sporadic as we have just begun the process of building a house.  It's exciting and a LOT of work.  This is the 3rd house we've built so it is not a new undertaking for us.  One of the exciting parts is I will have a new studio - a real one!  As of a couple of days ago I have begun the task (and believe me it is a BIG one!) of thoroughly cleaning my present studio.  Of course, I will continue to work in it as long as I can, but drawings, etc that are on the walls need to be removed and everything needs to be neat.  It's a good thing, but it's just going to be difficult to keep it as spotless as possible.  In the meantime, I am going to research studios (not that I will have everything I want, but I can dream) and if you have any suggestions on what works for you, please let me know.  I would love to hear from you!

30/30 CHALLENGE COLLAGE

To see more collages click HERE for Leslie Saeta's Slices of Life blog.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK-END!!!

DONE and THREE YEAR BLOG ANNIVERSARY

6x6 Oil on Gessobord

For purchase information click HERE.

Day 30 and done!  Wow!  Thirty paintings in 30 days completed.  It's been a good journey and I've gained knowledge about myself and using a very limited palette.   Thank you, Leslie Saeta, for a fun challenge!  I think Crystal Cook expressed my thoughts perfectly about this challenge and I have put her link at the end of my post.  Please take a minute and read it.  And to see the work that over 200 artists did in the challenge, click the link to Leslie's blog.
Today is my three year "blogaversary!"  Holy cow!!  I've met some fantastic artists through the blogosphere.  I've experienced inspiration and encouragement beyond what I could ever expect and I have to say THANK YOU!!  Every comment and email has meant so very much to me.  And meeting some of you in person .... wow!  It has just been an experience that has added so much to this art journey on which I am traveling.  So, again, I have to express gratitude to you, my friends, THANK YOU!!!

Crystal Cook
Leslie Saeta

POMEGRANATE ON BLUE FABRIC

6x6 Oil on Gessobord

For purchase information click HERE.
Day 29 of the 30/30 challenge.  I can't believe there is only one more day of the challenge.  I have learned quite a bit about the commitment to posting once a day and I have to admit that at this point it is something that I will not continue.  I have learned, also, that a very limited palette is not my cup of tea.  However, I can see how it would be a real plus when painting plein air.  Through this challenge I have met some wonderful artists of which I was unaware .... icing on the cake!

SLICES 3

6x6 Oil on Gessobord

Day 28 of the 30/30 challenge.  This will be the last of the orange slices for the time being. They have been fun to paint and good to eat! 

SLICES and SLICES 2

6x6 Oil on Gessobord

Day 27 of the 30/30 challenge.  I worked a little looser on these orange slices today.  It was fun!

6x6 Oil on Gessobord
This is my make-up painting for Day 19.  More orange slices.