4/24/2009

Isla Morada Hybiscus



Oil on Canvas laid down on board, 7.5" x 9 3/4"

I did this from a photograph outside of the Casa Thorn, 
a  wonderful B&B we stayed at in Isla Morada in the Florida Keys. 
 The whole
place seemed enchanted, from the wonderful woman
after whom it was named, to the myriad of fascinating
objects with which she had decorated it - all things she
had collected during her incredible 91 years. Everywhere
you turned there was something beautiful to see: Moroccan
screens, carved ivory netsukes of sensitive nudes, unique
paintings from the 1940's,  photographs of her friends - who 
just happened to be Frank Sinatra and his ilk - and plants
everywhere inside and out.  Giant palm trees, flowering
plants, with Cambodian granite heads peeking out from
behind.

 I've been thinking of painting this since last
August, and I finally did. I'm really happy this evening.

4/23/2009

Lesli Pensive



Oil over Grisaille on board

This is a portrait of a young woman who has modelled often
for my classes. She is incredibly talented in her own right,
being an actress with an incredible voice, and also, obviously
very beautiful. The color of her hair is what inspired me to do
thi s painting.


Figure in a Blue Light



Oil paint over black and white grisaille.

This is a painting of my favorite all-time model,
Sharon. She never fails to inspire. I love this image
so much, I actually did another version of it in another
color scheme. That may seems strange - until you look
at Degas. Not that I am comparing myself  to that
19th C. Master, who is one of my idols.  But, he did
literally recycle poses and positions of models from
one painting or drawing to another. It's fascinating.
He was the most modern painter of his group, no doubt.
History will show this to be true as time goes on.

Thanks for visiting today.