Oil Sketch of Liz

Go Here to Bid SOLD

Oil on canvas, 5.5" x 5.5"

I really enjoyed doing this quick oil sketch of Liz, a young woman who used to

model for me in my classes. It was done from a photograph, as is most of my work,

except my work done in class. This is mostly because my studio is about as big

as a small walk-in closet. But, my husband is about to build me a new studio in

the backyard, which will be 10' x 15'. I know that's not large, but after what I've

been working in for the past 17 years, it will seem like an ice skating rink - and,

there will actually be room for a LIVE model - at last!!. Also I'll have more room

to teach workshops at my home, which is something I really enjoy doing.

Thanks for visiting today.

Oil Sketch of a Mexican Girl in Polka Dot Scarf

Oil on Gessoed Hotpress WC Paper,
4" x 4 3/4" $60.00 go to eBay

Even though I absolutely love doing those pastel
drawings of classical images, it felt really good
getting back to oil painting today. It was slow
going at first - I feel kind of like the way a cat
or dog will circle around and around before they
find the right place to sit down. But I got some
much-needed encouraging words from a far-away
guardian angel that made a tremendous difference
in my day. I am very lucky.

I loved this image of this girl. While she is rather
melancholy in appearance, she has the most beautiful
eyes, and I loved the colors in her scarf. The polka dots
weren't there. I made them up, because I thought it would
liven up the composition, and counteract the pensive
look on her face.

When I was showing my work in New York, I was bascially
required to make the most detailed paintings I could. Now,
I don't really have anything against this (although it did
completely destroy the cartiledge in my right hand after five
years of day in and day out painting), but you can't do those
kinds of paintings in a day. So I have had to switch the way I
paint, and it has been a difficult journey for me.

It's funny, I have no trouble doing a twenty-minute gestural
painting of a figure model in class, but when I know I have
to publish it on a blog I think I get hung up about it. I need to
relax!!!! I love to paint. What's the worry?!?

Anyway, this is my offering for today.
Thanks for visiting. I am going to be painting
for the entire month of June, just oils - I've made
that commitment to myself....well. I may do an
acrylic underpainting.... or an occasional
pastel drawing......