Study: Seated Figure (16" x 20" Oil)

In my weekly oil painting class, we're encouraged to paint just the head. But today, I decided to paint the full pose. Instructor Ismael Checo warned me that 2 hours wasn't enough time ... but artists like Terry Miura (figurative work here ) paint the figure alla prima, so I went for it.

Turns out, that takes much more experience!

"Free Wifi": (9" x 12" Pastel)

This guy was waiting for a train the Graham Avenue subway station (the L subway line), in Brooklyn, NY.  Not so fond of the color palette, and clearly the hands and feet need work. Even though I'm not so happy with this one, it's all in the name of practice:)

In order to get better, it's essential to paint more frequently. These smaller studies can be done in 2-3 hours, so there's really no excuse!

"Monday Morning Hustle": (Pastel, 9" x 12")

After my recent frustration with oils, doing a quick small study using pastels -- where all of the colors are right there in front of you -- was lots of fun.  

My New Goal: Learning to Paint in Oils

I'm in the third week of a new portrait painting class, to learn oil painting. This has long been a goal of mine.

In weeks 1-2, instructor Ismael Checo had me use only 2 colors (burnt siena and ultramarine), plus white. Today, I got the OK to put out more color . Yikes! The model ended up looking like he has a bad sunburn:)

Figuring out proportions, mixing colors and using the brush is a huge challenge. Mega respect for artists who can paint in oils. Anyway, we'll see how it goes next time!

"Storm Coming" (Pastel, 12" x 16" )

This beach scene, with it's dark and dramatic sky, was a challenge. I actually painted it twice. Still not happy with it.

The first attempt didn't work, so I scraped it down and tried again. The second attempt wasn't much better. I may never frame it or hang this painting, but at least I didn't give up!

"Into the Woods" (Spring Landscape, Pastel on Sanded Paper)

After painting a few figures, I decided to work on a simple landscape. I cropped it digitally, since the original 18" x 24" landscape wasn't successful. That's the advantage of working on paper!

See below, to see another cropped image, and the original painting.

"Hold On Tight!" (12" x 12" Pastel): Westhampton Beach NY)

Working on this beach scene reminded me how much I love painting figures in the landscape. But photo references can be misleading. I guess that's why some artists paint en plein air. In real life, there's much more nuance.

About the scene: my friend Jill and grandson Max at the water's edge, on Westhampton beach, in the aftermath of a big storm. The waves were rough that day -- hold on tight, Max!

PS - My friend loves her new painting, which is the best feeling of all:)

Drawing From a Model

An unexpected opportunity to draw from life came my way.  

A wonderful artist -- Melanie Reim -- invited a group to draw from live models in her studio. Check out Melanie's work at http://sketchbookseduction.blogspot.com/  Her work is beautiful ... so full of life and energy. 

Some drawings were more successful than others. Hope to try this again soon!

"Walking the Dogs" - Brooklyn, NY (9" x 12" Pastel)

A quick sketch of a Brooklyn street. Downtown Williamsburg has certainly changed in 60 years, when my father-in-law had his store there. Brooklyn hipsters weren't a thing back then:)   

About the painting: I worked quickly, got the mood down, and Rae stopped me from overworking things. That's the value of a great teacher. Master pastelist Rae Smith makes a few precise suggestions, and stops me from going to far.  I'm so lucky to be in her class.

Happy with the looseness of it! Done:)

The "L Train" (15" x 18" Pastel)

Recently, I've been traveling by subway to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. That's the home of my daughter's accessory business, BOND Hardware.

Traveling by train, you can't beat the people-watching! You always see some interesting folks.

I always wonder if it's kosher to take pictures of people without their permission, to use as a subject. I do that all the time ... thoughts?

"Sam", the Rescue Dog: Pastel on Sanded Paper

Samantha is a 6 year old cocker spaniel/golden retriever mix we rescued a year ago. We have no idea what she was doing in a South Carolina shelter, but we got very lucky. She's incredibly sweet.

Anyway, Sam's portrait was today's project. I go to class each week with a very limited set, and it results in some odd color choices. And while she isn't this purple(!), I captured her essence and I'm happy with the result.

PS - If you know someone who'd love a pet portrait, I love doing them. Feel free to get in touch!

"Tempus Fugit (Scott)" - 18" x 24" Pastel Portrail

The last time I painted my son Scott, he was a lot younger. No mustache, with a dimpled smile that lit up a room.  Happily, he let me take his picture yesterday, and it became today's painting.

"Orange Flower": (20" x 24" Pastel)

She's back ...

After 8 years, 1 month and 5 days (and over 200 B2B business blog posts, but that's another story), I returned to the easel.  And to my great good fortune, master pastellist Rae Smith is still teaching at the Katonah Art Center.

I'm rusty, but art is a bit like riding a bike. You feel a bit wobbly, but the pleasure is just the same.