Oil Sketch

This post is about a week overdo. I did this painting in one sitting and without much planning. I see some aspects of the painting that I am tempted to change/fix, but I don’t want to risk losing the spontaneous quality.

Self Portrait with Easel

In this painting I have been practicing the techniques Richard Schmid describes in his book “Alla Prima.” I was primarily focusing on edges and tone. It’s certainly something I need to work on.

My New Studio

I feel so lucky to have such a pretty, new studio to work in, and yet I haven’t been able to bring myself to start using it. I am going to replace my rickety French easel with a new studio easel that is arriving tomorrow. I don’t think I will be able to keep myself away from the studio after that.

Portrait of Veronica – alla prima

Yesterday my daughter was so enthusiastic about a new book she was reading, “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry that she started reading a chapter aloud to me. It occurred to me (by chapter 3) that this was a great time to paint her! Tonight I finished my second session painting her and she just finished reading chapter 7. Her head moves from side to side a little, but hopefully I’ll correct some of the drawing at the next sitting. We still have eight chapters to go — then I hope she will get hooked on another book! It’s great painting a model from life. I haven’t had practice doing that in ages.

Pomegranate & Onions

Frayed Books

Crystal Decanter

The top of the bottle is proving to be a challenge; although, I think I’m making progress. I’m trying not to work on this part of the painting too much, but inevitably some changes are going to be made.

Realization

Exploring the Basement

The Butter Thief