Curl

"Curl," Acrylic on Board, 30x30"

It feels like I'm painting more slowly this year -- though perhaps it's just the cold.  The cold and my unheated studio definitely seem to be inspiring the use of cooler colors.  I'm also trying to limit the palette to achieve a more unified tone.  My series is supposed to have lots of different women, but I can't seem to stop painting Meghan.

At Bay

"At Bay," Acrylic on Board, 48x36"

It's the new year and I'm finally back in my studio - hooray!  This girl kept getting more and more blue as I worked not the painting.  I like the final effect - especially with the contrast of the maroon hair.  Looking at it small not eh screen, I see that it has a palette similar to my "Dreaming of Snow" piece.  Coincidence or just the way I feel in the colder weather?

Glamour Cage

"Glamour Cage," Acrylic on Board, 20x16"

Meghan looks so glamorous in this one, that I almost didn't use it.   I love however, the way her face is framed divided by the chain link.  I wanted to have a distinct contrast between the highly patterned elements (background, coat, hair), with the smooth, barely painted face.  Maybe inspired by Klimt?

Stripes

"Stripes," Acrylic on Panel, 14x11"

This is the same girl from Ballerina.  I love her look.  Has anyone else noticed how graphic my most recent pieces have been?  I'm not sure why I'm moving away from detailed backgrounds.  Maybe time to revisit?

Ballerina

"Ballerina," Acrylic on Panel, 16x12"

This is actually my second attempt at this painting.  I broke my own rule and didn't show the first on my blog.  This one is much closer to capturing the mood I wanted.  I've never before used such a stark black background and had no idea how hard it would be to photograph.  This one needs to be seen in person.

Houndstooth Distraction

"Houndstooth Distraction," Acrylic on Board, 40x30"

I felt compelled to add an empty window in the corner.  Don't know why.  

Aspens

"Aspens," Acrylic on Board, 48x48"

This is a commission that I completed earlier this week.  I'm very happy with the results.  It was a lot of fun to paint aspen trees - might have to do more!