Helena at Fourteen

"Helena at Fourteen," oil on panel, 14x11"

This may be the last portrait I'm able to complete before the holidays. It has been a fun month of doing portrait. Getting a likeness is a challenge -- plus the eternal challenge of making it look interesting from an artistic perspective. This is my gorgeous niece. I loved painting her golden skin tones - so different from my own kids' fish belly paleness!

Reluctant Model

"Reluctant Model," Oil on Panel, 20x16"

Given how cute the last portrait of my son was, I felt compelled to show a more representative image.  He's not always thrilled when I want him to model for me.

Stunner

"Stunner," Oil on Board, 8x8"

I had so many complaints from family members about the last portrait I did of my daughter that I thought I'd give it another go.  This is just a little study.  I worry that my brushwork is getting too tight - losing the movement and spontaneity of my earlier work.

Young Skeptic

"Young Skeptic," Oil on Board, 12x9"

The latest in my month of family portraits - my son, Teddy.  I may go back and tweak some of the colors, but I like the expression.  He insisted that I put in his braces.

Queen of Hearts

"Queen of Hearts," Oil on Board, 20x16"

Here's installment #2 in my month of family portraits.  I found this dress at Goodwill during the Halloween season and had to paint my daughter in it. I like how it feels like an old-style royal portrait, but the expression is all her own.

Not an Odalisque

"Not an Odalisque," Oil on Board, 24x36"

I've been spending longer and longer on each painting. I don't know if this is due to the new medium (oil) or the fact that I'm taking more time to represent the figures. On this one, I also spend a quite a bit of time playing with the patterns. And reworking the background 2-3 times...

I like that the pose is a (literal) twist on the classic odalisque theme. I was also playing with the idea of figure as landscape - which is why I chose to put a sky in the background. I like the contrast of interior and implied exterior space.

Neverland

"Neverland," Oil on Board, 18x24"

This is the first painting from a series of reference photos I shot w/Rebecca Wood.  I've drawn her before, but this is the the first time I've painted her.  I love her face - great bone structure.  I may go back and refine this one a bit (the danger of working in oils...) but it's pretty close to done. I had her pose with a big pile of daughters stuffed animals.  I love the variety of patterns.