Samantha's Teething Face

This was a new experiment--on watercolor paper, I painted a wash of coffee (several layers), and then did the drawing in graphite. I love the feel of it! It gives a lot of texture & character to the drawing. 

A new chicken

I spent last weekend at a painting workshop & started this piece there. I learned so much, I feel like it will take months to incorporate all the tips and info into my painting! I have 6 pages of notes.
Here's the finished piece, and since this is the third chicken painting I think I can officially call it a series now. I definitely intend to do more.

Portrait Show Opening

I had such a nice time this weekend with my mom & aunt, who drove 2 hours to see me at the "Portraits" show opening at Studio 659 in Whiting, IN. I have 2 pieces in the show, which will be up for the month of March. It was very well attended, & we had a celebratory dinner at Chic-Fil-A afterward! 

 

new portrait in progress

WIP, Mother and child

Hazel, finished!

I put the final touches on her today. I'm very happy with this one, and excited to show it! "Hazel Is Always Twirling" Oil on Canvas, 20 x 24.

Hazel Dancing

I started renting a small area in a studio this month. I go there most mornings. I have been amazed at how quickly the time goes; today I was there for 3 1/2 hours, and really could have stayed all day. Will I ever be able to reach my dream of working full time as an artist? I feel that I am making progress, and getting more proficient with each painting. I'm hoping that I'll sell enough this year to cover the cost of the studio rental at least. I'm looking for commissions for portraits.

Here is where I stopped for today.

New WIP, looser style

I've been wanting the try a looser, more painterly style for awhile, and this portrait just seemed right for it. I have some extra time right now so am trying to get a lot of painting done while I wait for some actual paying work to come in! I'm really enjoying this one; to be honest I didn't know I could paint like this.