WIP - Final Portrait Series

Portrait

12 x 14"

colored pencil on Bristol vellum

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Finally finished with this one. I never keep track of the hours I've invested in a drawing (tried but am terribly poor at keeping count), but I know this one has taken a long time. I've enjoyed every minute of it, though.

I have another commission on my table right now (actually a series of 3) which I hope to show you soon but can't until delivery as they're a gift.

If you are a colored pencil artist, you should know that the CPSA has released the prospectus and exhibition information for the 17th annual Internationl Exhibition in Atlanta next year. The deadline is March 31, 2009. Check out their website here. Remember, you have nothing to lose if you submit an entry into the show, but won't win anything if you don't.

Portrait WIP - 2nd Round

colored pencil

12 x 14"

Here's my second post of the current portrait commission I have on the drawing board.

This is one of those pieces which is labor intensive, but one of my favorites to do. She is an exceptionally lovely young woman and it's a pleasure to honor her (and her parents) with this portrait.

It's always a huge responsibility and an honor when someone hires you to do a portrait of their child.

New WIP - Commissioned Portrait

Thought I'd share a progression of a current commissioned portrait on my table. I started this before the cruise and am now working hard to finish up.

The young woman is the daughter of a high school friend of mine; she has hired me to do portraits of her children at their graduation from high school. (Appropriate, no?) This is her youngest child and, alas, I'll just have to wait until she has grandchildren for the next round.

I am working this on Strathmore Bristol Vellum in colored pencil. It measures12 x 14".

Anchors Aweigh

Today I can show you my work from yesterday. This is a small 5 x 7" portrait of my friend and fellow artist, Phil. It was done on Amerpersand pastel board with colored pencil and solvent.

Phil and I have worked together every Friday at our co-op gallery for about two years now and have become very good friends. He is leaving to start another new adventure and, knowing Phil, I'm sure it'll be quite a ride! This is my gift to him.

I'll miss working with you Phil.

Phase 5 - Teddy and Me

One of my reasons for starting and maintianing a blog is that I thoroughly enjoy looking at other artists' blogs. I have listed some I check regularly and will continue adding my favorites. Be sure to check them out; they're wonderfully motivating, interesting, educating and many times funny.
Here's a new one I have added to the list. Duane Keiser is one of the pioneers of "daily painting" and has been blogging his work since 2004. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10:15 a.m., he paints a small painting live via webcam. What fun! Be sure to check it out.

http://duanekeiser.blogspot.com

Phase 4 - Teddy and Me

The reference photos I am using for the work are of my youngest son, who, as I told you in a previous post, is much older now (about 2 years). But I've been thinking about this while working on the drawing and looking at his face; he has changed a lot. He recently had another birthday and suddenly, he is not a little boy anymore, but a big boy. I'm not sure exactly what that means, other than he is more aware of his world, his limbs are longer, he is learning so quickly, and he seems to need me less.
I have been a mother for almost 30 years now and it seems I have always taken care of a little person. I'm beginning to see that that phase of my life is winding down which causes me some sadness but also a mixture of excitment and curiousity about what's up next for me.
I'm sure there's much in store for me to become and do, but none of it will be as challenging, fulfilling, heartbreaking or as rewarding as raising a child. What a ride!

Phase 3 - Teddy and Me

Last night I spent several hours in my studio working on "Teddy and Me" and sort of watching/listening to "24".

Is it me, or does that show tend to follow the same outline every year? Also, I personally would not want a role in a TV show where I had to wear the same clothes all season long! I mean, what fun is that? Do they even need a wardrobe department?

All in all, it's still one of my guilty pleasures.