Another Portrait of the Preacher in the Farming Outfit

I am calling this one "Friend of God" and I don't think I'll sell it. It's life size, 16" x 20" and looks exactly like him, although I would be hard pressed to explain how I did that in 2 hours. Maybe it helped to have painted him once the first time. This is a different angle and I have included the pitchfork this time,. he looks as if he is ready to fight off some evil-doers! What I like best is the textured mustache. Gives it that 3D quality I am always trying to achieve in my alla prima work. It is 16" x 20" oil on canvas-- I have to glue to a board because I used a loose piece of canvas.

Just Back from Texas

I returned from visiting my son in San Antonio early this week. It was a great trip- I met his girlfriend, Natalie and we went to a couple great Mexican restaurants and to the Stock Show and Rodeo, a huge event that attracts lots of stars and performers. I was lucky enough to see Alan Jackson's show! I completed a few paintings after I got home.

This is a larger version of James, a kid who posed for our portrait group in Toledo last year. I was going for a "Lost Soul" look. The lady is another model from 2007 I think, whose photo and sketch I kept on hand for reference until I had a chance to paint. I think it's interesting to note the way you can change your palette and how it affects the whole feel of the piece. Somber verses bright and sunny. Of course a lot of it has to do with intent and lighting but most of it is up to the artist. Color is individual, but value must be correct. The images would lose something if we made them black and white but I hope I've gotten enough of the subjects' personalities that they woudl still be interesting.

11 x 14 painting of The Vegetable Seller 2

Here is an image of the completed painting, "Mandalay Merchant".

Large self-portrait

Here is a recent paint-over, meaning I recycled the canvas. It's me, of course, in my studio. I have a buyer for it already or I would be tempted to complete it some more. It is just under life size.

I have reworked a few areas of this painting

I m happier with the background and her skin tones are a bit richer now. And I added a bubble of course.