Ohio State Murals

Last week I painted a couple murals, one of Woody Hayes, another of Ezekiel Elliott, in a 'man cave' for a client in Michigan. Yeah- he was born in Ohio, but he still lives in Michigan, and loves his Buckeyes apparently.

These are acrylic paint and measure about 52" x 42".

Woody in Watercolor

The original is being donated to a benefit sponsoring an event that will raise funds for cancer research in memory of a man who worked with my husband.

In Progress-- Troy Smith

I was wondering if I would have trouble with Troy's skin. I've never painted black skin before-- although this week's model at open studio is supposed to be --coincidentally-- a black athlete. I used the same procedure I use when I mix all my skin tones: I ask myself what color I am really seeing- if it's green I use it. If it's a violet I throw I paint what I see. Painting is like the ultimate puzzle. It's all a series of shapes interlocked together and it's up to the painter to figure out what size and value the shapes really are.
The background for this painting is just wild and I'm having a good time painting it. I'm almost finished with Troy. I want to list this one Thursday while the Woody Hayes auction is still running so I need to finish it tomorrow.

Woody Hayes 11 x 14 Oil on Canvas

I knew I was going to do a portrait of this icon sometime this month after all the questions I got following the last OSU football player (A.J. Hawk) I auctioned off on eBay. I was very happy with the way this turned out and I am pretty sure I can sell some prints to some die-hard Woody fans. I just love this guy's face- I think I'm going to paint another one.
The really awesome thing about this painting is the light on his glasses and the way it glances off his cheek. What a fun piece to paint and I think it shows when I have this much fun.

A.J. Hawk Ohio State Football Player

This is the first in a series of college football players I am painting. They will all be 16 x 20 originals and all done in oil. There will be 8-10 in this series - all with starting bids of $99.99. Prints of this size are $50 so original oils at this price will be quite a bargain. I am not using copyrighted photos. I am placing the player in a composition I create.

OSU Football Painting

This is somethng new for me. My husband, the Ohio State fan, suggested a painting featuring his favorite team against their arch rival. What a coincidence that they play this weekend in the classic match-up. Let's hope those OSU students behave themselves and don't make us look like weanies again; win or lose. There is no reason to tip cars over and set them on fire. Maybe those farm boys miss the cows?
I have an hour of painting time in this but two hours of research.