"Dancers"

"Dancer in Purple"16x12 oil on board

 

I have been thinking about dancers lately, or I should say painting some dancers again.  I haven't painted that subject for a few years.  I started looking at some old images....2005 or 06, I believe.  These two paintings were painted sort of as book ends, and ended up being sold in different venues to different collectors....which is not a problem for me.  Maybe they were too similar to be sold as a pair, and in hind sight should have changed one or the other just a bit.  Anyway, they both sold and that was a good thing.  I apologize for the poor quality of the images.  I had a very poor excuse for a digital camera back when these were photographed.

 

                                                   "Dancer in Green", 16x12 oil on Board



 



It is always fun to revisit older paintings and see the progress, or change in the work.  I still like these two paintings, but I see a difference that pleases me as an artist.  I think the paintings still hold up, and although it might be subtle, I do see some change and difference, that hopefully translates into improvement....I certainly never intend to intentionally stay in the same place, or continue to do the same thing over and over again.

 

These paintings were painted on a surface that I rarely paint on any longer.  As I recall, the surface was a heavy illustration board sized with an acrylic gesso.  I now choose to paint primarily on oil primed linen or linen panels.  I do like to mix it up now and then....not get to comfortable.  Again, thanks for listening to my Cajun Ramblings.



"Addition small format paintings", 6x6 inch squares.

"Evening Low Tide", 6x6, oil on linen panel.

This little study is going to be painted as a larger piece.  I like that late afternoon, evening light.  This was later in the afternoon, and the light was disappearing very quickly.  I tried to paint as though I had that urgency to catch the fleeting light....which is what occurs on location.  If one does this outdoors on a regular enough basis, it can be simulated in the studio.

"What a View", 6x6 oil on linen panel.

This one is probably my favorite of this grouping.  It is small of course, but I particularly like the idea that when I look at these out of context, they look as though they could be larger paintings.  It is a goal of mine to try to achieve this spontaneous response more consistently in my larger work....not always a easy thing to do.

"Creek Side",6x6 oil on linen panel.

"The Gardener",6x6 oil on linen panel.

This is a little concept study I did a while back.  It was an idea for a garden painting that I eventually had a model come to the studio and tried to duplicate.  The model session produced some valuable reference and sketches for additional paintings.  It did paint a large garden painting from this idea.

"Solitude", 6x6 oil on linen panel.

This little study was done prior to last years Third on Canvas event in Naples Florida.  I used the sketch and reference to produce a painting on the street in Naples, that was later auctioned off for the fundraiser.

Some, if not all of these small pieces will end up in miniature shows, or given as gifts, etc.  As always, thanks for listening to my Cajun Ramblings.

"More small paintings, 6x6 format, Four step demo"

Step # 1

Step # 2

Step # 3

Final Step # 4

"Yet untitled", 6x6 oil on linen panel

This is a little 6x6 inch painting that I painted yesterday.  I have been doing all of these small paintings for different Holiday shows.  They are fun to do and quick.  The speed that this was completed is why there are only four steps.  I did this one and another one (the untitled horse painting below) yesterday.  I do like the square format very much.  I had a series of books back in my illustration days that was a square format....it has nice compositional possibilities.

"Yet Untitled Horse", 6x6 oil on linen panel

This little painting is also untitled.....so far, but I'm thinking it will have to be something to do with that flying, swooshing tail.  I will post a couple more in this format later.  Thanks for listening to my ramblings.

"Portrait Society of America Miami Weekend Academy"

Set up and waiting for the Friday Demo audience to arrive at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens.

 

This is the beginning of the two hour demo.

 

Quickly trying to paint and talk through the process.

 

The model, Laura, and I.  I wish I could have had more time.  Two hours, when one is answering questions and explaining the process goes by very quickly.  Too much talking I guess.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the demo, which makes it worthwhile.  I believe we had seventy five or eighty folks signed up for the lecture and Demo.  I met some really nice people who are very enthusiastic about art.....particularly portrait painting.

 

Two hour demo of Laura

 

This is the beautiful spot at Vizcaya Gardens where we set up for the second day, Saturday, one workshop.  David Chang, Kerry Vosler and myself rotated amongst the three groups....each having there own model.  One male model and two female models including the model who helped with the Friday demo.

 

Kerry Vosler offering her expertise to some of the workshop participants.

 

David Chang making an adjustment to one of the students portraits.
 

Here, I am assisting a very nice lady with placement and softness of the lips.....to best of my recollection.

The entire group from the Saturday workshop. 

The Faculty of three.  Left to right, me, Kerry, and David.

 

I would like to thank the Portrait Society of America for inviting me to be part of this weekend Academy in Miami.  It was a bunch of fun seeing Kerry again and meeting David and the staff of the portrait society, Tyler and Brent.  They did a bang up job organizing everything....all we had to do was show up.  A thanks to all the nice folks who signed up for the demo and workshop.  A big thanks to the Miami Arts & Entertainment Council and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.