Rollerskates

more roller skates-
I can't wait to post pictures of the show on Friday.
thanks to everyone who came and supported me :)

The Recital

Waiting to go onto stage...this still needs some finishing touches before I show it... Any suggestions?
16 x 20, oil

Ocean

This was inspired by our trip last year to Aruba. I can't say enough about a how wonderful a place it is to visit. Although the island is commercialized, it maintains its beauty and integrity somehow. It is also great for children!
18 x 24, oil

Skaters 1978 to 2008 #2

this is my 2nd painting inspired by my afternoon at the roller rink.

Skaters 1978 to 2008

One of my finished skating paintings. My daughter loves to roller skate and I really dread taking her and sitting there for hours... But now, maybe finding inspiration for additional paintings will make it worth the trip!

oil on canvas, 18 x 24

Skate studies

More skate studies...it really reminds me of 1980 when I was roller skating with my friends...and the skating rink doesn't look any different either!

Roller skate ATC

Want to trade?
This is an ATC that I did as a study for some roller skating themed oil paintings I'm working on.
I will be at Barnes and Noble as the guest artist for 3rd Friday on March 21st with all of the new stuff.
2.5 x 3.5 colored pencil and marker

Multiple

Multiple - A sketch for Illustration Friday

Theory: Fallen Cherry Blossom

The fallen cherry blossom is not taken lightly in Japanese theory and is often connected to the beauty of snow...
2.5 x 3.5, colored pencil

Choose

This week's "choose" reminds me of the Hebrew word "timshel" meaning "thou mayest" from Steinbeck's East of Eden. We all have choices to make every day and no matter who we are, we all have the right to choose between good and evil, right and wrong, for ourselves everyday. In a strange way, this idea is quite empowering. Now that I look at it, my choice of three doors is quite random....I'm sure that I would change it in a 2nd go around.

Blanket

This is the latest post for Illustration Friday. The topic this week is blanket and a blanket of snow and ice is all I can see today.

A Fairy's Clothesline

This is my IF post for Tales and Legends....a fairy's clothesline...

Plain

What could be more plain than vanilla?

Stitch

Without a stitch of clothing...
No matter how young or old, it can prove difficult to choose what fabulous outfit to wear...

This was supposed to be my first post for Illustration Friday...but waited until the last minute, and between Ava and her snow angels and Lucky and his attack on the nice man who delievered badly needed oil to my fuel tanks, I missed the deadline.

Wedding Cake Topper

art: So, this is a (not so good) image of a drawing of Zane's wedding cake topper. I love it. I wish I would have thought of it. I don't know Zane and his bride, but I would love to meet them someday!
I was at a wedding recently with another great topper...I think I'll do a drawing of that one as well as soon as I get some time.

architecture: Judge's benches...a category of their own. Although technically not architecture, I am loving it. We'll see if we actually get to design something!

Photos of Girls

Photographs are not my strong point, but these aren't so bad. They'll make good portraits someday, don't you think?

C.N.

I felt obligated to post again since I was referring friends to my blog.
This is a portrait I did for my friend's daughter's 1st birthday invitations.

I Love Duane's Couch 2

art: I wanted to paint Duane again with a different take on the pattern. I wouldn't mind taking on a 3rd version...we'll see. I'm currently working on a graphite version. I love to do things multiple times. I feel like one time just gets you started. To really study a subject, you have to rule out all options, right? That sounds like an "architectural" approach to a problem, doesn't it?

architecture: I opened a set of old drawings from 2004 which was an addition to a Cape Cod style house similar to the project I am beginning. It was inspiring. The couple I was working with at the time had design backgrounds which makes them much easier to work for! I haven't seen that finished, but I am going to. I'll post before and afters.

I Love Duane's Couch

art: Isn't Duane cute? I am supposed to be doing a graphite version, but I was so inspired by this puppy and his hip sofa that I can't stop painting him! (Lucky may be getting a bit jealous...)

architecture: I have a meeting with another contractor tomorrow to draw an addition to his house. Why since I've moved to NEPA have I only been hired by contractors? Does that mean they're smarter than the rest? Cheaper? Trying to take the easy way out, definitely. I hate working this way, but how can you say no when you need money and live in this market? Do I have to state that this market doesn't exactly appreciate good design. This guy said to me, "I don't want you to spend a lot of time on it." (What does that mean?) And I replied, "Believe me, neither do I."

With Stripes 3

art: working on portraits...

This was created from a compilation of photographs. It was a challenge to capture the spirit of all of the children without having met them. It's funny how much we actually rely on our experience with someone or our idea of them to influence what we physically see. All teenage girls should realize that as much as I do right now!

architecture: working on tenants...

The development end is no easier than the design end...except there's more free food.

Update

Just a little update:

art: I have been very busy and have not, unfortuneately been creating daily paintings. I have a couple of shows coming up in the spring. I have to finish some pieces and frame them. I also have a few commissioned projects that I have been working on. Needless to say, they are taking much longer than expected!

architecture: This week I got all of my paperwork completed for my IDP. That means I can take the test. When, I don't know, but I am excited about it. I am finding that developing this building is stressful. It is still the same situation: sit and do nothing, then "we need it tomorrow." If anyone has tips on how to get around that, let me know! And please don't mention the phrase "time management."

Locks of Love

She cut 12" off to donate to Locks of Love. Yeah Izzy!

N & J with Plant

11 x 14, graphite with colored pencil

I had this idea to incorporate the plant. With the watercolor composition, it felt like the plant was too spiky for the softness of the medium.

art: I am working on a composite portrait with 5 children. They will be done in graphite and colored pencil, but I am at a loss for the theme of the background. I need to think about ways to experiment with the background once I have the graphite complete.

architecture: Coordinating development and interior design is new to me. It feels a little like we are winging it, but it isn't rocket science! It might become more difficult when we give the interiors people our bloody sheets of mark-ups...

Running Megan

11 x 14, watercolor

Funny Beach Baby

5 x 7, watercolor

I know that I have been a very bad blogger...I will have to get back to my daily paintings.

This sketch is of J at the beach....it isn't quite finished, but it might be better off that way. It is so difficult to capture quirky expressions and make it looke intentional. Hopefully there will be a better rendition in the future.