"Pat"

I have known Pat for about a year, but it seems like we're old friends.   As her face emerged from the blank linen canvas, I could hear her voice from conversations we have had...words punctuated with a chuckle here and there...

When I photograph my subjects, I engage them in conversation to evoke an expression that reveals the spirit of the person.  Usually, I prompt them to think of something that makes them happy, or warms their hearts.  Pat thoughtfully voiced a short list aloud (as she is want to do when looking for a solution), until her face lit up with the look you see here.  

It was a blast to put the light next to the dark that created the dimples that so define Pat's face!

"Laura"

The latest of my Daily Faces.  I actually painted this entirely today... as if that really matters.

Again, I am struck by the beauty of another person's face.  I didn't realize until our photo session that Laura has blue eyes, or that her eyes are so big...really great eyes.  She never stopped talking as I photographed her, and laughing. What a creative, generous and joyful person! 

Clay

10x8 in. Oil on Linen Panel

SOLD

Obviously, I am not completing Daily Faces in a day.  So, I was grateful to Carol Marine, when I read in her new book, DAILY PAINTING, that she doesn't paint every day, AND that many artists prefer to paint larger than 6x6" for their "daily painting", and that's ok.  Whew!  Great book, by the way.

I am very excited to be painting faces and putting light in my subjects' eyes.  I do strive to paint the personality of my subjects.  This is my nephew, Clay.  He is an outstanding teenager, gifted with talent, good looks, and great character.  The latter is the most important.  The rest is a bonus...just look at that hair!

I'm not sure how long I will be able to sustain these "Daily Faces", as I have several commissioned portraits to complete.  A nice dilemma!

"Chicken Hat"

16x20 in.  Oil on Linen

SOLD

I'm sure there is a perfect title for this painting, but for now "Chicken Hat" seems to be appropriate. Anna goes to her grandparents' farm every Easter for their annual chicken fry. Here she is, sporting said chicken hat, with her grandfather, who is as good a man as you will ever know. I can hear his laugh every time I see the photo I used as a reference for this painting. And I heard it as his face evolved on the canvas. Anna's smile makes me happy, too. 

Portrait artists don't often paint teeth, but this painting would not work without these smiles!