More on Soccer Son

I continued to paint on my son's soccer portrait, but I can't say I'm happy with it.  These photos represent session 2 & 3.  I much prefer session 2.  I might sand some of it down because there are substantial ridges in the paint that are extremely bothersome.  I will also lighten the background as it is very dark and flat.  Too sharp edges on the horizon line.  Too much green.  Too muddy a face on the competetor.  So many problems and now I'm bored with the painting.  :-(

Yellow Rose - Practice Demo

I painted this rose as a practice in anticipation of my demo at my flower painting workshop at the Vienna Art Society.  I like the fact that the background is mostly unfinished with just the tone showing through.  I also like the simple set up.
After many practice paintings, I realize that I can't live without Liquin.  Liquin makes the paint so smooth and free of brush strokes.  It also allows the paint to mix so thoroughly that the color is extremely even.  You can make the paint opaque with very little pigment or transparent with almost no pigment.  And while it dries fast, its not as fast as alkyd gel.  Very versatile product

In any case, I used Liquin to paint the leaves of this rose and it allowed me to make the sharp jagged  edges of the leaves that are so distinctive of this flower.   I'm not sure I would have been able to get the detail without Liquin.  I also think the effect of the leaves if very different from the petals, which are thicker more scumbled. 

I have to praise the Virginia Florist-- a florist in Belle Haven Alexandria.  The owner gave me this rose and it lasted 2 1/2 weeks.  I didn't think it was possible for a rose to last that long.  It also made it to and from the Art League twice and to and from my office and home as well.  That was one excellent rose specimen and I must compliment the Virginia Florist shop for having such high quality flowers.

Painting of the Well House

I forgot to post my well house painting from this weekend's painting extravaganza at Jean Ann's house.  Now mind you I'm not a landscape painter.  I can never seem to get architecture in landscapes to look like they belong.  I better go study paintings by Richard Schmid - the master -- and try again.

Fabulous Afternoon of Painting

 I had a most glorious day yesterday thanks to my friend and fellow artist Jean Ann.  She invited a group of artist friends to her gorgeous home and property today.  When we arrived she had a fantastic spread of food, including very delicious prosciutto and brie sandwiches, fruit, hummus, luncheon meats etc.   The cake pops brought by friend Kathleen were excellent and worth the calories.  

Half of the group painted inside in her barn's kitchen (which has A/C) and the rest, including myself, painted outside.  There was so much to choose from, her unbelievable barn, pastures with horses grazing, the house, the gardens, so many places.  We all agreed that the quaintest building for painting,  however. was the well house.which must be original to the house and thus built in the 1700s.  There was a lovely breeze and shade to offset the scorching hot day, but we all wilted just the same. 

I'm still blown away by Jean Ann's barn.  It was so beautiful with hardwood floors and a kitchen, living room and exercise room that are more beautiful than most houses.  Below that floor are the stables, with a hot shower for the horses!!!!  I'm so lucky and honored that Jean Ann shared such beauty with us.  What a gracious host.  Everyone didn't want to leave--certainly I didn't--and can't wait for the next visit.