Portrait of a Relationship

This is the narrative portrait that I finished recently. It was commissioned by a woman for the man she was about to marry, as a wedding gift. It was presented to him on the nineteenth and they were married on the 26th! It was a great project because the client completely understood the concept of a narrative portrait and had so many ideas to bring to the painting. The picture tells the story of their first "meaningful" date as well as the story of the proposal. Elements in the painting tell of her interests and his interests and how they are bringing those things and melding them into their relationship. Their dog, who is a big part of the picture (real and metaphorically) is the narrator of the painting and makes eye contact with the viewer. The client didn't want to be very "big" in the painting but rather wanted to be secondary to the story the painting is telling. Thus they are the couple standing in the middle distance, on the bank of the Chesapeake. Other elements of the painting emphasize the concept of a twosome- two sailboats, two trees, two towers on the bridge, etc. Here are four images from the first thumbnail studies, to the composition on graph paper, to the grisaille with partial imprimatura, and the finished painting below. It is oil on panel, 24" x 36".

Children's Book Conference Notes

I attended the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators this weekend. It was fantastic and very inspiring. I knew when I went that I would either decide to give up writing and illustrating children's books or I would be completely absorbed in the whole process again. Well the latter is what happened. The speakers at the conference were great. I really enjoyed Jules Feiffer, illustrator of The Phantom Tollbooth. His drawings are absolutely amazing....oh the line!! I also loved the stories that Lois Lowry told about the inspiration for her books. I still feel like my ideas and goals for my books are way left of center, and definitely not mass market, but I will keep going anyway. I am also fascinated by the idea of designing children books apps and I intend to figure out a way to do that with Mr. Hubbard's Heart. Above is a sketch and a finished image for "Crazy Canes" by JH Diehl.

Looking Out Andy's Way

Looking Out, Andy's Way oil on panel 18" x 24"
This is another painting inspired by Block Island and the human- dog relationship. In this painting, three boys and two dogs make up a pack, sitting by the water towards the end of the day, just watching the tide come in.

Clamming at Andy's Way

I am currently working on a group of paintings inspired by Block Island, which is one of my favorite places on earth. Andy's Way is a beach on the sound side of the island where people go clamming at low tide. This painting is oil on panel 24' x 36". I am interested in looking at how a single or small group of figures relates to the landscape and in most of these paintings I am also focusing on the canine and human relationship-a favorite subject of mine.

Precious Biggs

This is a little painting of a big dog, in life and in spirit- Miss Precious Biggs of Naples, Florida. The painting is oil on panel, 8" x 10".

Portrait of Marielle and Dolly

This is a portrait of a young girl and her Australian Shepherd. The girl's mother requested that I paint her daughter reading the books that she loves, with her constant companion, Dolly. Dolly likes to lie right on top of Marielle while she reads. It was a little tricky getting the pose because they are both sort of whirling dervishes. I finally did a drawing in which Dolly is more or less draped over Marielle's legs, looking out at the viewer. Marielle is looking up but her expression portrays that she is still completely absorbed in the world of the book she is reading- Charlotte's Web of course! Other books by her feet on the sofa are Narnia, The Hobbit, Harry Potter and the Wind in the Willows. And one of her favorite fairies is just outside the window. The painting is oil on panel 20" x 24".

Carmen Mural Installed

The Carmen Opera Mural was installed in its permanent home this week. I went to do the touch up work. It needed very little as Stefan, the installer, had done a fantastic job. The mural was adhered to the wall, then Stefan cut around the elevator door with a very sharp knife. Needless to say, I chose not to be there to witness that event! The lines where the door opens in the mural are nearly invisible. The room is painted a deep yellow ochre which is beautiful juxtaposed against the mural. And I love the little yellow chair that sits nearby. I can imagine Carmen jumping down from the table where she is dancing and flopping down in that chair to take a rest.