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.