I did this a few months ago when I was frustrated with the lack of sitters to paint. I was not painting at all, so I decided to paint for the sake of painting. Two things resulted from it. This painting, and an end to an artistic drought. Sometimes you have to just keep swimming. Thanks Dorie.

"Linda"

I am continuing to attend life painting. This is from Saturday's sitting. I had a little bit of a rough start; I spilled my cup of coffee in the parking lot, was late to set up, picked a spot and when my back was turned a professor had moved me, and it was really crowded. After I took a few deep breaths to calm down, I was able to pull myself together and I feel like I got into a good rhythm.

Anna

Study of Anna. 8"x10". Oil on canvas.

Self Portrait II

This is from an earlier post, it is a much better picture. Thanks Skip.

I have been a little frustrated with working from pictures so often. It is no comparison to working from life. However, I have had a difficult time finding people with extra time on their hands to sit still for a couple hours. (I find it amusing considering how much time people sit around watching the Tele. or playing video games.) Anyhow, I decided to paint the one person who is always available when I am. This is still in progress.

"Earnie"

"Ernie". Oil on canvas. 18"x24". I have begun attending a life painting session on Saturdays. I really enjoy it and it is a great exercise in color mixing. This was my first attempt. It was two 3 hour sessions, including the breaks it was more like 5 hours that I spent on this. Over all I am happy with the results, it is the first time I have ever painted from life under North light. It was challenging, and I learned a great deal. I am looking forward to the next session on Feb. 14th. In the mean time, I am working on a 3'x4' commissioned portrait. More on that later.

An experiment.

I did a little experiment with this. I have been playing with drawing techniques that would be more painterly in it's expression. This is the result.

Life Drawing

Charcoal on Paper. 10"x14"

I had the opportunity to do a little life drawing yesterday. It's been some time, and I really enjoyed getting back into it. These were about forty minute poses. I can't wait to have a full hour, I'm already chompin' at the bit.