Graphite Study and decision making.

When I start a commission project, I often create a preliminary sketch. Here, my client provided several photographs, with lighting so interesting, we could not agree which was our favorite. Hence, the vertical triptych idea came to be. This drawing, though time consuming, was critical in making  compositional decisions. It also allowed practice rendering. And as much as I love the concept, the piece ended up too big for my client, who preferred to go with the central cat shown in the sketch. Good thing I didn't just jump into the project without exploring options first. Now I'm left with this 11x 28" graphite on watercolor paper, just waiting for a frame.  Should I make the investment?

Jumped through all the hoops!

I jumped through all the hoops to get Blue Crab into the mail and off to Brea CA to the 21st Annual CPSA International Exhibition.  Turns out, even with careful planning, I cut it close.  Note to self: Big difference in postage price between 3-day and Ground, which is estimated to take 6 days. As I'm paying for shipping to and from destination, any additional postage is doubled.  If my piece does not make it in the window given by the show's time table, it is disqualified. I chose cheap vs late.  Let's hope my gamble pays off.  Stay tuned and wish Blue Crab luck.

Brooklyn Blanket.

This is Linus again.  The reference photos were taken by his mom.  "Brooklyn Blanket" is 9x8" colored pencil on fabric.  It came from the same series of photographs  used to paint the previous posting "Brooklyn Light." And if you look back further in my blog you will find  a very poor photograph of a graphite study triptych done from the same series. The first, "Brooklyn Light," was a commissioned portrait, "Brooklyn Blanket" was created to use as an artist demonstration:  painting with colored pencils and slovents on linen mat board.  It will be published in September's issue of Ann Kullberg's CP magazine.

WIP For Ann Kullberg demo, CP on linen.

This is the 4th shot taken of my work in progress. I plan to use this to accompany an artist demonstration for Ann Kullberg's cp magazine this fall. I'm painting on linen mat board. So far no solvents have been used. This will probably end up around 8x10" The reference photographs were taken by my daughter of her cat Linus.

Read More

Finished? Perhaps. Linus

I took a picture of this painting early this morning in diffused light.  The sun wasn't over my house yet.  I  will try again later when I  can use the garage doors to bounce light.  This is a bit washed out. Any way, what do you think?  The measurement is roughly 11x14"  Mostly colored pencil with a bit of white gouache here and there for highlights.

Help me title this newest piece.

This is not quite finished. There are subtle changes to the background I made since taking the picture.  And I did'nt like the hard edge of the cat's back. Of course all this came to light-as it always does- after varnishing. Give the new improved version a few hours drying time.  I'll shoot another picture and post it shortly.  Stay tuned. 

Cincinnati Enquirer, Hometown section, June 15, 2013, pg. 57!

Its pretty incredible to find an article about oneself in the newspaper. What a charge and an honor!  I'm hoping the exposure will send new clients my way via Row House Gallery! http://local.cincinnati.com/share/story/205971