Quinn

Quinn

20" x 16"

Oil on hardwood Panel

When I started painting Gwen and laying in her hair, it was enjoyable and I looked for another chance to work more with hair in an interesting way. 

I quickly realized that there were many options because all our daughters also have beautiful hair. However Gwen and Quinn were on the scooters together and working on Gwen I also had many photos of Quinn.

So I sketched in this profile pose of Quinn and started working on her hair.

For a little peanut she has a lot of hair with drama.

The background here just evolved, I laid down an under-painting and kept working in layers until I liked the effect. Perhaps I wouldn't have chosen it if I had just laid out the colors on the palette at the beginning.

Gwennie and the Scooter

Gwennie and the Scooter

24" x 18"
Oil on hardwood Panel

Gwenneth just makes me happy. When I see her I smile.

She is very exuberant and enthusiastic about life. She can ride a regular bicycle very well and very aggressively too I might add, however one day she was riding a small scooter and I wanted to capture that moment.

I'm pleased with the sweeping action pose, almost a cartoon figure with the long line from her left shoe to her forehead.

And I thought that her jeans worked well, although the shadows have a lower value in the actual painting.

Gwen's hair is more light brown than the photograph indicates, I think that the camera is picking up yellow from the sweatshirt.

The background was the lasting problem with this design. Above is the current painting and below shows the painting in an earlier version.

Again, the hair is not this bright yellow in the painting -even this earlier version.

Alice

Alice

16" x 12"

Oil on hardwood Panel

[click in the image to enlarge]

Alice is a perpetually happy and cheerful toddler. She was just on the beginning edge of walking when we saw her last.

She finds some delight in whatever is happening around her.

One might say that this is an attitude of gratitude. A wonderful quality to emulate

I tried to bring some of her cheerful energy to this painting.

The viewer's perspective is a bit unusual for a child portrait in that the viewer is at the same level or a bit below Alice

Griffin and the Baby Chick

Griffin and the Baby Chick

20" x 16"

Oil on hardwood Panel

This does not need very much explanation.

Griffin is sensitive little guy. 

He was carefully holding a baby chicken.

His innocence and special nature are reflected in the innocence of the tiny yellow hatchling.

Alternate photographic effects below. Some Graham Indian Yellow paint was used although it is not especially visible. It is a wonderful transparent pure hue. As opposed to the cadmium's which are quite opaque.

Helping Mommy

Helping Mommy

20" x 16"
Oil on hardwood Panel

Alice Holbrook is the precious model.

She finds many useful things to do around their home.

She is very busy emptying cabinets, unrolling the toilet paper, pulling all the books out of the book basket, moving and re-arranging Grant's toys and getting all the kitchen tools out of the drawer so they are ready for use.

It is very tiring to watch her efforts.

And it will be over much too soon.

Reading Stories

Reading Stories

18" x 24"

Oil on hardwood Panel

[click on the image to enlarge]

All children seem to enjoy reading stories. They will sit and listen to a story that they have heard many times before, perhaps they have heard the story so many times that they have the words memorized. Still they are enthusiastic.

Given an opportunity they often grab a stack of books, hopefully this will prevent the reader leaving early.

This is special time for them. They have our undivided attention while we are something that they want to do. This is quality time.

So it is an important part of childhood - this unique interaction between them and mom and dad or grandma or great grandmama.

Nelda is the reader and she is a wonderful model of selfless service and love.  Liam joins her to enjoy a good story.

Rebecca

Rebecca

20" x 16"

Oil on hardwood Panel

[click on the image to enlarge]

Any comments about Rebecca must include many superlatives.

She is a wonderful, caring and beautiful young woman.

I wanted to explore some portrait techniques and liked the reference photo used for this work. This has a modified Rembrandt type of lighting, although not as dramatic as his works. [ and yes also not nearly as good...]

The background is mostly a blend of Windsor orange and viridian.