Cleopatra

This is also one of my favorites. This is a painting of a little girl that was like a younger sister to me. My mom babysat her for years and years. This was her Halloween costume one year, and a photo was taken of her in our backyard. The October lighting and shadows on the window, the polyester costume, the yellow siding that my dad put onto the addition of the house... all of these are elements that I really enjoyed capturing.

Now... as for my "model"... does she know I made this into a painting years later? Probably not! I hope she doesn't find this and hate me.

Steve and Gyme

This is probably one of my favorites. In college I did a big project and presentation on Regionalism. As part of the project, I had to create a piece of art in the style of one of the Regionalists. Can you guess who I modeled this painting after? Grant Wood, whose art I find fascinating (and not JUST 'American Gothic').

I used my then-fiance (now husband) and his grandmother as my models. I changed their hair and clothing, and I mimicked the Dutch-realist-type of landscape backgrounds the same way Wood did.

A friend commented the other day that I need to make another painting similar to this, only with my husband and I as the subjects. Maybe! :)

Engagement Portrait

Earlier this year I was contacted by Deborah, a wonderful bride-to-be who was interested in having a portrait done of her and her fiance, Carlos. It was great to break out the watercolors and get sketching! Thankfully, Deborah was very patient, as I simultaneously juggled a new baby and adjusting to life as an artist AND a mother to three.

I've never met Deborah and Carlos, as they live on the East Coast! But Deborah was great to work with, via e-mail communication, and it was a true delight to paint their portrait for them.

Congratulations you two! Thank you for the opportunity to do this commission for you, it was a lot of fun. All my best to you as you prepare for your wedding next month!

Senior Thesis part 2

Petra and Pascale
acrylic on canvas
senior thesis, 2005

"Yianni" (2007)
Watercolor

This was a Christmas gift that my friend commissioned for her husband. How I loved painting it! I LOVE commissions... I love looking at photographs, studying faces and pondering the subject matter... I love to see people's reactions (vain, I know...) to their commissions. I always, always, ALWAYS work hard and doing it right, and making sure folks are 100% pleased (ecstatic?) with the results.