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!

Art Minute: Edward Hopper

Edward Hopper. I don't know much about his personal life. Well... I probably did a report on him or something back in high school... but that, my friends, was a long time ago.

But his work invigorates me. Inspires me so, so much. I haven't painted with acrylic and canvas since college (a good five years ago). I haven't been very inspired, and let's face it, canvas takes up a lot of room.

However, I "googled" Edward Hopper a few weeks ago and, in turn, became reacquainted with his work. Sparse interiors and landscapes, lonely individuals, quiet settings depicted in bold, clear strokes, each painting overflowing with suspense and/ or secrets. This is one of his most recognizable/ popular paintings.



You may have seen it parodied before. Just google "The Nighthawks Parodies" and you'll be astounded. The subjects in the paintings have been replaced by everyone and everything from the cast of X-Files to the Simpsons to Lego reproductions.




I love his bold use of color and high contrast. The strong light and the dark shadows tell a story. His work embraces architecture, the human form and landscape, all the while conveying and mastering human relationships and emotion. Seriously, what can't this guy do?

It's been cool to revisit his work and gaze, gaze, gaze for a bit. My hands are aching, for the first time in 5 years, to pick up a canvas again and (attempt, at least to) tell a story.