Faces & Figures

"Willis Has The Blues"

2009-10-16T14:41:00.001-07:00

This watercolor portrait was painted from a photograph I took of a man in Ocean City, Md this past sumer.

Willis is a street musician who plays on the boardwalk. I was drawn to his long dreadlocks, wiry whiskers and interminable stare.

New Portrait Commission

2009-10-14T03:28:00.000-07:00

What a busy, busy month. I finished up several portrait commissions, started a mentoring program through the Portrait Society of America and worked on a few other paintings.

Below is one of the portraits of a client and her sweet dog, Addy.

A Watercolor Pet Portrait of Ludwig

2009-09-02T04:59:00.001-07:00

Left: A full-sized value sketch preceeds the painting. This is where I study the features and work out the values (light and dark areas) then transfer an outline of the sketch to the watercolor paper.

Right: The finished portrait

This little guy is Ludwig, a beautiful German Wirehaired Pointer, whose distinctive feature is his wonderful, wiry coat. Ludwig's fur is made up of a multitude of colors, depending on the lighting, but my favorite part to paint was his unruly whiskers. Luddy, as his owner calls him, has a very sweet temperament and was a joy to work with.

The reference photograph I worked from was taken in a natural morning light that had cool highlights and warm shadows. Perfect for the color palette I ended up using.

My client had planned to present this portrait to her husband for a surprise birthday present. However, he was a little too sharp for us and our fabricated story of why I was at the house that day to photograph didn't fool him one bit. No matter, Ludwig's portrait turned out beautifully and made a great gift.

Sunshine, Sketches and Strong Women

2009-08-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

Sunshine
Last week was our family vacation at the beach. Vacations with teenagers are fun; we went para sailing, go-cart racing (Is my family really that competitive? They actually ran me off the track!) and walking the boardwalk. I did some reading, a little bit of painting and even got a hint of a tan (sort of, if you look real close).

Jake buried up to his neck, and Stephen doing the honors.

The view from our front door, Yves taking a stroll.

Sketches
I didn't get much time to paint on vacation but I did pull off a few quickies of beach people.

Strong Women
Two books I read recently. One was "This Child Will be Great" by Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, the first woman president of Liberia.

The other one I am still reading, "In No Uncertain Terms" by Helen Suzman, who was in the South African Parliament for 35 years and an outspoken advocate against apartheid. If you like biographies, particulary those about amazing women, you may be inspired by these stories.

Now...back to work!

Oil Painting of Betsy

2009-07-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

I finished up an oil portrait of my mother-in-law Betsy this week. The intent of this portrait wasn't to create a formal portrait for posterity. What I really wanted to capture was a particular mood and feeling. I'll leave it up to you to decide what you see or feel in this painting.

The title is "Tot Ziens", which means see you later in Dutch. It was a phrase she often said to us.

Watercolor Cats

2009-06-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

Just finished up a triple pet portrait. These cuties are all from one family, each with their own distinct personality. The challenge with this commission was to photograph each cat individually and show something of their uniqueness, yet making sure that all three photos worked together as a solid composition. Not as easy as it sounds. After 100+ photos, hours of photo groupings, color sketches and various corrections, the easy part was the painting. Now all that's left is to frame and enjoy.

A Watercolor Landscape with Figures

2009-06-12T09:55:00.001-07:00

"Discovery", watercolor 17 x 20"

This is a little different approach for me. Usually my focus is on the figure(s), with the background being secondary. What inspired me about this image was not only the boy in the photo, but the landscape of the buildings and the way they were pieced together.

I was in a tourist shopping area in Jamaica, where everything was manicured and picture perfect, kind of like a Jamaican version of Disney. I decided to duck behind some of the buildings and this is what I discovered.

Mily: A Watercolor Pet Portrait

2009-05-28T05:26:00.000-07:00

May was a crazy, busy kind of month. Studio time involved several portrait commissions, including a triptych pet portrait; five exhibitions to prepare for this spring and summer; and three portfolios to send out. Below is a recent completed pet portrait.

Mily is a beautiful American Bulldog with a sweet personality. She was such a pleasure to photograph and paint.

Step 1: Small color value sketches. I do 6-12 sketches before deciding on a direction for the painting.

Step 2: Full-sized value sketch.

Here is where I get to know my subject

better and work out any value issues.

.........

...

Step 3 & 4: The painting as it progressed.

Starting with an excellent reference photo is crucial to the success of the painting. I rarely use existing photos, instead preferring to take my own. Taking over 100 photos for a portrait is not unusual. I find that even with that many photos, only about 3-4 are suitable for the portrait.

...

Beautiful Milly--framed and ready to go to her permanent home.

Life Drawing: A Fine Art Exhibition

2009-05-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

June 5 is the opening of Double Door Gallery's juried figure show. The show includes, not only a finished painting, but the original sketch that was done from a life drawing session.

At left is my submission. Joanna the Belly Dancer is one of our favorite models. The painting is titled, "The Dancer" and was done in oils.

The quick sketches below were done from our bi-monthly figure session.

Portrait Society's Annual "Art of the Portrait" conference

2009-04-30T05:12:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful four days it was. It was jam packed with demos, critiques, networking, discussion...where do I start? How about a few highlights:

1) A drawing session with Tony Ryder. His drawings and paintings are magnificent. It was very cool to see him work and have him critique our drawings.
Below: Tony talking about his process;
one of our models, Mike; my 20-minute sketch of Mike

2) A painting demo with Mary Whyte. Mary is one of my favorite watercolor artists and a sincerely inspiring person. Not only did she demo, but she also gave a talk titled "Creating Your Best Paintings Ever" and was part of a group panel discussion on "The Business Side of Art".

Below: Mary painting from a live model, her finished demo

Other highlights:

Portfolio critiques

The National Portrait Museum

Painting demos by some of my favorites: Scott Burdick, pastel artist Judy Carducci, Chris Saper, Dawn Whitelaw and too many others to mention

An absolutely wonderful presentation by Richard Schmid

I'm totally spent, but in a good way. Once again, I am fired up and thinking, "You know, I think this is truly possible..."

Peggi Gets Her Groove Back: A "Faces and Figures" Sabbatical

2009-04-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

What is the best word to use for taking a leave of absence? I kinda like sabbatical. It sounds so restful, which is exactly what I've been searching for.

I sat down one day and listed everything I've got going on. The list was way longer than I care to mention. The result? I decided there was just too much life happening in front of a screen. Time to cut down on blog posts and comments, ignore google alerts, Facebook messages and Twitter "tweets", and save those nonessential e-mails for the next day.

Let's face it, do I really need to know who's having a bad day on Twitter, who sent me a virtual drink on Facebook (what's up with that?) and which thousand "watercolor portraits" posts to read or write. Of course I plan to check in on my favorite blogs periodically. You know who you are, don't you? (Manon, Vikki, Robin, Linda, Elaine, Kristy, 100 swallows).

So, if you don't hear from me in a while, it just means I'm getting my groove back!

above: Beatitude, watercolor figure 2007

Blog Filler - Figure sketches

2009-04-08T07:27:00.001-07:00

Now isn't that a tantalizing blog title? I've been a tad busy this month with commission work, conference planning, portfolio updating, a show to jury, gallery work and an upcoming art demo. Whew!...and nothing to post. I do have some sketches and quick studies from the past three figures sessions with a live model. As you can see, my sketches are rough and unfinished. My goal is to learn to work quicker and be able to finish a figure in a 15- to 30-minute pose.

1) Sepia and charcoal, 30-min sketch
2) pencil, 30-min sketch

3) watercolor head studies, 15-min sketches

4) charcoal, 15-min sketches

Jake at 13

2009-03-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

This is a portrait of my skateboarding, grafitti-art loving, sweet teenager Jake. I have been painting and drawing him since he was little but this is the first time he nodded his head in approval of his portrait.

This pose is so Jake. He is often deep in thought and likes to discuss some serious issues like religon, the universe and Seinfeld episodes.

This painting is one of a 3-part painting demo I will be giving in April.

"Beyond Faces & Figures"--Celebrating The Art of Portraiture

2009-03-05T05:58:00.000-08:00

Just sent out my March issue of "Beyond Faces & Figures". If you want to take a peak, you can find it here.

If you would like to receive this quarterly newsletter in your inbox, you can sign up here. Be sure to include your mailing address to receive a set of free notecards in the mail.

I never use e-mails for any other purpose than to send out my newsletter and an occasional exhibition update.

Shannon's Portrait In Watercolor

2009-03-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

This is a portrait commission that I was working on this week. At left is the full-sized value sketch and composition.

After meeting with the client and an hour-long photography session, we decided that the simplest design would be the best approach. Shannon is a very pretty girl who exudes a good deal of confidence and friendliness. Adding background elements or a complicated design may have taken away from that.

After tweaking the composition, I started layering the skin tones with quinacridone colors and transparent pigments. This kept a nice glow in the painting even with subsequent layers.

I saved the opaques (mostly Cad Red and Turquoise) for the end to punch up some dark areas.

Feels So Good To Be Back

2009-02-25T09:00:00.001-08:00

Getting back to the studio after family matters keep you away is like returning home after a long vacation. The familiar smells and sights are so comforting, like an old friend.

The past week has been dedicated to a portrait commission. I'll post soon. In the meantime, I did a quick watercolor sketch of a familiar site, my son eating his morning cereal. This particular morning the sun was streaming in, the dog was lounging nearby and the entire scene was so beautiful.

I also leave you with this passage that was found in my father-in-law's desk 11 years ago. My husband's nephew resent it to family after my mother-in-law's funeral. I looked it up and there is some confusion as to who wrote it and when it was written, but it was copyrighted in 1927 by Max Ehrmann.

DESIDERATA
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly,
and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Quick Note

2009-02-15T16:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long delay in posting. After a long illness, my sweet mother-in-law, who was 89, died very peacefully in her sleep this week. My husband and his sister were at her side.

I started an oil portrait of her last week and am anxious to get back to it.

New Oil Painting: The Conflict

2009-01-25T11:50:00.000-08:00

This is my latest oil painting, titled "The Conflict". I love the idea of a dual self-portrait showing different sides to a personality. On the surface this painting represents a conflict between two people--or is it the same person?

I've thought a lot lately about the risk that many people take in supporting unpopular ideas or revealing a very personal side of their life, often risking rejection and ridicule. So often we are conditioned to take the safer route and cover up our thoughts and beliefs. In the end, who is taking a bigger risk?

A Few More Watercolor Sketches

2009-01-15T11:00:00.000-08:00

I have a few large paintings in the works, all at different stages, but none I can actually start painting yet. In the meantime, I wanted to try out a few techniques I saw from the Charles Reid book I just read. One thing that is very different from most watercolor painters is that Reid starts with his dark areas on the face first, then moves on to the lighter. Definitely makes for a better shadow area, but you better know what comes next quickly, before the edges dry. Not my strong suit. As you can see with the painting of my son, a little struggle here, a little fussing there and it's easy to kill a painting. Back to work!

By the way, I added this nifty new "followers" gadget to the right. (I feel so techie-geeky right now.) I think it's so much easier to check in with my favorite blogs by just clicking on their photo. So, if you would like to add yourself as a follower, I will in turn follow yours.

Article on Art Economy in Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

2009-01-12T03:33:00.000-08:00

Kurt Shaw, art critic for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, wrote an interesting article, "Artists Take Measures to Ride Out Economic Downturn" in Sunday's paper. I was interviewed for the article, along with gallery owner and artist Mark Panza, about what we are doing, or not doing, differently in light of the economic times.

It is not an exaggeration to say that things are difficult in Pittsburgh right now for artists, but this could be a good opportunity for many artists to take a fresh look at their business and work on skills or other areas that they may not have been able to before. This can be a time of real creative growth for many of us.

What about you? Has the economy effected the way you are doing business or creating your art?

My View of the World This Week

2009-01-08T07:55:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your good wishes!
Surgery went well. All that's left is to rest this baby and hopefully be back in action next week. This has been a great time to organize my computer, clean off all those old files and backup my files and images. My family has been great, so helpful. Yesterday, however, I was stuck in my bedroom and no one downstairs could hear me calling. Thank god for cell phones!

Also a good time to catch up on some reading. I received a Charles Reid book for Christmas, "Watercolor Solutions: Learn To Solve The Most Common Painting Problems". Great book, as usual, from a great painter. Can't wait to try out some of his suggestions.

A Quick Fix

2008-12-28T13:30:00.000-08:00

I do enjoy the holidays, and I can enjoy the "art of nothing" with the best of them, but...after a week of not painting, I start to feel very restless. A few quick watercolor sketches ought to do the trick. Ahh, that felt good!

Next week is a rather large family party at our house, then foot surgery on the 5th. Then, finally, back to the studio to get started on a few painting commissions.

Happpiest of Holidays to You

2008-12-19T03:32:00.000-08:00

Remember when you believed you could be

a cowboy rock star?

Wishing you that kind of holiday.

Here's to a New Year of inspiration, creativity, integrity and grace. (By the way, that's my rock star husband there in his cool duds!)

Figure Session at Double Door Gallery

2008-12-05T06:38:00.000-08:00

Double Door Gallery has figure drawing/painting sessions once a month on Wednesday evenings. Our favorite model, Joanna of Third Street Belly Dance, was on hand to inspire us.

We start with quick 30-second poses, then several 1-minute poses.

We work on several longer poses, about 20 minutes each.

Figure drawing/painting sessions are held the first Weds. of the month from 7-9 p.m. at Double Door Gallery. Cost is $10. Bring your favorite drawing/painting supplies (no oils) and easel or drawing board to work on.

Artist Talk "How a Portrait is Commissioned"

2008-12-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

I gave an artist talk yesterday on "How a Portrait is Commissioned and Painted" to a great group of artists from several local art groups. Unfortunately my travel camera was on the blink (I suspect a few skateboarding/videotaping boys dropped it one too many times, but so far no one's fessing up!) so no pictures taken there.

The talk included a slide presentation illustrating the painting process, several before/after slides showing some of the problem-solving involved in commissioned work and past portraits I have completed. I included a handout (shown here) and notecards for everyone to take with them.

It was a fun group, about 28 in all. They were very attentive and asked so many great questions.