What happens in a Month

Terrible it has been over a month since my last post. But what a busy month it has been. We started the month with a trip to Florida where beach time, theme parks, and visiting art galleries occupied our time.
I am now being represented by Amelia SanJon Gallery in Amelia Island Florida so if you are in the area stop by, better yet buy something! I took in six paintings to let the Gallery owner browse through and choose from and she wanted all six to sell in the Gallery.

"Beach Trio" Oil on Canvas 16x20

"Dunes" Oil on Panel 6x9

 

After Florida the three kids went to stay with their Grandparents for a week and a half. I had such a peaceful time. I finished my bathroom remodeling project, went to the National Gallery with my Art Teacher, finished a painting of St Francis De Sales for m Church, saw two movies in the theatre and went on several dated with my husband. I also was reminded just how mentally exhausting children are. Without them around I felt so refreshed and clear minded, but I did miss them.

St Francis de Sales

Bargue Drawing from Class

Color Study

Work in Progress

 I have also been working on a portrait commission. I only have the first layer on part of the painting but it is coming along slowly.

 

Beginning Bargue

I am currently taking classes in Classical Drawing methods with Tricia Ratliff. We went through a wonderful introduction to drawing using charcoal and grey paper in which I learned more about how to draw than I did in all of my drawing classes in College. 

 

Now we are beginning work on copying the Barge Drawings. Copying the drawings does several things, It improves observational skills, helps you learn to accurately depict form and also familiarizes the student with anatomy and classical lines. All of these things should be very helpful when working on painting portraits. I can already tell that there is improvement with my painting.

 

The Drawings take many hours each of very careful rendering. I have probably spent 20 or more hours on just the drawings I have done so far. Working those hours into my schedule of painting, childcare, home remodeling and occasional housework ;) is difficult but I believe will be well work the time and effort.