evolution of a likeness

I got a Christmas present/portrait commission but had to keep it a secret so I couldn't post about it until after the holidays were over. I really like how it came out, it's quality in person and the color. I used the painting as an excuse to experiment with getting to a likeness. That's always the dilemma when working with photo reference because the photo is "just right" and can be a stumbling block to enjoying the process. So I painted the portrait in three major movements, the first in acrylic and with absolutely no regard for being right, just be fearless and free, slap the paint on, and eyeball it. They say close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, but it also counts in painting! I let some time pass and then jumped back on it with some bold moves in the drawing and then went over with opaque oil, forcefully moving the colors to conform to the closer line. Finally when that dried I refined the drawing some more gave it a last coat of paint, and found myself done! It was a pleasing way to go about things because there was never that feeling of constraint that can come with 'likeness'.

riot

I did this painting cooped inside during the recent rains we've had in LA. My studio is under a tent outside so when it rains, it really limits my painting options! Recently online I saw some images of rioting in Europe that moved me to paint them. I want to do it bigger but I was working in my tiny apartment so I did this 12 by 24 'study' or whatever it is, first stab at it. I think the bigger the better for this one! I scratched in the bank logo because frankly aren't they the cause of these riots? call it the blowback from their illegal activities. It's funny, put the logo there and it almost makes it look like an advertisement!

portraits

I've been painting a number of portraits lately, seems like something folks like for the holidays. Here are a few to look at... the painting of the child was a commission over the internet and the other four are 20 minute portraits I did at a holiday party. If you would like me to paint at your event, I'm available for birthdays, weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, bar/bat mitzvas, anywhere, any time, any place! art and fun for the price of a clown! :)

Art for sale

Hello blog readers. I thought I'd let you know I've consigned a bunch of paintings at the Stone Art gallery in Santa Monica. 419 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90401. Or call them at 310-395-6303. If you are a fan of my work, this is a great opportunity to buy some! Great pricing and they make awesome, one of a kind Christmas presents. here are a few of the paintings available: click here, and here, and here! and 15 more paintings you'll have to go to check it out.

Lee Wesley Gibson

I had the honor today of painting a portrait from life of Lee Wesley Gibson, the oldest surviving Pullman porter. Here's a great link about him from the Los Angeles Times He turned 100 years old this year! He is an amazing person, sharp as a tack and fit as can be for a person one century old! We met and set up inside Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and painted for a little over an hour, he was a great model and it was an exciting place to work. I got to meet two of his daughters and along with Mr. Daymude who arranged the sitting, we all got to have a delicious lunch afterward. Thank you Mr. Gibson! Let's do it again soon!

montecito heights

I was turned onto this part of town in Los Angeles by fellow painter Jose de Juan, what a find! Some of the most beautiful views of downtown LA! I brought my drawing supplies to scout around for some motif and found this spot. I want to find a few more places for some more drawings and paintings... I finished a portrait recently but I can't post pictures of it until after Christmas because it's a gift! I can't wait to blog about it because it turned out quite nice and I got some neat 'work in progress' photos.