My First Oil Portrait!

 
This is my latest project. I enjoyed working with oil on my last painting thought I would give it another try. The portrait is of my son. Since his graduation is right around the corner I thought he might like a painting of himself...RIGHT :)
 
Painting a portrait in oils have been a challenge, however, I love the creamy texture and the ease of blending. On the flip side, I am impatient and want to keep painting and find that the colors get muddy. So I guess I need to wait for layers to dry before I move on. I'll post more pictures as I go.

First Oil Painting!

Working with oils are definitely different from acrylic. However, there are some pluses and minus to each as I'm sure I'll discover along the way. One of the things I really like about acrylic is the fast drying time which allows me to paint longer. On the other hand, I also like the slow drying time of oil which allows me time away from my painting to make adjustments later on. Oil also forces me to slow down and concentrate more which is a daughting task since I'm impatient. The painting below is my first attempt at working with oils. As for my inspiration, I used a photograph I had taken of my daughter several years ago and decided to try something a little different when creating this painting. I wanted to work with only a few different shades of color since my last painting was all about color. I had thought about a monochromatic feel but wanted to experiment with a few more colors. As a result, I thought the painting was alright but lacking. It may have been my color selection but, whatever! I'll chalk it up to learning since it was a practice painting anyway. What I love about painting is the challenge and accomplishment of a finished piece. Even though the painting may not always come out the way you imagine it in your mind...there is always something new you learn along the way about yourself and your art!

IT'S FINALLY DONE! At least for now :)

This painting took more time then I originally planned. I feel it turned out ok but of course not as well as I would have liked. I finished with a signiture and found a home on my wall. My painting sure looks better than the poster of "Monet" I had that was faded.
I first started this painting Jan. 1, 2010 and finished it Mar 20. I changed the background several times before I felt a wee bit satisfied. But I still feel like it's missing something. I'm just not sure yet what it is. I just chalk it up as a growing and learning experience...So, I decided to move on to my next project. Maybe, with my last painting being off my mind I may go back to it later with fresh eyes.

Those of you stopping by to visit my blog...I would love to read any comments that you may have! Thanks :)

My Newest Painting "Monet" Inspired

This is my newest painting done in acrylic on a 30 X 24 canvas. Not quite finished but it's coming along. The main reason I chose this "Monet" inspired piece was due to a poster I have in my living room that has faded with the years. So I wanted a fresh painting and I knew I could come close to recreating this beautiful painting. I love how the path draws you in. I'll post again when I finally finish this painting.

Clueless Abstract

I decided to venture into abstract painting, stepping away from my usual landscapes and portraits. However, I struggled to break free from the confines of familiar shapes, finding myself fixated on circles. Despite experimenting with texture using thick acrylic mediums and iridescent paint, the end result fell short of my expectations.

Ultimately, I realized my true passion lies in landscapes and portraits. While I admire those who can craft wonders from a blank canvas, my imagination seemed to have taken a vacation. Nonetheless, I remain optimistic that with practice, my abstract attempts will improve, and my imagination will return in full force.

Light My Way

This little 3x3 painting was done on a whim. A doodle painting on paper canvas.

Little Red Canoe

This painting was inspired by a greeting card I received. I used acrylics with a watercolor application on a
9 x 12 canvas paper. If I could live in one of my painting this would be it. Where there is only breath taking beauty, nature, and tranquility.