Bird Studies

I have been fooling around with the camera more and more, getting used to the zoom lens.  I have always wanted to be able to take superior photo references and do some bird studies.  I love bird art and one of my favorite artists for wildlife art, is Carl Brenders.  His book was one of the first books I ever purchased. 
I am finishing up a small piece using this photo reference I took.  I will post the image tomorrow when it is finished. 

Faun Progress

Here are the revisions so far.  Hooves in the water a bit, and more juvenile appearance.  Working in Leesburg today on a small commission.

Workshop A Success!

This is why I teach!

I got this message on my answering machine, regarding yesterday's pet portrait workshop.  "Linda, Thank you for a wonderful workshop.  I took home my pet portrait and thought, Gosh, this doesn't look too bad.  You really have helped me alot.  I just hope that I can remember everything you taught us.  I will definitely be taking more of your classes.   Kathy Gregory

Indecent Proposal Finished

Here it is finished.  Not my ususal highly detailed portrait work.  But I like it as an illustration style for children. 

Teaching Workshop Today

I am headed out in a few moments, to teach a workshop on doing pet portraits in charcoal and pastels.  The class is at Studio Frame Shop in Warrenton Virginia and runs from 11 until 3:00.  So I just have a minute here.
I still think that Posiedon is the best of the bunch in my Gods and Goddesses series.  You will have to come to the show in April and check him out. 
I have returned to the Faun painting and made some major changes.  I decided to stick her hooves into the pond water after I had tried placing a rock under them.  The rocks just did not do it any good, so I took them out and opted for rippled water.  She is now more youthful looking.  I felt I had made her into an older teen and that is not what I was after.  Pictures are coming shortly. 

Second Night Gallery Walk in Leesburg

Once again in the studio in Leesburg and once again it is the gallery walk night up here.  There is also an opening reception for this month's show in the front galleries.  The reception and gallery walk hours are 5:30 til 8:00 and we are located at 12 Cardinal Park Dr.  Come on by, I'll be here. 

Progress on Historical Piece

I have worked a few more hours on the small painting of the Dandy and Damsel in Williamsburg.  It's looking pretty good and I am hoping to finish it up tomorrow.  The tenative name for this painting is "Indecent Proposal" and I will get a picture for the blog, asap.
Also, traveled to Manassas last week to get some reference photos for my Flora painting.  Good friend, Jeanne, agreed to pose for me and I needed some good shots of her dog, Latt'e, so that I can include her in the painting.  Also, got photos of her parrot, Aussie, for this painting. 
The weather has been incredible for the last three days and I have not been in the studio, shame on me!!!!

What Makes Me An Artist?

OK, it's been awhile, hasn't it?   I was very busy lately and also celebrated 28 years with the same man.  Took the day off to go antique hunting (my cover story!) down in Orange VA, with my hubby.  Little did he know, they have several very nice art galleries.  This is where I get to wax poetic.  What makes me an Artist?  I suppose that since I paint, draw, sculpt or simply try to manipulate every thing my hands touch, until it is a new creation, I am an Artist.  Or maybe it is because, if I am not painting, I am teaching someone else to paint, or if I am not doing either of those activities, then I am most assuredly trying to sell a painting or  planning my next painting.  Oh and how about, if I am watching TV, I am still drawing in my sketchbook.  But what I think really makes me an Artist is, if I am having a conversation with someone, I am always secretly analyzing their face for just the right colors I would use to paint their portrait, or just how far apart the eyes are, how big the nose is or possibly what the temperature of the shadow under the eye is.  I almost always, miss most of what someone is saying to me.  That makes me an Artist.