Nesting on Horn Island. original iPad painting.
This iPad sketch is also based on one of the lovely Horn Island photos my niece Ceci made. She’s got a real eye, doesn’t she.
Biloxiana Sketches ~ Nesting on Horn Island
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Fresh Start ~~ Rita’s new pose, on linen
At our next session, I posed Rita looking straight ahead. I thought that would be contemporary, as well as more fun for both of us. We could see each other, converse more easily, and I could watch her sparkling eyes as I painted. I thought it also might help her hold a little grin ~~ I knew I’d be grinning at her the whole time and grins are infectious.
Rita, first session in oils on linen.
Here’s how the painting looked at the end of the first session with oils. My main goals were to situate her on the canvas, get an approximation of her bright shirt, rough out the face contours, and depict her silver hair in luscious pale colors.
Biloxiana Sketches ~ Blue Moon at the Half Shell
Blue Moon at the Half Shell. original iPad painting.
This iPad sketch is based on a neon sign and its reflections, spotted while dining on the wonderful grilled oysters at The Half Shell, in Biloxi. A feast for the eyes to match the feast for the taste buds.
The Painting of Rita ~ Steps toward a Portrait
My friend Carlos, who wants to experiment with natural-light photographic portraits, joined me for the first session with my neighbor Rita. He made a number of beautiful pictures, while I snapped photos of Rita from my on-looker’s vantage.
Rita at ease
After he left, I did a quick charcoal sketch of Rita, in a three-quarter pose. It was ok for the first session, but I didn’t like the pose and definitely wanted to capture a grin, if not a smile, in the final product.
Rita in Initial Pose . Charcoal Sketch.
Enough for one day! Rita’s not tired, but I am!
Biloxiana Sketches ~ in Line at the Waffle House
At a Biloxi Waffle House. original iPad painting.
On our last visit to Biloxi, we grabbed a bit of breakfast goodies at one of the many local Waffle House restaurants. We didn’t really believe they’d have us seated within five minutes — given the long lines of seated and standing wanna eat patrons. But the efficient staff delivered in fine style. Here’s my iPad take on the scene.
Neighbor Portraits #1 ~ Rita
Rita. Oil on Linen Panel.
I am working on a portrait series of several neighbors, hoping to improve my portraiture skills. My across-the-street neighbor, Rita, has been my first subject. And what a subject she’s been. I’m very happy with the outcome and am happy that she likes it too. Thanks, Rita!
Alison Neustrom ~ Thanksgiving
My niece, Alison Neustrom, passed away last week after battling pancreatic cancer for eleven months. In an interview made a few months before she died, she revealed that she loves sunshine, sunflowers and all things orange. This beautiful photo, displayed during her send-off, captures her perfectly.
Alison decorating her wedding chapel
Her obituary, the eulogy delivered at her funeral, and a memory about her graveside service give you a good sense of this extraordinary young woman.
There is no way to compete with the wordsmithing of my brother Joe, who wrote the obituary, or our new friend Jeff, who wrote and delivered the eulogy, or the insightful family friend who penned her reflections on Alison’s interment.
So I’ll simply say, Alison, thank you for being you. We’ll take good care of your husband Dave and your little Ceci. Love love love.
Biloxiana ~~ Misty Morning Pines ~~ A New Series of iPad Images
Misty island morning, with pines. original iPad painting.
I’ve begun a new series of iPad paintings to reflect scenes of my native Biloxi, Mississippi and surrounds. This one is based on a photo made by my niece Ceci one misty morning on Horn Island. More to come.
Portrait Gallery Figurative – in the Window Seat, #1
Resting at the Portrait Gallery. Oil on Linen.
During a recent visit to the National Portrait Gallery, I saw two marvelous women, each sitting in one of the deep window seats that back up to the courtyard. I decided to be bold and ask if I could take their pictures for painting purposes. To my delight, each agreed. Here’s the first – a petite little lady perched on the long cushion, resting her feet. Another palette knife attempt.
Palette Knife Painting of Cousins, Engrossed in an iPad
Cousins, engrossed in an iPad. Oil on Linen.
I fell in love with a darling photo of two cousins (my grand-niece & -nephew, if I’ve calculated that right), huddled around an iPad. I knew I had to make a painting out of it. Have been trying to learn how to paint with a palette knife. This is one of my first attempts.