Cutie Cousins.....

Camp Cuties! (Anne & Amy) Acrylic on canvas 20" X 16"

This is the completed painting that my cousin Amy commissioned me to do as a Christmas present for her Nana & Pop!

It is a nostalgic piece from a happy time in their youth when they would go to a certain camp in the summertime.

This piece was challenging because I was creating it from several reference photos and using lots of "artistic license", lol!

I am please with the finished product and I hope Nana & Pop LOVE it!!!!!

Self Portrait Acrylic on wood "20 X 16"

FINALLY! Mom's painting is completed in time for Christmas! She LOVED it! Now she has all 3 of us on her wall. I wanted this painting to relate tp the painting I did of my daughter a couple of years ago, hence the wings!

What's on my easel this week?

Self Portrait 20" X 16" acrylic on wood

This is a belated birthday present for my mom. After this is completed she will have a wall of portraits in her living room of her entire family, Dad, Lanny & Me.

I'm looking forward to adding some finishing touches and highlights and then sending this to her!

Kyle & Konner

Kyle & Konner - 20" X 16" Watercolor

This is my "labor of love" from this summer! A portrait commission for a client and friend of her two boys, Kyle & Konner. This is based on a reference photo that she provided me with.

For some reason, I had a challenge being satisfied with this project and it took me much longer to complete than expected but I feel it is well worth the wait and I absolutely LOVE IT!!!

COMPLETED

"Dad" Acrylic and collage on Wood 21" X 18"

Now that Dad's portrait is completed I can tell you the whole story about it. The painting is done on a panel of wood that came from a credenza that him and my Mom bought together when they were first married. At that time my Dad used an old label maker to write a love note to her and stuck it on the inside of one of the drawers. I have included the original note in the painting. Here is a close up of it......


It says, "I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH KATHY."

I have also included a piece of one of my Dad's baseball caps as seen in detail below...

As with the portrait that I made of my brother Lanny, the process of painting my Dad, who passed away over 6 years ago, has been one of healing and letting go for me.

A friend of mine, who is also a healer and intuitive, has suggested that I write my Dad a letter and read it out loud and then burn it in front of the painting. Very good advice......I will definitely take her up on it!

I get to present this painting to my Mom when she comes up to NY for Easter next month!

I think she's gonna love it!!!!!

"Dad" Acrylic on wood 21" X 18"

I haven't worked on this in 2 days. Today I layed in the backround. Not sure if I will get to it again today but I am excited about adding more details and highlights to Dad to really make him "pop"!

"Dad" acrylic on wood 21" X 18"

So I have been working more on this painting today and I wanted to present it here in stages so the progression of the painting can be seen. I still have a lot of work to do. I am also contemplating adding some "mixed media" like pastels.

"Dad" acrylic on wood 21" X 18"

I started Dad's portrait today. This is my second attempt. It was supposed to be a Christmas present for Mom but the first one was really not working out so I had to paint over it and start over. I am finding that it is more challenging painting on wood than on canvas, but I am pleased with how this is coming out so far. I think it's time to sleep on it and start fresh tomorrow. "Good Night Dad!"

Here's what Floyd's portrait looks like framed......

"Floyd" (completed!) acrylic on canvas 20" X 16"

The finished portrait of Floyd! Well, Amy....just another thing to look forward to on returning from Canada, Eh?

"Floyd" acrylic on canvas 20^X 16"

Finally started this portrait of my cousin Amy's cat Floyd! What a cutie! It's long overdue! I hope to finish it tomorrow. "Meow, meow!"