Roux & Cyr Gallery Grand Opening and Art Mash 8

Having just returned from a trip to California to help my daughter move into her new apartment in San Mateo, I was delighted to find so many nice comments on my previous post. Thank you to all who follow my blog and for so many generous and encouraging comments - they help keep me going for sure!

Today is a very exciting day for me as it is the grand opening of the new gallery in Portland, Maine. Susan Roux and her business partner Paul Cyr have worked so hard to make this venture a success and I have no doubt that it will exceed their expectations! All are invited to the opening festivities - please do stop by if you are in the area!

Roux & Cyr International Fine Art Gallery / 48 Free Street / Portland, ME 04101

The gallery was recently featured in a wonderful blog post on the Portland Old Port blog site: http://www.portlandoldport.com/france-texas-roux-cyr-finds-fine-art-portland/

Lissa / oil on linen panel  / 18 x 14

This portrait of Lissa was painted from life last Sunday during open studio at the art museum. The model was Lissa who was costumed as a fairy with a garland of ribbons and pearls in her hair. During the sitting, she was reading a book about fairies so her eyes were downcast. I had great fun painting her brilliant red hair and all those white ribbons!

Art Mash 3

Lauren / oil on linen panel / 18x14

This Sunday was the 3rd open studio Art Mash that I have attended and my jitters are finally calming down, thank goodness. I was so unhappy with last weeks effort that it took all my courage to post that photo on my blog. But, of course, I know that the development of an artist occurs only after putting paint on miles and miles of canvas. Some work will be better than others no doubt. This week, I am happier with my effort - especially the color in the models face. She had such beautiful skin. I am also happy that I did not try to be completely literal in my interpretation but allowed myself artistic freedom of thought and feeling as I painted her. I think that has to do with finally settling myself down and not caring about anything other than to take maximum advantage of the opportunity to paint her.