What a joy this mornings portrait session was! Jeff was a perfectly composed model and somehow he neglected to bring his parrot, his dog and his pony to the studio! He, did, however, insist on wearing his heavy tortoise shell glasses - but no matter. Although I could not see his eyes and this session was so well attended that there was no hope of moving my easel, I feel that today was a success. I allowed my mind to fill with thoughts of Jeff and how they might translate into marks made upon the paper.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmKRgIGn3A74VWqSwC9O7xmorGnYoG0N1_uB6OpZQhpL9ZvAtIxm4FucglArIhM7d5Q8BNHlrVqHAcIYsuRffg6mjFEl78FL1iH54SXYvf_kLkJSRD8JbWvzQSMHVMLZJ6zx8oRm27yA2/s400/Reno+Portrait+Society+Jeff+Bidwell+18+Sept+2013+1.jpg) |
Jeff / graphite on cream paper / 24 x 18 |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAiV9lD5Psosi1FHKrSfD3OmJjPKJ0RDuli23UBY7deYFxB0FpA5Ed8FyfvjQHE2375IxJaycGES3yAXmSvv6EQcFk6FLwr5z_eawTWF-amDQnBgAeqxLum1Yu169jHWe6HY1re9yjJTZ/s400/Reno+Portrait+Society+Jeff+Bidwell+18+Sept+2013+2.jpg) |
Jeff / graphite and white charcoal on tan paper / 14 x 11 |
In a week filled with family dramas, I found time to dash off a quick portrait study on cardboard and to begin Ballerina painting # 31. Its been a while since a ballerina called to me and I was most definitely caught by surprise!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWseqGbsfKL53fsfX4jkQm8-RALfZHjkRGWNG2C_eoDyXWZlLu9OqUC2YhC4J0amwW5BDyW3m_cLhEUnuEPWY5LDyWU1xyf3BjLBatfBcRpl4FtmWIXqlU5faO9ijinppajeI0XNxjPuPS/s400/Whistler+ocardboard+1.jpg) |
James McNeill Whistler study / oil on cardboard / 12.5 x 12 |
I love this concept of her and can't wait to work on it again - however, tomorrow I am flying to Los Angeles to attend to some family matters so she will have to stay in her unfinished state a while longer.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJbS1cBu0hIhi4dQwTKew9muwdzYodakDnfsONUAYwQm9pYWMsPGznFrmRijUwOHvZgMSYJC0dd4uuSFyX89Mtf6bLbJ6y6J4AGLXsIBSL_wDg7l7Nxm6aY96iCHyOmPj9a2XqOQddyQo/s400/Ballerina+31+ol+24x18+1.jpg) |
Ballerina 31 start / oil on linen / 24 x 18 |
To keep myself grounded and occupied in quiet moments, I purchased a used copy of Ray McMullens definitive biography (written in 1984) of Edgar Degas to read and absorb - Degas: His Life, Times and Work.
I would also like to take a moment to thank everyone
that follows my blog, reads my thoughts and comments on my artistic endeavors. I value each person that takes a peak and each person that responds. You all leave deep impressions on my heart and I am so grateful to you all.