"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Jaimie and an Art Show

Jaimie / 16x12, oil on canvas panel
 These past two weeks have produced lots and lots of starts for me and very few finished studies. I have been quite unhappy with the way I have been painting and so have wiped off miles and miles of canvas. I was feeling rather down about myself and almost decided not to go to the weekly portrait session this morning. But I set my alarm and forced myself to go, and, of course, had a wonderful time. In the car on the way to the studio, I talked myself into just relaxing and not thinking too much and, thankfully, it seemed to work. Our model was the lovely and serene Jaimie. She is a local college student and has experience modeling for photographers. I can see why! She was so beautiful, held her pose perfectly  and wore a garland of flowers in her hair!

Jaimie and her portrait in progress
 Reno is famous for the month of July being "Art Town" with numerous art related events celebrated throughout the month. As part of the festivities, the Reno Portrait Society is holding a show a of portraits painted by members. The subjects are all models who work at the Reno Food Co-op and that have posed for us over the course of the past year or so. There are so many wonderful portrait artists in this group so I was absolutely astounded to have 5 portraits juried in. Here they are, all framed and ready to go.
Juried selection for Art Town portrait show
The show is going to be held in the gallery space of the First United Methodist Church. It is the oldest church in Reno, being built in 1870 by Methodist missionaries. It was a meeting place for travelers on their way to California to join the Gold Rush - that was before silver was discovered on the Comstock and Reno became a destination in its own right.

First United Methodist Church at corner of First and Sierra Streets - its much more beautiful that the photo depicts.

32 comments:

  1. Congradulations, Susan - not one or two, but five fabulous portraits juried in to the show!!! I wish I could see them in person.
    Kathryn

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    1. Thanks, Kathryn - this is a first for me - exhibiting paintings (3 of the 5) that were done alla prima from life.

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  2. Congratulations and good luck Susan !
    Jaimis's portrait is lovely...
    It is not easy to paint and paint and not obtaining ggod results... so... your Jaimie's portrait most be good for the spirit !

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    1. I was surprised at how easily it flowed. I was happy with the likeness and the skin tones just fell into place. It surprised me!

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  3. You painted Jaimie so beautifully, Susan! The garland of flowers in her hair really finished this piece perfectly! Congratulations on the exhibit...I WISH I could go !!!!

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    1. The garland was fun - and helped break up the dark expanse of her hair beautifully. Thanks for your congratulations on the show - I wish you could see it too!

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  4. Bonjour ma chère Susan,
    Je suis heureuse de te revoir et d'admirer à nouveau tes sublime peintures.
    Cette charmante Jaimie a réussi à te dire encore, encore et encore !... Et franchement quel merveilleux portrait !
    Je comprends aisément que cinq de ses petits frères aient été sélectionnés. Mes sincères félicitations... Le lieu me semble magique... Il est extraordinaire, l'architecture des maisons qui l'entoure semble tellement marginal !

    Pour en revenir à Jaimie et de son portrait, j'aime sa guirlande de fleurs... Elle apporte une belle note de romantisme et de douceur.

    Gros bisous ✺ ♡ ✺

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    1. The old church is now surrounded by more modern high rise buildings. However, across the street on the other side it is only steps from a lovely park that runs along the Truckee River - the church is caught in the middle of two worlds! I have not seen the gallery space yet - I hope it is nice. And many thanks for your nice comments regarding Jaimie's portrait.

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  5. You knock my socks off - your paintings are marvelous and you are so humble about it. Jamie is another winner.
    Thanks for sharing about the wipers. I get periods like that and it's hard to know the work will get decent again.
    Congrats on so many being accepted. A wonderful achievement

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    1. You make me happy, Julie - thank you! I think painting Jaimie's portrait gave me that little boost I needed to stop struggling and begin enjoying myself again.

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  6. Oh my gosh!!! I love this portrait to death!
    Thank you so much for painting such a nice rendition of me. If I ever get enough money together, I will try to buy it off of you. :)
    It was lovely meeting you, and I adore your style. I hope I can be half as good as you one day!

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    1. Hi, Jaimie - and thank you for taking the time to comment so enthusiastically on your painting. That has to be a first for me - the model posting a comment! I greatly appreciate it and am so happy that you like the portrait. You are a wonderful model and I thoroughly enjoyed painting you. And I thank you because I believe that painting your portrait helped to break me out of the little slump I was going through - many thanks! :)

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  7. I am so glad you made yourself go - I mean, look at what you wouldn't have produced had you have stayed at home! We seem to all go through these darker phases and it's hard to pep ourselves up when our confidence levels sink. I can imagine that being juried in to a show would be a very effective cure!! Congratulations!! :0)

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    1. I have set a goal for myself to paint as often as I can, and I know I would have regretted giving up a chance to paint from life. I am glad I went too!

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  8. What a wonderful resemblance of Jaimie! Very nice portrait. I hope it restored your confidence! It should.

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    1. I know it helped - I feel myself painting more boldly since. O' happy day!

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  9. Hi Susan.
    You have done a brilliant job of Jaimie Susan. Fantastic actually. All the best Susan.
    Vic.

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    1. I am happy with the resemblance - and really happy that the model likes it so much!

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  10. Oh yeah... I know about those frustrating false starts and wipe-offs. My sympathies to you. "Mama said there'd be days like this."

    Jamie's portrait is wonderful though, and congrats on the show!

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    1. LOL - Mama certainly did warn me! I have learned not to take these down times too seriously - just try and get through them when they happen.

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  11. Looks like the universe contradicts your "down about yourself" mood and sends great encouraging sign. I am so glad to read about exhibition.
    Church is so beautiful.
    I am glad you are back.

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    1. Many thanks, Irina - your support continues to inspire me and push me onward!

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  12. Prachtig portret Susan !
    De geselecteerde portretten zullen zeker veel succes hebben op de show !!
    groetjes,
    Simonne

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    1. Thank you so much. I hope the show is a success.

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  13. Your portraits are all gorgeous and with lots of character , and then they also have your special touch that is so recognizable ! You certainly deserved to have all these paintings accepted in the show !

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    1. Your generous comment warms my heart. Thank you Jane.

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  14. Your style is so beautiful, I love this portrait! And you so deserve to have these five paintings selected, congratulations!

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    1. What a nice comment - thank you so much, Judy!

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  15. the portraits look fabulous Susan!

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    1. Thanks, Gina - it should be a nice show. I can't wait to see it myself!

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  16. Yes they do and congratulations from me too. I love the featured portrait. You are all over it. Spectacular bounce back.

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    1. Thanks, Linda! Degas once said "A painting requires a little mystery, some vagueness, some fantasy. Even working form life, you must compose."

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!