Ending the Year with a Challenge!

What better way than to spent the last day of 2014 painting portraits from life at the Reno Portrait Society - and what a challenging experience it was! We had 3 models - yes, three! - all posing together as a family portrait. This is the first time I have done a portrait of more than one person in a three hour sitting. Whew - it was so intense that at the end of the session I felt like I had run a marathon at top speed! I did not finish but this is what I achieved in the time allotted. I am pleased with all three likenesses and also feel that I was able to catch in paint something more than just images. Dad, Mr. William Shonnard is on the left with 17 year old son Warren in the foreground and  beautiful, sweet Genelle with her floppy gray hat in the back.

Shonnard Family / oil on canvas panel / 16 x 20

 Still in progress on my easel as 2014 draws to a close is a white polo pony - happy with it so far!

Untitled as of yet / 24 x 18 /  oil on linen panel

Wishing everyone a very joyful, creative  and fulfilling 2015!! 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Merry, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!

Wishing you a Magically Merry Christmas 

and a Happily Wondrous New Year!

And I want to thank everyone who has followed my blog and taken the time to write their thoughts and comments to me this past year. I appreciate the great support I receive from everyone and the close friendships made and nurtured online always amaze me. In thinking back, I find that I have relied more on these online relationships in the art community than ever before and greatly value all the connections I have made. A big, warm hug and a deeply heartfelt thanks are in order!

I do have some exciting year end news to share and will do so as soon after Christmas as I can. Until then, I hope everyone around the world can celebrate their special holidays in peace, happiness and goodwill toward all.

A Hidden Influence

A Hidden Influence / oil on linen panel / 18x24

Trying to infuse more vigor into my means of expressing...

Tis The Season ...

To be jolly and to wish for peace on earth and joy in the world! Once again Santa is in for a wild ride this year. I only hope he can tame this beast long before Christmas Eve!

Wishing you a Magically Merry Christmas and a Happily Wondrous New Year!