Never Stop Learning

After about two weeks of daily struggle and disappointment with nearly a dozen wipe off paintings,  I finally let this one stay on the canvas. I don't know what my problem has been. Perhaps lack of inspiration as the hot days of summers end lay heavily upon us and seem to sap both strength and creativity. Or just one of those cycles where the paint brush and the mind of the artist are not in sync. I have found that the best way to get through these down times is not to obsess too much but to just keep on painting. My experience is that eventually you will break through. And so I am hoping this odd little portrait will be my first step on the road back.

HG Wells / oil on chipboard / 12 x 12

 I also treated myself to an hour or so inside Barnes & Noble - still a favorite place - and picked up this little gem of an art book.

I have only just begun to go through it but am discovering that, after a brief introduction, there are lessons and philosophical meandering by many of the instructors at the Art Students League of NY. Each lesson is unique, thoughtful and quite practical. I am thoroughly enjoying this book!

Life Portrait

Warren Ronsheimer / oil on canvas / 14x11

Another Wednesday morning life session - this portrait has it all - big glasses, a well trimmed beard, a colorful jacket, good light and shadow! I was a happy camper!

Enough is Enough

Frank / oil on linen panel / 12 x 12

I have had enough of this slump and all the negative effects it was having on me. Determined to rid myself of these evil demons, I have practically locked myself in my studio for the last three days and painted nonstop. As Frank was such a great model in our life sessions, I attempted a portrait of him - this is my third attempt and I am finally pleased. Its not about liking the outcome - its more about the feeling of the paintbrush on the canvas and the movement of the paint. It began to feel familiar again. I don't know if I am out of my slump or not - only time will tell but I am feeling better today than I have in weeks.

Being part of this online artist community is such a wonderful experience - I received so much support, understanding and sugggestions and all of it helped me get through this. A special thanks to Suzanne Berry for her very caring personal concern and to Sandra Busby for her suggestion to read  Art Bytes about the slumps other artists have had and their suggestions for getting through. I am so touched by all of your comments and the fact that so many wonderful artists have persisted in following my blog even though I have been lagging in postings lately. A warm heartfelt thanks to you all!

Profile Portrait

A profile portrait done this afternoon. Experimenting with a very limited palette, dark skin tones, and lots of other stuff that is swirling around in my mind as I paint. It looks like the beginning of this new year is going to be a time of stretching myself and trying new things. Oil on canvas 14x11.

Odd Couple

A small alla prima double portrait. 11x14 oil on canvas. Done from a  photo I had taken a while ago taken in a restaurant.

Mr. Lincoln

After seeing a flurry of Lincoln portraits on artists blogs I thought I might give it a try also. First the oil stetch value study, then the final with color added. 12x12 oil on canvas. I love doing portraits and to try and paint such an icon, a face familiar across the world - well, it was certainly a daunting challenge and it was also great fun!