Kingston

I've been a busy Santa's helper lately, working on pieces for Christmas. Here is a sneak peak! This 5"x7"watercolor dog portrait has already been gifted. I'll post the others after the holiday, so I don't spoil any surprises!

Persimmons

Putting the final touches on these plump little persimmons. This 5"x5" still life has proven to be such fun. I find that I treat each object I paint with as much care as I would one of the faces in my portraits. It is just a different portrayal of character.

Sewanee prints

Prints are now available from Leah's original pen and watercolor painting of All Saints' Chapel's rose window.  Each 6"x 6" print is on the finest quality paper and is numbered and signed.  This sizing allows for them to be a good fit on a desktop as well as a special nook in your home.  Prints will arrive mounted and protected, suitable for gifting and allowing for personalization in framing. Use the PayPal link below to purchase prints at $45 each + s/h or send a check to Leah Mantini, 6526 Wright Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30328. Please email info@leahmantini.com to inquire about purchasing an original.
www.leahmantini.com

Quantity

1 print $45.00 USD 2 prints $90.00 USD 3 prints $135.00 USD

Weekend Workshop

 What a fun workshop I was able to teach with hardworking students and fantastic models. Everyone on both sides of the easel gave it their all. I started things off with a demonstration Friday night and then Saturday and Sunday students did a number of studies and finished pieces. 

Athens Portrait Artists Reception

             It was a wonderful turn out and showing of support at the opening. Thank you!

Clarabelle

Recently completed, 11"x14" oil portrait of my fantastic web designer's sweet Clarabelle. She came home with them from Athens Canine Rescue, who's site was also designed by Janice.

Tulipwood Lane

This is a pen and watercolor sketch of my home away from home when in Athens, teaching at my dear friend and fellow artist's house. Every time I return to this technique, I am reminded of how much fun it is to be able to render, light, color and form so efficiently with these materials.

Beach Baby

Although fall has arrived, summer memories are still fresh. This precious ruffled one was picture perfect. The painting was done in oil, 8"x10".

Athens Academy Portrait Show

Come one, come all! Looking forward to exhibiting my portraits alongside some other talented Athens  artists.  Click here for help with Directions Hope to see you there.

Family Photograph

This recently completed painting is 24"x 36"and it's subject matter is particularly meaningful for the commissioners, the Branch family. My reference photograph was one taken in the 1920s. Pictured are Mr. Branch's, great grandfather, father and uncle fishing on a Florida marsh. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to preserve the image for them and bring color to it.

Laura

So enjoyed doing this drawing of my niece, Laura. I experimented with watercolor, charcoal and chalk used in combination. It is 11"x14".

Robert at Studio Incamminati

                     


















Recently, I spent three days in Philadelphia exploring ink and watercolor drawing with Robert Liberace. We did a variety of quick and long poses, using brush and quill. Having not used these media in awhile, it was wonderful practice to refamiliarize myself with washes and hatching. I am now incorporating these techniques into my daily practice.

'Identity Thief' Portraits

A few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to paint portraits that were part of the set of a movie being filmed in Atlanta. It was a fun experience, but it had quite a deadline with 7 days to do two 24"x30" portraits. Whew!
Posted are the completed portraits. Look for a glimpse of the paintings in theaters opening February 8, 2013. The title is 'Identity Thief' and stars Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy.

My Muse

I just finished this 30"x40" painting of Carlo. I think this is my last of him for awhile, but it's hard to stop. You couldn't ask for a face that wants to be painted more! I've had such fun with him.  

Scottsdale

I recently returned from Robert Liberace's workshop at the Scottsdale Art School.  It was an invaluable experience per usual in Rob's classroom, but the school itself is quite impressive as well. The high caliber of teachers they attract is really something. We started off the week drawing and moved into painting mid-week. Below are a few images of my work, mostly in progress, because all my materials and work are still being shipped back to Georgia. I'll post final versions when they arrive.

             

After a hard day's work/fun, we did find some time to get out and explore the outdoors. Pictured are Robert, Kym, and me headed up Camelback mountain to watch the sunset. 

Kassie

Here is a small study, 5"x7", where I tested how much red I could put into the painting.  It's framed in a cool greenish black frame, so it helps to balance all the warmth in the portrait.

Carlo with his flowers

When I first saw Carlo at the farmer's market, a number of possibilities for paintings and drawings came to mind and I continue to pursue them. I am enjoying the continuity of the subject while finding ways to present him in a new light. Zinnias are what I came home with most from his stand and they provided a wonderfully colorful backdrop to set Carlo against. The painting became as much a still life as a portrait.

Katherine

I enjoyed using the black pencil on the warm toned paper at our model session Tuesday evening. Katherine was agreeable to enduring a standing pose for us, which was a treat. I liked the vantage point sitting below her perched on the model stand. 

Beatrice and Clementine

Here are my preliminary drawings of these two sisters in which I'm studying the values before jumping into color with their oil portraits. Look for Clementine's painting later this week!

"How to Rock"

 I have to share my talented friend, Meg Haston's latest release. Over the holidays, I finally found time to finish the wonderful read and just couldn't be more proud of her. I was also honored to have a hand in the book with my illustration. Check out page 132! From what I hear, Meg's hard at work on the second book in the series and you can even check out the show on Nickelodeon in the meantime.

Portrait Intensive

This past weekend I held a workshop with wonderful students, models and inspiration all around. We had a great time. Above is my painted sketch of Nicole and the group hard at work is pictured below.

Georgia Women's Show

Happy New Year! My hiatus in posting has not been indicative of my work ethic in the studio. I promise! However, I am newly resolved to regularly update 'Painted Lately' to keep those interested informed and keep myself accountable in reporting to my easel daily.

This morning, I braved thunderstorms and Atlanta traffic to deliver 'Carlo' to be shown in the Virginia Avery Memorial 3rd Biennial "Reflections" Exhibition, celebrating Georgia Women Artists and sponsored by the National League of American Pen Women, Atlanta Branch. That's quite a title, isn't it?

If you are in the area, the juried exhibition runs January 21st - March 1st and is being held at Mable House Arts Center