Anne Irwin Fine Art Show

With our upcoming move to Atlanta, I was excited to be asked to exhibit my paintings in Anne Irwin Fine Art's Emerging Artist Show later this summer. If you aren't familiar with their gallery, check them out. Here's to adventures in art in our new city!

Making the portrait process FUN

What a wonderful gift it is when a photo shoot for a portrait goes smoothly and on top of that everyone involved has fun! The precious family I worked with last night was able to find a great balance between silliness and amazing cooperation. All together, it equaled some sweet genuine smiles and great photographs to use as references for the paintings. 

New Series

These paintings come from a series I have begun as an aside to my portrait commission work. I have found that placing less emphasis on the subject's likeness, in this new body of work, has been refreshing  and allowed me to embrace the color, lighting and design of my painting all the more. Regularly, I will paint a still life or landscape in between portraits to stretch myself as an artist, as well as my focus. Hopefully, these paintings act similarly to strengthen my work as a whole, but also keep the figure, even if it is serving a different role, present in the painting.

Figure workshop

I recently enjoyed studying the figure with a wonderful group of students at OCAF. We had a variety of long and short poses given to us by two of my most talented models. What a treat. My examples posted show two different drawing approaches that depend on the length of the pose. 

PSA's International Portrait Competition

I am elated to announce that 'Carlo', 30"x40", oil has received a Certificate of Excellence from the Portrait Society of America in their 15th Annual International Portrait Competition. Looking forward to seeing the other entries and finalists in Atlanta at the annual conference April 25-28, 2013.

Planning stages

This is my 6"x6" value study in graphite for my next portrait. Although color will be one of the most important aspects of the coming painting, having a strong understanding of the effect I want the underlying values to have is even more crucial. Hence the planning!

PSA Members Only Competition

Many thanks to the Portrait Society of America for giving my self portrait one of their honorable mention awards in their recent Members Only Competition. 

Self-portrait, 4"x4", oil on copper

Christmas projects

Here are a few of the pieces I completed for Christmas gift giving. I enjoyed helping folks have something special to give to loved ones for the holidays.