The Palmetto State

Spending the week in my native state of South Carolina, I'm working on a silver point drawing of a palmetto tree. I prepared the surface of the illustration board with acrylic gesso and tinted white gouache watercolor. It seems to be taking the silver well.

Studio Incamminati, here I come!

I was thrilled to find out recently that I won the drawing at the PSA conference for a free workshop at the acclaimed school. So, I'm headed to Philadelphia next week for Robin Frey's workshop on painting the figure in oil. I've been trying to do some quick color exercises to get ready.

Bessie

Here is a commissioned portrait drawing in progress. She originally had a coat on with a wild black and white pattern. Her family asked that I remove the pattern. It could work with this cape/shawl-like look, but I may try the collar. Such a lovely woman. The photo I am working from was taken on her 90th birthday.

OCAF promotion at Earthfare

Yesterday, I demonstrated with a cast drawing for Saturday shoppers at Earthfare. Along with the director and another teacher, we were working to increase awareness of the artistic opportunities in Athens and Watkinsville. Hopefully, we'll get a few new members and class sign ups from our efforts. I'll finish my drawing in the studio.

Summer art camp

This week was my art camp for teens at OCAF.  I gave students a taste of the still life, portraiture and landscape. It was fun challenge to try to introduce new concepts, while keeping the young artists entertained and their work reflecting their personal interests. Above the group is pictured with our collaborative landscape of the view out of the classroom window. We had done thumbnails outside before it got too hot!

Leslie

Over the weekend, a fellow artist allowed me to come over and draw her from life. I worked in graphite on Frankfurt Cream paper.  It was great practice! Thank you, Leslie.

PSA Summer Exhibition

I was pleased to find out recently that 'Rita,' 'Andrew,' and 'Michelle' were all juried into the Portrait Society of Atlanta's upcoming show at the Mable House in Mableton, GA.

Katherine

My young artist friend, Alyssa, who I have mentioned before in the blog, has graduated from high school and as a gift from her parents, I painted the portrait above. The model, Katherine, has the most magnificently colored eyes. They are so beautiful to see, but difficult for me to capture in paint! I may soften the lashes a little before I deliver the painting. They feel a little heavy over the light irises.

Wade Cooper and Foster

Awhile back, I went over to my cousins' house in SC.  I drew Foster and Wade Cooper while they watched their allotted half hour of tv before naptime and then took some photographs. Below is one of the very brief sketches I was able to get down while with them and above are the two drawings I completed once back in the studio.

Sock Vacation

The children's book I illustrated a few months ago is now in print and available for purchase. http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/sock-vacation/15658914