Mary Jo

Mary Jo   oil on canvas   20 x 16 x 1.5

is a portrait done as a demonstration at Cuyahoga Valley Art Center.  Mary Jo is a vibrant and enlightened artist from our watercolor class.  I would guess that 90% of the work on this was done that evening...the strokes were accurate (!  always happy when that happens)  Some fine tuning, smoothing, and detail work was added later.

I am pleased with the degree of rendering and completeness as well as the color palette.  I feel that it is a good likeness.  This image was sent to her upon completion and she replied that it had the look of a watercolor.

I am also very very pleased when a work has the feel of both of these disparate mediums....as I feel that each one informs the other.  I am thrilled by the possibilities of each.

Honeydew

Honeydew   oil on canvas   9 x 12 x .5

melon was the subject...a new variety...with bright yellow skin...and every bit as delicious.  The pocket of seeds and membrane in the center was extremely important as I tried to replicate the rhythm of their placement, as well as the darks and lights, without too much detail, without describing each and every seed.  The background ratio was greatly reduced in order to bring the melon up close and personal.

The seed problem was handled to my satisfaction, and the color harmony pleased me as well.

Rest Notes

There is the music score...and then there are the spaces between the notes, the counter spaces, that define the piece every bit as much.  That which is played...and that which is not. 

We were recently treated to a visit from our California dear ones.  As we wanted to make this visit extra special, we participated in so many varied activities.  Our grandson is only six, so we also varied the tempo of our daily doings to include some rest time....mostly to watch shows or movies.  To me, this down time is invaluable.  I enjoyed this down time by opening my book and observing my loved ones as they relax....a pleasure. As we don't see them as often, my sketchbook acts as a bit of a diary, a photo album, of this special time. 

Truly my pleasure.