Portrait of Edgar, The Hellion

Edgar

6" by 6"

Oil with a palette knife on canvas board
NFS

My friends Carol and Jim recently had to say goodbye to Edgar, their family's border collie. I painted this as a surprise for Jim's birthday and it was such a perfect subject to paint with the palette knife. Carol said "I know you're good and I'm pretty partial to the subject, but that's a beautiful portrait, His eyes are so alive, so wonderful" And Jim said "Wow-I am touched. You really captured the Hellion in all his cuteness. Thank you." Such wonderful compliments. I am hoping that this portrait will help fill a little bit of the void left by the loss of Eddie.

Working my way down Beacon Street

78 Beacon Street

36" x 12" x 2"

Oil with a palette knife on Ampersand Gessobord
SOLD

I painted this large painting while working at The Art Gallery at Patriot Place this past weekend. It really helps to pass the time to paint while working and the gallery visitors love to see an artist at work, especially the kids. So it's a win win.

I took a bunch of photos of these townhomes on Beacon Hill and the surrounding streets. I think this unusual size is perfect for capturing their majestic and historic feel. One visitor suggested that I start painting the buildings in Venice in this format too. I told her to send me photos so we'll see. Wouldn't that be fun!

Here is an in progress shot:

And a few chunky delicious closeups:

Where The Boys Are

Where The Boys Are

9" x 12" x .75"

Oil with a palette knife on cradled board
SOLD

A fun commission for my aunt of her grandkids on a dock near their lake house in Lawrence, Michigan. I just love the poses, especially young Betsy in the front-the only girl amongst a gaggle of boys. Her mother calls this pose "the future pole dancer." What a riot and such fun to paint this one.

I mentioned in the previous post about the orange underpainting that I have been using lately. I used it on this painting, but what was interesting is that I painted the skin tones first and while the colors looked right on my mixing palette, when I applied them to the toned board, it was difficult to judge the color due to the closeness of the tones. Interesting observation and something to keep in mind for future paintings. I meant to take a photo after that first stage and forgot-oh well. Two lessons learned!