Spunky Grandaughter

Student Amelia seems pretty comfortable interpreting photos to portraits.

and another

Beautiful Cosmos

Delightful Lindsay came all the way from Switzerland to learn to paint this piece using her own photoshopped photo of her favorite flower the Cosmos. The depth of field in her photo displayed a interesting out of focus background supporting a sharp focus floral. I remember long ago taking watercolor classes from Robert E Wood that he would say.... go for in and out of focus to create interest. He was right!! I can't wait to see the finished result.

My Sweet Jenn Got Married!

I have a niece that should be my daughter but my sister (Jenns mother) disagrees. Jenns beautiful wedding took place Saturday! It was nothing short of spectacular! I tried to keep up with the younger crowds dancing fever. Needless to say but I will... my feet hurt!

and ofcourse we (Mom, Auntie Sheri) dressed up the little man Max . HE rocked out to some great DJ music with much 'older women (age 6)

A Day With Mickey

Grandson Max (age 3 1/2) came to visit and go to Disneyland to see Mickey. Too fun! Not shown is what followed... a fist bump with Mickey as Max kissed Mickey's nose.

Ofcourse, we had to go next door to Minnies house where Max seemed to gush as he posed with Sissy and cousin Morgan. He likes girls already!

Students Handsome Niece and Nephew

"Nope"... this isn't the reference photo but the painted portrait work of student Andrea Imondi of Helendale, Ca. Andrea has a discreet eye for detail which is what ultimately made this piece so successful. Putting a dark background behind these bright faces made them extra important within the overall image. Andrea also took 'artist liberties' by altering the color and value of her nephews pullover which was in reality a lighter value grey. The dark blue color and value better balance next to his sisters green mid value jacket... but she held the upper edges which somewhat frame his face pretty much the same as the original and that worked to his benefit as well. I am constantly encouraging students to change colors, values, etc if it makes the end result image more engaging. YEAH Andrea!!!

Pretty Daughter

Jan Holzbauer of Jennings Oklahoma came to play in a very big way. Jan recently graduated with an arts degree and wrote and received a grant to come to this retreat. WAY TO GO! What a delightful lady Jan is. It was selfishly wonderful for me to have time with someone from my home state. This is a great portrait of Jan's recently married daughter.

My Little Chickadee!

I'll be showing several examples of student work at my retreat. I'll begin with this very detailed piece. I wish it were mine to own, but this phenomenal piece is by Peggy Ancinec of Carlsbad, Ca. Peggy has been a colored pencil artist for some time and is now incorporating ink with pencil. She may be the first and only. It seems better than a good mix by this example. This work is an interpretation of her hubby's photograph of this beautiful little chickadee. KUDOs Peggy!!

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Double click on photo for a closeup.