Sylvia, 12x12

Sylvia, 12x12" Pastel on sanded paper

The Portland Plein air & Studio Painters' group has a couple of winter projects underway to keep our skills up during the colder months. One in particular, the Portrait Challenge, is a fun one because each participant is paired with another willing artist to act as the model. This is Sylvia, my partner, in all her glorious color! We met a couple of weeks ago at a Starbucks coffee and sketched each other and talked about art for nearly 3 hours. This is what I have so far and I hope she is not offended by the garrish color! I realize that the monitor is nowhere close to realistic color, so hang with me on this one! As you look at it, squint your eyes to help mix the colors. That bright orange somehow changes to a flesh color when you simplify your vision. Try it!

Self Portrait 16x12

Well, now that you know a little about myself from the Tag post below, I thought I'd post a self portrait I've been working on so you can see the outside of me....my shell. Actually, this is a project started by the Portland Plein Air & Studio Painters for the cooler months. Just to keep us working, the group decides on a project and then we have a group show. Here is my attempt for tonight. Painted ala Kitty Wallis style after attending a portrait demonstration by Kitty last month. I'm showing the stages of this piece. A bit too colorful for you? A bit too serious for you? I hope not! Painted from a mirror placed beside my easel. This is how I look when I am concentrating on my work.