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This portrait commission is especially fun to do.  Grandma and Grandpa commissioned a portrait of their first grandson, Brennan, a couple of years ago.  Liam is grandson #2...and again is a Christmas present for their Son and his wife.  I understand there is a third on the way...expected yet this year!

The first photo reference (above) is the one we decided on.  I flipped it...so the two boys would be looking at each other.  In fact, my idea is to hang the portrait of Liam to the left and a bit below Brennan. He would then appear to be looking up at his older brother.

Below are the two additional photos I'm using for reference and a couple of WIP photos.  The latter are not the best...the lighting is a bit off and I didn't spend a lot of time color correcting.  

	WIP Photo #1. You can see here that I started as usual on the left as I am right handed.  This helps to keep my hands out of my work. I always start on the eyes first.  If I can't get the eyes all is lost.  The shadowing on Liam's face has been done with a Chamois and paint brush.   The darks on the eyes were applied directly to the paper with the pencil. (what else but Carbon Pencil!)
	WIP Photo #2 Well, things are beginning to look up..no pun intended.  The eyes are done, except for tweaking and the shadows are beginning to develop the shape of Liam's face. The open mouth was a bit of a challenge..still some work to be done here. The hair and background are next.  Liam's hair is a medium  blond or light brown.  Even though I am a hairdresser...drawing hair is always a challenge.  An then

OK...it's back to the drawing board.  Wanted to take a few min to share the progress with you and of course with Grandma and Grandpa.  I will post again as the drawing progresses. 

As usual, I'm open to your comments.

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Galatians 3:26
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,
Galatians 3:25-27 (in Context)

Opening Night...David Strawn Art Gallery

Saturday November 6, 2010

The photo above isn't even a third of the people who came to my opening night at the David Strawn Art Gallery.  There were so many familiar faces...some I had not seen in years.  The evening was very humbling and exhilarating, all at the same time.  There were two main gallery rooms and an entrance hall.  The walls were filled with my Paintings and Drawings and the rooms were filled with people. 

I gave a 'gallery talk' and my niece took the photos below...I never realized that I was this animated when I spoke, but my daughter was quick to chime in with "You certainly are..this is exactly how you talk".  So much for what I perceived as the 'professional me'!

I wanted to show you the beautiful hors d'oeuvres table set up by Nick and Jeanie Xamis but couldn't get a clear photo for all the people in the room.  Nick and Jeanie prepared an array of Greek delicacies for the evenings enjoyment.  Everything from beautiful chocolates to savory quiche and meats.

To top the evening off with the perfect atmosphere there was music.  I'm not certain of the instrument shown here but it played the most lovely tone and the song selections were perfect.  My great niece is shown here trying her hand at 'making music'.

Earlier they had been singing 'Itsy Bitsy Spider' and she was doing the animations.   You can see a few of my portraits hanging on the wall in the background.

I wouldn't have changed a thing about the evening. I was surrounded by friends and my family. I met so many lovely new people and reconnected with others.  I sold several pieces that night.  The exhibit will hang until the end of November.  Who could ask for more!

On a final note:  My art career did not start until later in life and I want to say a special thank you to all those who have encouraged me along the way, (even those of you who 'gently' pushed me).  You know who you are so no need to mention names:)  Please know what a blessing you have been and how much I appreciate you.

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Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love  your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:10-12 (in Context)