DSFDF Statue

This is the latest challenge from DSFDF. The challenge was to draw (paint if you must) the statue, full length just as it was in the photo. I chose to paint and draw with the ink to fit the challenge. (watercolor, ink 5x7 inches)

More Model Sessions

This one is from the model session this morning at the Associated Artists in Butler. 14x18inches/watercolor/1.5 hour

Went to a great model session at Double Door Gallery on Monday. Our model was really very good and I wish that I brought a camera so I could really capture her heavy eyelids and faraway look... My pencil sketches were quick, 5 minutes and the watercolors were 20 minutes (5x7) and 40 minutes(10x17). One of my students asked me, "why draw fast"? I think the more you practice the more the process become instinctual, so that you can focus on the detail if the main parts are there. I am sure there are many other reasons. I try not to overthink the process. I draw fast and practice so that I can spend more time painting. But if the drawing is wrong, the painting will be too. Fast and accurate.... I will post some of the sketches from the sessions later today.

Art for Shelter Animals Project

The Art for Shelter Animals project was something I wanted to do and I asked my studio class if they would like to participate. Well, it was YES they would! So I donated the time and materials to my students and had them do a watercolor, matted, of a shelter animal from the Butler County Humane Society. They did a great job! I am really proud of them! I will deliver the paintings and update the blog with what the shelter decides to do with the paintings. They have a fundraiser coming up so the timing couldn't be better. Go to Butler County Humane Society and Art for Shelter Animals to get more info. I painted the dog and cat above, 5x7 inches in an 8x10 mat.

UPDATE!!!!! The shelter was thrilled with the paintings. Thanks to all the great comments and it is good to know that we inspired many others to do the same in their areas. This project was contagious! The shelter chose to auction one of the paintings at the "Fur Ball" fundraiser this weekend and will hang the others in the shelter till November when they have their "Pawcasso" fund raiser. We will definately do this again next year!

ANOTHER UPDATE!!!!! The shelter ended up auctioning all but two of the paintings and they made $150 . The best part is that many of the paintings went to the staff and voluteers that had worked with some of the animals to get them adoptable. The were bought by other staff, directors... the gift that keeps giving....

Pastel Portrait

Update!!!
This is the painting in truer color and with the adjustments I made. Thanks for all the great tips on how to finish.

I have been working on this portrait in pastel. I find it helps if I photograph it and then look at it to see if I need to adjust anything. It helps me to decide if I am finished or not. I will look at it in the morning with fresh eyes and then decide.