Anenome

4.5 x 6 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2009.


A larger mermaid portrait, the blue haired and beautiful Anenome.

San Francisco Pacific Palisades DSDF 21-22 and an Award

"Pink Yellow Blue and Black" about 5x7 watercolor on paper

Another impressive challenge from Karin Jurick at Different Strokes by Different Folks. This was a daunting challenge for me. Straight lines and I usually don't get along well lol However when I was 10 minutes into the drawing, I realize that it was going to be a really good project to undertake because it's an opportunity for an excellent refresher study on basic shapes! Good grief, I was feeling sorry for the builders as their challenge was far bigger than mine! I was able to start over halfway through my drawing because that's when I realized the tops of the cone roofs (I bet there's an official name for those lol), were not going to fit and that's just not acceptable! Part of the reason why I took so long to make up my mind about painting this was that I was drooling over painting the molds and cool shapes in oils! But I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if I were to paint it smaller than 11x14. I might still do it at some point, don't be surprised! Also, I try not to see what other people do with their DSDF challenge when I can help it so I can focus on my approach. As usual this challenged attracted a wonderful variety!

Pretty in Red! - Carino in rosso!

Watercolor 13 x 10 inches on 180 lbs Favini Torchon Paper, painted with Winsor & Newton artist's paints.

This is an old (1970 circa) Italian telephone, most of our homes had it in turtle-dove color or in black, but I can hardly remember that there were also in pomegranate and dark-green.

Forgive the pink background, the paper is bigger than my scanner and the edge of the sheet takes the shadow of the paint below (which is obviously white)

I'm not sure if this is the last version of this paint, I need to add something, but I'll come back on it later.

The Angel's Tears

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2009.

An angel sheds tears for the sorrows of the world.

Evangeline

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2009.

Another mermaid, Evangeline gazes at the shoreline, wondering how it would feel to walk on the land.

Phaedra

4 x 6 inches, watercolor and gouache, 2009.

The beautiful Phaedra was inspired by the Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood song "Some Velvet Morning". The exact meaning of the song is a little obscure but to me the male character in the song has been seduced by the magical Phaedra and has fallen under her spell.

Figure Painting

Patty, 24 x 18. Painting from Life
Hillary's Blog
Hillary's Web Site

Figure Study

Jana Reclining, Watercolor, 18 x 24
Hillary's Blog
Hillary's Web Site

"Sittin' Pretty" ACEO Little Girl in Victorian Garb.

This is a little girl, dressed up in Victorian costuming.
She is part of a local historical town's re-enactment society.
She was totally adorable. I want to do a large painting, but settled on an ACEO - which is 2.5x3.5".

I have her listed on eBay. But only for 3 days.
She took hours to do. There is much more detail than shows in the scan.
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/artistjillian

~Jillian

Lulu

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2009.

Lulu - the femme fatale, the dancing girl, the thief of hearts!

Aqua

ACEO, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolor and gouache, 2009.

Aqua sits underwater, her green hair flowing, as she searches for shipwrecks and treasure.

Underwood # 5

This is the first after a long time:

Watercolor on Favini 180lbs artist paper painted with Winsor & Newton artist's paints. 13 x 10 inches.

This is a typewriter, the glorius Underwood model Number 5, a museum piece and one of the most appreciated ever.

I love those old objects that also if not very easy to use bring back memories and feelings.

The Romanov Children Study

8 x 10 inches, watercolor and gouache, sketchbook, 2009.

This is a rough sketch for a commission i am working on. It's a portrait of the Romanov children who were murdered at the start of the Russian revolution. The reference image is black and white but the finished painting will be in colour so this sketch is a colour test as well as compositional - I have moved Alexei to a central position whereas in the original photo he is on the far right. I didn't worry too much about likeness as that will be more important in the final painting.

Telemachus

2.5 x 2.5 inches, watercolor and gouache, 2009.

In mythology Telemachus is the son of Odysseus and Penelope. His father missing after fighting in the Trojan war, he goes in search of him and along the way becomes a man and hears stories of his father's exploits.

42

8 x 11 inches, watercolour, 2009.

Another self-portrait for the EBSQ Self portrait show and WNW January Challenge, and also a companion piece to "22", my previous self-portrait of myself aged 22. This portrait is intended to show not only how I have aged over the 20 years but also how I see myself as a happier and more relaxed and contented person.

In the works

Gradually growing into larger work, this one is 12 x 16 (in progress) and will be matted at 11 x 15, give or take. Need to decide on a background and I'm not sure how dark I want to go. I like a mid value background so I can play with a cast shadow but a deep color would surely make the white orchids pop!


If you have an opinion, comment and share it. I'd love to hear your ideas.


Did you ever wish you'd stopped sooner? I do...


This isn't exactly what I had in mind. The dark really washed out the colorful whites and made the whole thing flat. What a great learning experience.

Portrait Study

9 x 9. Another one from the sketchbook.

The Marquis

2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2009.

A dark and handsome aristocrat.

Magnolia Pod Study

9 x 9 Watercolor Study

Freckle

2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2009.

This faerie, Freckle, might look innocent with her big blue eyes and freckled nose, but beware, she is a whole heap of mischief!

Bummed, Blond and Br*less

4x6 Sepia Self portrait in response to a challenge in WNW watercolor group.

I was a bit younger (3 or 4) and coming off a serious crying session. Looking totally bummed, very blond and brow-less.

Antinous

2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolor and gouache, 2009.

In mythology, Antinous is one of the suitors of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, while he is away fighting in the Trojan war. He returns disguised as a beggar to find Penelope has been faithful and kills Antinous. In David Gemmell's novel based on the Troy legend he has made Antinous a pirate captain who has invaded Ithaka and taken Penelope captive to avenge his father's death at Odysseus' hands. Odysseus arrives in disguise to rescue her and kill Antinous.

The Wild Girl

2.5 x 3.5 inches, watercolour and gouache, 2009.

A child of the forest, untamed and wild.

Orange Study

Large Orange, Watercolor, 9 x 9

Another quick study with no preliminary drawing.