Emma
16" x 20" - not for sale
Happy 2008!!! Finally - For my loyal subscribers, please forgive me for not posting in such a long time. Since I had such a break, I wanted to surprise you with a "wow" painting - and something very different for me. This is Emma - our 2 1/2 year old granddaughter who lives in Kansas City. Maybe this helps explain one of our reasons to move here. She's a darling little girl! Of course I'm not at all prejudiced.
This is my first "portrait" and I'm pretty proud of it. I have a few little places that still aren't "quite right" - but I'm also afraid of overdoing it. This painting was started in a figure/portrait workshop at Artichokes - the great gallery/art classes place I've spoken of before. I've always been apprehensive about doing figures but decided it was time to make that stretch and try it. I will admit that this painting took longer to do than anything else I've ever done. Sometimes I used a teensie tiny brush that came with a kit - something I thought I'd NEVER have any use for. This is done in oils - very good medium for the detailed work, especially because you can scrape it off and redo when you need to - and I needed to do that a lot in her little face! At one point, I thought I had it done - but she came to visit and I realized the color of the face was totally wrong!!! SO - off it came - and that was painful. She's a cutie in real life - I hope I've captured that in this painting. I took this photo of the painting late in the day - not the best lighting. When I think I'm "finished" I'll try to get a better photo and post it again.
Speaking of Artichokes, my art is now in their gallery. Exciting! I'll be one of the featured artists in a show starting in August, but they will represent my art on a full time basis. You can check them out at Artichokeskc.com
We have 3 other beautiful grandchildren. I'll get to practice a lot on this portrait thing. It's a challenging new direction for me and I think I'm going to enjoy the "stretch."
It's good to be back at the blog. I hope you all have a beautiful 2008!!
I work with Emma's mom and the portrait of Emma is great! I am very impressed with all of your work. Keep sharing your awesome talent.
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Thanks, Tami! I hear from Kristi that you're following my blog and I really appreciate it. Emma's a cutie, isn't she!
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Congratulations on trying something new! How awesome to try something new with so much personal meaning!
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Thanks, Terri! Yes - it does have personal meaning. I NEVER thought I'd be brave enough to do a portrait - so unlike my very loose paintings. But I actually enjoyed it. "Never say never . . . ." Send photos of your work! Would love to see what you're doing now.
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Claudia, this is just great. Emma is adorable and you certainly captured personality in this portrait. Still miss you here in Bakersfield. Keep up the great work.
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Thanks, Sharon. I miss so many people in Bakersfield, but seeing Emma and other family members has been the trade-off. She's a cutie! Hope you're loving your new home!!
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Loved it!!! & most of all you still added that Claudia touch & playfulness that is always in your art
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Thanks, Tracy. That means a lot. I loved the paintings you sent to me - need to go look at them again and send comments, but they're also lively and spirited, just like you!!!
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Hi Claudia,
The portrait of Emma is wonderful! I am happy to see that you are branching out in so many ways. It's about time I visited your blog, huh? Miss you guys a lot.
J
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Thanks, Joanne! That little Emma painting was quite a challenge and a great learning experience! Gotta push yourself. Miss you guys, too!!
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