This past Monday, March 9th marked exactly two years since I began my career as an artist, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to look back at my progress thus far. I am so thankful for the support and encouragement of my husband Brian, who also happens to be a very good model. Over the past two years, I have drawn/painted Brian in various techniques and media. Here I have posted a series of portraits of Brian, starting with quick sketch from 2006 and ending with a snapshot of an oil portrait I just finished.
pencil on paper, 2006
pencil on paper, 2006
colored pencil and water-soluble pastel on sanded board, 2008
pastel on sanded paper, 2009
oil on canvas, 2009
18 comments:
Wow. The oil panting just pops! Dang, Holly, how much better can you get?
Holly, you have made serious progress in a very short time. Your work is at the highest level in any medium you choose to work with. I'm very impressed with the oil portrait. Beautiful work! Will oil become your new favorite?
Thank you, Elizabeth and Gary! I do like oil a lot; my biggest complaint is that I can't seem to figure out when to stop painting. I could have gone on for several more days, but I have other projects to work on, so I called this one done. I do still like pastel and colored pencil for certain subjects, but I think you're right, Gary - oil is my favorite!
The oil portrait of Brian is just gorgeous, Holly. It's amazing how much your work has improved over a short period of time. I also notice that Brian's look has also become more intense. A look that one achieves through time and experience.
Holly, your work is an inspiration, whatever the medium.
Happy anniversary!
Amazing, Holly. I could sit and look at these for hours. The oil painting is the best...love the shadows and your husband's intense expression. Happy Anniversary to you!
Holly, you are so accomplished in all mediums. I always look forward to seeing new work of yours and you never fail to amaze me.
Holly, what a progression! Congratulations on your two year aniversary as an artist. You have a knack to master any medium you try. The oil of Brian is gorgeous. Here's to many more years!
Beautiful progression, Holly! I have to agree with everyone about you being at your best no matter what the medium. Congratulations on your anniversary and here's to many, many more years!
Love this retrospective of Brian! Your work is masterful no matter what the medium. Here's to many years of success in your art career.
Thank you all so much for your comments!
Happy Anniversary Holly! Congratulations on all of your achievements over the past two years and cheers to Brian who is willing to be a model - over and over again!! :-)
Happy anniversary and congratulations. You have progressed and your husband is very handsome. Well done.
Hi Holly,
I stopped here via blog of Deborah Ross. I must say you have a wonderful touch with portraits. It's interesting to see all the different mediums used for the same subject. I like the oil painting the best, the background is divine and sets off the face so well. It makes me wonder what it would be like to paint my husband. With beard, without, with mustache, without.
I shall be back here to visit.
Very inspiring!
Holly it has been riveting watching you grow over the last 2 years. It has also been great pleasure.
Here's to the future. (BTW, I'm echoing all the comments about the oil portrait: is it great:)
Holly, congrats on your anniversary. I'll echo everyone else: my how you've grown! Stay the course! Looking forward to seeing more of your wonderful work.
Not only are your paintings getting better and better, but your husband is getting more handsome! ;-)
I just realized I hadn't dropped by your blog in a while when I saw your wonderful paiting in the PSA newsletter. (the one of the little girl) It's beautiful and congrats on the award. (Are you going to the PSA conference in April?)
Thank you all so much for your comments on my work (and my husband!)
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