Picnic Completed

Below is the scanned image of my latest work, Picnic, 28" x 20", colored pencil on sanded paper.

"Next" Completed

I was inspired to do this piece attending a piano recital recently, when I recalled my own experience waiting for my turn to play even more than the act of getting up on stage and actually playing the recital piece. I've decided to call this colored pencil drawing "Next".

Two Year Anniversary

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

colored pencil on bristol board, 2007

colored pencil and water-soluble pastel on sanded board, 2008


pastel on sanded paper, 2009


oil on canvas, 2009

Small Update to SP w/ Tea

This progress photo shows the teacup completed, and only the other hand and remainder of the curtain to finish. I will post a scanned image of the finished piece in the next day or two.

SP WIP6

Here's my update with the shirt is completed... next will be the teacup and other hand!

SP WIP5

And here is my hand (and my foot in a slipper in the bottom of the photo!) Next I'll tackle the teacup and other hand...

SP WIP4

Here's a small update to my self portrait - I've done more work on the blouse and the curtains, and I will tackle the hand next.

SP WIP3

Another update to my self portrait: here you can see the reference photo, which I am following more strictly than usual for the composition. However, you may also notice that I have changed some of the colors and shadows. For example, the shirt has a strange bluish tint in the photo, which is unlike real life. Also, the shadow on my face is very dark and flat in the photo, so I have added some color and contour.

SP WIP2

Here's a small update to my self-portrait. I'm going to be toning down that teapot in the bottom left corner once I get more of the figure done. (By the way, looking at the title of this blog I just realized that my acronym use has become just as bad as it was when I was working as an engineer!)

Self Portrait Work in Progress

I am continuing work on another self-portrait that I began before the Christmas break, but perhaps the background of this piece will motivate me to start a still life soon. This is 28" x 22", colored pencil on sanded paper.