Salmagundi Non-Member Show

I just found out that my colored pencil piece, Smile, has been accepted into the Salmagundi Club 34th Annual Juried Painting and Sculpture Exhibition for Non-Members. This show of original oils, watercolors, pastels, colored pencils, acrylics, mixed media, and sculpture will take place at the Salmagundi Club in NYC, and be on from August 8-19. For more information on this and other upcoming shows, see my Events page.

Still Life In Progress

Pictured here is a still life I'm painting from life in my studio. I have a light shining on the setup, and blackout curtains to keep daylight from interfering. I think that the next time I might try painting something illuminated with daylight, and try to restrict my painting to the same time each day (or paint really fast!)

I definitely appreciate being able to see so much more working from life. I also think that working from life makes it easier to stay aware of the object as a whole and keep colors and contrast in check. Probably the most difficult part is the initial sketch, having to compose the image without seeing it already cropped as in a photograph. 

Picnic Completed

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

Colored Pencil Work in Progress Preview

Above is a snapshot of a portion of the colored pencil drawing currently on my drawing table. I expect this piece to be done early next week...

Completed Portrait

Christian, 14x18, oil on Pastelbord.

On my easel

Above is a snapshot of the portrait currently on my easel - 14x18, oil on board. I don't usually keep track of how many hours each painting or drawing takes, but so many people ask, so this time I did. In terms of pure painting time (not including several hours of planning, sketching, and sometimes just staring at the painting looking for problems), this has taken 21 hours.

Drawing Magazine Cover Competition

I just received my copy of the Spring 2011 Drawing magazine, and I am thrilled to be featured as one of the finalists in their annual Cover Competition. My colored pencil piece Quiet Moment, a portrait of my sister, can be found on page 41, with accompanying text on page 40. The neat thing about this year's competition is that along with each finalist's image and description are tips to help make your drawings stronger.

This issue can be purchased online here: http://www.interweavestore.com/Art/Magazines/Drawing-Spring-2011.html?SessionThemeID=17