Self Expression

I recently completed another self-portrait in oil, shown here. I find it very convenient to use myself for a subject not only because I can take unlimited photographs, but also because I can use a mirror to check skin tones and see what the camera missed.

For this piece, I set up a camera using the timer to take several photos of myself set against a mostly white background. I wanted to create a feeling of being overwhelmed or desiring to hide in one's surroundings, and decided to call the final piece "Eclipse".

Portrait of Amira on Display in NYC

It's been a while since my last post, as I have been busy searching for a new home and studio. I should be back painting and drawing this month, so stay tuned for more artwork and news. In the meantime, I would like to share that my oil painting Amira, shown above has been accepted into the American Artists Professional League 81st Grand National Exhibition (http://www.americanartistsprofessionalleague.org/). The exhibition will be held at the Salmagundi Art Club from Tuesday, November 3rd through Friday, November 13th; open to the public daily 1-5pm.

Sonia - Portrait in Colored Pencil

Above is my latest portrait done using colored pencil on Pastelbord. The surface is rough, so it accepts several layers of colored pencil; I like to build up the darks using many different colors. Despite working up many layers, the texture and color of the board remain visible in many areas of the portrait, but I think I like how the grey color contrasts with her warmer skin tones.

Art Kudos Finalist

My piece Resolute was selected as a finalist in the 2009 Art Kudos International Exhibition. The show represents 132 artists and 15 countries. To see all of the finalists and award winners, visit http://www.artkudos.com/.

CPSA 17th Annual International Exhibition

This past weekend I attended the Awards Banquet and Artists' Reception in Duluth, GA for the Colored Pencil Society of America's 17th Annual International Exhibition. I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet some of the artists and see the work in person; all of the work exhibited was of such high quality. Above is a snapshot of me by my piece in the gallery.

I was also tremendously honored to receive an Award for Oustanding Achievement. The Award Winners are posted to the CPSA website: http://cpsa.org/GALLERY/WINNERS2009/AG2009.html

The Rumor

The Rumor, 12" x 16", colored pencil and watersoluble pastel on board

I recently finished another still life, this time going back to working with colored pencil. This one's kind of humorous, and I had fun with the bold colors. I'm not sure yet whether I'll try another still life next or go back to portraits/figures... we'll see!

Starting Still Life

Family Secret, 9x12, oil on panel

I recently finished my first still life shown above, and I am already beginning another. I am enjoying a change of pace from portraits, though faces and hands are still my favorite subjects. For this next still life I decided to use to colored pencil on a sanded surface (Pastelbord), with an underpainting with watersoluble pastels (Neocolor). Also, my next still life is simpler than the one shown here - no dolls, just fruit! I should be finished with it sometime in the next few days, and will post an image shortly thereafter.