"Gullfriends" and Grandmas

"Gullfriends" 

(in its original form)

52" x 48" oil on canvas

I'm a sucker for grandchildren, so when a grandma who had bought this painting (it reminded her of her granddaughters) asked me to add another child -- a boy -- to it, I folded.  Of course, it's not as simple as "just stick him in there anywhere." Adding a design element after a painting is completed can destroy the integrity of both the art and the artist. (And I would never make such a change to someone else's work.) It requires rethinking the whole composition for balance and color and -- everything!  In this instance, it also required moving and/or removing some elements and repaintng others.  As with a lot of work, I have to let it sink in a while before I can judge its worth objectively.  I'm happy to report, though, that Grandma was thrilled with the result.

"Gullfriends" 

(with its updated cast of characters)

The painting was photographed at differenct times, with different cameras and lighting, which accounts for the difference in color. 

Lovin' That Luby's

9"x24" diptych, oil on canvas

This painting proves two things: 

(a) inspiration is where you find it, and

(b) cell phone cameras are great for capturing the moment.

Although, it took some effort to adjust the perspective from my photos and make these folks line up correctly in the paintings, it was a fun project. If you're not from Texas, you may not know that Luby's is a popular cafeteria. The two pieces are available as giclees from Gallery Direct.

N. C. Wyeth's studio

While I was in Pennsylvania recently, I visited the Brandywine Museum at Chadds Ford, where many Wyeth paintings are housed -- works by N.C., Andrew, and Jamie, plus a few from the other Wyeth artists. From the museum, I took a tour of N.C.'s home and his studio -- two separate buildings. 

Above is the studio.

Below, his studio windows. 

Would that we all had such a wonderful space to pursue our craft.