2014 Christmas Card

The message on the back of our card to all our friends, indeed to everyone, everywhere - is...

"Wishing for

peace on earth

and good will

to all mankind."

Christmas Takes Over...

And I’m behind on my artwork.

I haven’t had time to paint, darn it. Instead, I’ve made 16 dozen Christmas cookies, we’ve decorated the house, in and out and shopped until we dropped. I’ve promised myself that I will paint this afternoon and tomorrow. Meanwhile, I looked through past artwork and I’m posting this pastel from the series of sunrise paintings of south Florida sky and water.

Madonna Sketched and Mapped

I’ve finished drawing Madonna into the 3 by 4 foot canvas. I realize these pencil lines are deceptive, and that this bit of draftsmanship doesn’t look much like Madonna. However it is the most difficult part of the process. The actual painting has its daily problems, but I enjoy it so much more than the meticulous mapping from the small manqué to the large canvas. The problem with mapping is that it must be perfect or the likeness is lost. That means that this, the hardest part of the process is also the most important.

Tomorrow, the much more involved and time consuming part of the project commences. I will mix a palette of about 8 colors plus white and then start to paint.*

*By mixing these 8 colors with white and one another a palette of many more colors will be obtained.

Madonna For Triptych

I’m not sure which of these 2 images I will use in the Triptych for “Windows on Queen,” Characters Pub in Lancaster, PA. Perhaps readers can help me decide. Please go to “Comments,” at the bottom of this post and post your decision, #1, or #2. Actually, if you are first to vote it will say, "no comments." And, thanks for the help.

Madonna #1

Madonna #2

I personally like the one that zeroes in on her eyes, nose and mouth as these are her most recognizable features. However, I know that the ¾ view is more iconic.

Please do not consider my comments in making your decision.