Blue Hippo

"Blue Hippo", 6 x 6, oil on linen


Lest you think I am only doing portraits these days . . .!  I am still working on my landscapes and small still lifes though not as much as I was in previous years.  This is little ceramic sculpture that was done by my father when he was five years old.  I've always just called him Blue Hippo.  He may not actually be a hippo.... who knows.  This piece is available through the Daily Paintworks website.  They manage art sales and auctions for artists.  I have been a member for a long time but haven't actively used it so I am looking forward to finally getting involved with them again.

Study of Zoe

Study for "Zoe", oil on linen, 8 x 8 (cropped)

Another children's portrait for you!  I am updating my website this week to reflect the new portrait business and feature some more recent examples of my portrait work.  Please forgive the glare in this.  I only have my iPhone right now and have to shoot outside so it is difficult to get correct color.  This piece is actually based on an old black and white photo that I have had for a long time.  I am going to offer small pieces such as the one above for people who are not in my area or want an affordable alternative to the larger, full commission portraits.  These pieces will be done from client provided photos and will not involve a photo shoot or life sittings.  I will describe what constitutes a "good" photo on my website under the "commissions" heading.  Please visit my website for more information.   

The Human Connection

I want to share a comment I received in an email about one of my paintings.  The little study above, “Rain on Broadway”, was one of many paintings featured in a silent auction to benefit the Saratoga Preservation Society in Saratoga Springs the other night.  All of my paintings sold but this one sold during a preview showing and was not available during the auction.  When I got home I received a lovely email from the owner of the store that is featured in this painting. Here are a couple of lines from her email:

this is my corner, this is my store, this is a piece of my life. . . this moment you captured just stopped my heart. That quiet rainy evening on the corner where so much of my life has unfolded. If that corner could talk!!

I have to say this is one of the best emails I have ever received about my work.  It is so richly rewarding in so many ways.  And it encapsulates why I love these kind of scenes:  the stories, the history, the human connection.  Needless to say, I hope to create another piece that will touch her in the same way!