ROBERT GENN'S LETTER

For any of us who are artists of any kind, this letter has truth that is good to read, then act on. Thought you might enjoy it if you haven't read it before. You can sign up to receive Robert's twice-weekly letters - they are a joy to see in the email inbox during those difficult weeks! :-)


http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Your-Inferior-Shadow.html?soid=1102086132852&aid=N3JsY1zhNJk

ARTIST NICK CAVE

VIENNA ROSE

Vienna Rose
9.5" x 11"
charcoal on Canford Dreadnought Gray paper

Vienna Rose is this child's name, and she truly is as sweet as you could ask for! Her parents are friends of ours, and are currently expecting their second girl, who should arrive in late summer/early fall.


This was such fun to do in charcoal. The smocking on her jumper took a while to do, but it reminded me of when I sewed a smocked jumper for my daughter when she was little. Now THAT was a lot of work!!!


I really love the effect this Daler-Rowney Canford Cardstock paper gives to the portrait, and how easily you can blend on this paper. It is fairly thick, so stands up to some wear and tear better than others. You can also get it in various colors...I order mine from online Dick Blick Art Materials. 


This is the time of year that the yard and garden is calling my name. It is so wonderful to be able to go outside without having to wear 3 layers because of the cold! I'll soon be on my bicycle again, putting in those 25 km rides most days. As well, it is the perfect time to get new photo shots to work on throughout the long winter months. I love summer!!!

WORKING ON BABY GIRL PORTRAIT

My husband and I leave later this afternoon to fly out to Vancouver Island. I won't be posting during that time, but I thought you might like to see the charcoal portrait of a baby girl that I am currently working on. She is such a beautiful little girl in every way, and I love how this portrait is already showing her sweetness. She was around a year old when I took the photo that I am working from, and that day her fine hair was not cooperating, but flying out from her head. In the sun, it was like a halo. 

When we return from our little trip, I will be finishing her up and presenting the piece to her parents the end of this month. I am pretty sure they will love it. :-)

BEAR DETAIL

Well, I must admit, I have gotten very little done on my bear. I have only just begun the detail of his fur, which was very wet and "ropey". You might wonder why I have been so slow on this piece...it is a combination of factors. Medical appointments, several coffee dates with friends, birthday party for a grandson, commissioning service for my daughter and son-in-law, meetings, and yard/house work have all eaten up much more time than I anticipated. This next week I should have more time in the studio, so the bear will look much different the next time you see him. :-)