It’s been more than 2 years since I’ve planned to paint a portrait of my younger son, and I’m vowing to finally get it done before the new year, in between numerous other projects. Somehow, I just don’t have time like I used to when I had just 1 child, nevermind no children! What did I ever do with my time before? I know a lot of parents ask themselves that!
Here are some photos from a couple of nights ago, as I attempt to complete this before 2018 is over!
Last week I put the finishing touches on this 20″ x 20″ oil painting on canvas! It features two dogs – Mojo and Moxie – on a path in a green forest.
The canvas was handmade with Texas-grown organic cotton that I stretched over FSC-certified wood stretcher bars, and triple-primed with an all-natural gesso.
Together with my two and four year-old helpers, we delivered this last week to a happy client!
Now it’s on to the next project – mural art at a soon-to-open Indian restaurant in Ashburn. The restaurant hasn’t even opened, is undergoing a renovation, and somehow it still smells good in there! I’ll post photos of the first mural when I finish it in a week or so.
I’m nearing the finish line for this dog painting, of two cute pups sitting together on a forest path! Here it is below. Just have to paint in the rest of the path, some more details on the dogs, and then paint the sides of the canvas a dark forest green as a last step, and it’ll be ready to deliver!
Recently I was commissioned to paint these two dogs, Mojo and Moxie:
Cute dogs! The way they are standing there next to each other reminds me of my 2 and 4 year old sons, who seem to always be stuck to each other’s hips.
The proposal for this painting was to paint them with a green forest background.
Here is how it’s coming along!
I should finish it within a week or two and will post a photo of the completed painting when it’s done!
This new rose painting is part of a new series of floral artwork that I am creating (see “White Flowers in a Copper Planter“), featuring bouquets of flowers in elegant, somewhat vintage settings:
This particular painting was painted with gouache paint, which lies somewhere between acrylic and watercolor in terms of paint consistency and appearance!
Yesterday I completed this new oil painting of a bouquet of white flowers in an elegant copper planter, on top of a soft gray cloth.
The inspiration for this painting, and another flower painting that I’ll be posting soon, came from a 2013 Spanish TV series called “El Tiempo Entre Costuras”, which is about a Spanish seamstress who becomes a spy for the British during the times of the Spanish civil war and World War II. It’s one of my favorite TV series I’ve ever watched, not only for the compelling story, but for the artistic videography! Numerous scenes throughout the series showcase elegant architecture, furniture and, similar to this flower painting, beautiful floral arrangements.
Stay tuned for more flower oil paintings to come!
This New York City artwork is a pencil drawing of the Statue of Liberty, as seen from the Brooklyn Bridge. What a magical and striking sculpture! It’s amazing to think how so many American’s ancestors passed through Ellis Island, including my own.
Archival Matte Paper – https://www.etsy.com/listing/632424812/statue-of-liberty-art-statue-of-liberty
Canadian Wood Panel – https://www.etsy.com/listing/646255651/statue-of-liberty-wood-wall-art-statue
Organic Cotton Unisex T-Shirts (10 colors available; Made in USA) – https://www.etsy.com/listing/632452074/statue-of-liberty-t-shirt-organic-cotton
This drawing, created with pencil and a small bit of charcoal, is from a foggy winter day looking out at the Hudson River and Manhattan, from underneath the Brooklyn Bridge.
Working from home has many benefits, including a super-short commute, access to your own fridge and pantry, and being able to work in whatever clothes you want to wear! The feel of your home office is a key component in keeping positive energy flowing for your business or employer. Even though it’s at home, you want your office to also feel professional, organized, and reflect who you are! With this in mind, it’s important to give your office a visual checkup every few months to make sure it’s contributing positively to your mood. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself.
We all know it’s easy to set some papers off to the side for another time. And then to do it again the next day. Pretty soon, the pile starts growing bigger. Perhaps there are multiple piles! Add to that a few errant paper clips, a roll of tape and a random stapler, and you have yourself a mess. It’s OK to put things off to the side, but the key is to have an organized place for them!
Suggestion – Invest in an artistic desktop organizer. Below is a vintage wood desk organizer that I find practical and visually appealing. For something even more affordable, a cheap and colorful plastic paper basket will add a useful pop of color.
2. Does I feel spacious or claustrophobic?
Even in a small home office, there are tricks to make it feel more spacious!
Suggestions: Arrange furniture so that the center of the space is open. Make the most of natural lighting by keeping window areas unobstructed. Open your shades during the day and position your computer monitor so as to avoid glare. Perhaps place or hang a mirror on a wall! Mirrors give the impression of added space.
Here is a mirror that will make you smile:
3. Do your home office feel homey?
When you look around your office, do you just see impersonal objects like paper, a computer, and file folders? Or do you see objects with meaning to you?
Suggestion: Add photos of family and friends! Take a fun trip recently? Frame a photo of it! Need to see your smiling wife, husband or kids before heading into a meeting? Frame a photo of that too!
4. Do you have plant life in your office?
A living, breathing plant adds peaceful energy and aesthetic appeal to any office space.
Suggestion: Place a low-maintenance indoor plant in your office.
I personally like peace lillies and snake plants:
5. Do you have art in your office?
Artwork on the walls can serve as a conversation piece, enhance visual appeal, and also add personal meaning to your office.
Suggestion: Hang any artwork that makes you feel good, whether a peaceful flower, a portrait of your family (or pet), or a painting of a favorite vacation spot!
