Four Models...

 

Muse #5 has been photographed and is currently on the sketching phase. As you can see above, my sister was kind enough to pose for me, and I have to say she looked beautiful and was a really good model! (posing is easier said than done). Thank you Viviana!!!!
I captured lots of good reference pictures that I may be using in the future, including the one here, which was one of the candidates for the painting but didn't make it to the "final round."

You may also be wondering what kind of muses are in picture at the bottom. Well, I also had a couple of other models that decided to go on the spotlight that night. My father, as well as Yogi (white maltese) and Brandy (black Portuguese water dog who has now been with us for the past 5 months!).

Yes, we are a very photogenic family ;)

Important Event

Although this is not directly related to my paintings (but she will probably become my model in the near future), I wanted to share with you an important event in my life...
Brandy was found in the rain with horrible mats in her hair but thanking God and my husband Paolo (who finally gave me the approval!) she has now found her "forever home."

Having visited Miami Dade county's animal shelter, I can tell you that it was a VERY sad experience. I love animals, and seeing so many of them there was absolutely traumatizing; especially knowing it is a kill shelter (they euthanize 35,000 dogs per year!!!!).

If you are looking for a loyal companion who will give you unconditional love, you can find it there. There are all kinds of dogs and cats waiting for a loving home... please consider adopting before buying. They even microchip them!!!

Head Study

This painting was produced at Olivier's studio last Friday. The model once again was Daniel, and since it was the same pose, I decided to paint the back of his head rather than his whole body which I had done a couple of weeks ago in pastel.

This is my first painting on a gesso panel prepared with my own hands. Olivier and Julio were kind to share their "secret recipe" and I am glad for it. I found that I had to be a lot more patient because it takes more than one coat to get the color and texture desired, but once you get there it is a breeze!

"Study of Daniel's Head"

$320

Oil on Panel

Photo-retouching

Because of my limited time to produce other paintings while I work on my thesis, I have found myself experimenting more and more with digital media. I am especially intrigued with photo-retouching possibilities. I was trying to create an old picture feel with an emphasis on the lightning. You can see the before and after pictures here... Enjoy!

"Sofy"

Digital Image

Back to Reality

Ladies and gentlemen,


I am back in Miami and today I bring my best painting from the workshop I took with Mr. Daniel E. Greene. It was a great experience. I met a lot of new people and I learned several things that I had been wondering about before...

This is Vito, our model for the morning session. I think this painting came out great... I had lots of trouble photographing it though. I couldn't get rid of all the glare...



"Vito"
18"x24"
Oil on Canvas