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 ;)

Close to Venice...

I wanted to take a little break from my muse paintings. My hands and eyes were craving the rich, colorful pigments of my pastels. They were calling to me from the end of my work table, where I keep them while I work with the oils.
This painting was created from a photograph I took during my honeymoon. This is the small island of Burano (Not to be confused with Murano). It is incredibly charming! You can take a "vaporetto" (water taxi) from Venice or Murano to reach it. All of the houses are painted different colors and it is just a magic place!!! If you are ever in the area you must not miss it.
In reality, the tower in the composition is leaning (Pisa is not the only city with leaning tower in Italy). For the sake of the painting, I made use of my "artist's license" and made it straight.
Ci vediamo dopo!

"Burano"
16" x 20"
Pastel on Board
Available for Sale