Spicy!

 

I took the reference picture for this piece years ago... I was drinking milkshakes with two of my friends in one of the markets they have next to Krome Avenue.
If you are heading towards Homestead on this road, you will see lots of places where they sell fresh fruit, animals and plants. They call the area the Redlands and it seemed like a good place to drift back to during this rainy Sunday afternoon...

"Little Hotties"
8"x10"
Pastel on Board
Available for Sale Here

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!!!

Pensive Cat

When I saw this cat, I simply knew I had to paint it. The color of its eyes and fur are simply enchanting.

"Gray Cat"
8"x8"
Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
Available for Sale Here

Le Chat

I had been wanting to paint a cat for some time. Since I don't own one and I recently discovered the awesome Paint my Photo website, the time finally came!!!
I really enjoyed this one, I decided to be "free" and not stress out with tiny details. It takes some effort and lots of practice to separate the control freak side of your brain from the creative one... I painted it with the idea that it should be viewed from afar to get the full effect of the light. I had the opportunity some time ago to see some of Sargent's paintings and it seemed to me that he used this technique, so I wanted to give it a try.

"Le Chat"
16"x20"
Oil on Canvas
Available for Sale Here

Muse #4

Muse number four is currently underway... I need to correct some proportion issues as well as start the "pushing and pulling" of the planes. I also want to create a little bit more likeness to the model. I would say I'm 1/3 done at this point.

1/4 Done...

The workload is piling up, the e-mails don't stop, the stress is ever-present, but when I come back home and I work on either my paintings or illustrations everything else just "dissolves." I thank God for giving me the grace of finding something I love; a place where I can get lost in, where I can forget about the not-so-pleasant bustle of daily life...

Here is a process picture of muse #3. I would say she is only 1/4 done. I still have to work on some anatomy problems as well as the "pushing and pulling" of the different planes. I think she has lots of potential... I thank my friend Sharon for posing for this one! Gracias Chicharrin!!!!

Painting Lotus Flowers

 

 

I survived the flu!!! I am currently on antibiotics and happy to report that I completed my first painting post-illness. Muse number four has been photographed and I even did a small pastel study for it, but I will save it for the next post.  I also posted the process of this painting for those of you that are curious about my technique. If you have any questions, let me know!

I thought these lotus blossoms looked like 3 girls gossiping while sun-bathing. You don't see it??? Well, it might just be the meds...

"Lotus Ladies"
11"x14"
Pastel on Board
Available for Sale Here