SCULPTURE?!?!?

What am I doing sculpting? Trying to understand my painting better, or at least that's how I started. However, it turns out that I LOVE sculpting. It's addictive! Very tactile! I'm taking a figure sculpture class at the Art Center this semester from the very talented, Chris Slatoff. You can see one of his pieces at: http://saintfelicitas.org/Userdocs%20Church/Bulletin/FrontBulletin.pdf He's an excellent teacher and attracts a talented, close-knit group of students. I'll post more as we go. Each of the two sculptures posted below were accomplished with a live model over the course of ~15 hours.

Sanyo Relaxing

Second Sculpture
~18" X ~6"

Joe Reclined

My first sculpture!
Still in clay
~18" X ~6"

Rajiv 2

Oil on Canvas
8"X6"
$75

First Place in Oil/Portrait Category at SGFAA

"Rajiv" (see photo below) was awarded the first prize in Oil/Portrait and Figurative Category in the San Gabriel Fine Arts Association Fall show, October 7, 2007 in Alhambra, California. If you get chance, please see all the award winners at the SGFAA Art Gallery at 425 W. Las Tunas Dr., Alhambra, CA. They will be up through the month of October.

Eleanor the Younger

Oil on Canvas
12"X9"
SOLD

Heidi-Third Pass

I just wasn't happy with the color in the last pass, so worked on this piece just a little bit more, working more cools into the entire composition. This will be the last posting on this piece, however, since the new owner has taken it.

Oil on Canvas
12"X16"
SOLD
In this third pass, I tried to increase the contrast while maintaining rich, transparent colors in the clothing and background.

Heidi-Second Pass

Oil on Canvas
12"X16"
Blocking in some color while trying to maintain that peaceful mood. I chose the purple, of course, to accentuate the color of Heidi's hair, and the cool green to create a peaceful tone.

Heidi-First Pass

Oil on Canvas
12"X16"

This is a portrait of my good friend and colleague, Heidi Floren. She is an outstanding artist in her own right and one of the best people that I know. This is the first pass of a full-color portrait. I started with yellow ochre as my sketch color because of the brilliant light on her face, and the amazing golden color of her hair.

Bowl of Cherry Tomatoes

Oil on Canvas
5"X7"
$75
I painted this still life with my good friend and excellent artist, Heidi Floren. As soon as she puts together her blogspot, I'll post it for you to check out. I love painting still lifes...maybe I should do more of this.

Pensive Joe

Oil on Canvas
20"X16"
NFS
I don't think I'm done with this piece yet. Joseph Gatt is another one of my favorite models. In this pose, I love his expression. I'm not sure that the background supports that feeling yet. Judy Davis was working with me on this pose-creating an imposing sculptural bust. Joseph was in the "Mr. Clean" stance, but the discussion was deep. I caught the emotion in the face, but it needs more... When I paint without the model, I tend to talk to the subject of the painting: Joseph has more to say here.

Woman in a Blue Dress

Oil on Canvas
18"X14"
$400
This dress just came alive during the painting session with this model. It surprised and delighted me. I love those moments.

Polka Dot Bikini

Oil on Canvas
24"X20"
$600
Sometimes its just about the patterns.

Goddess and the Devil

Amber Shellac Over Charcoal
30"X24"
$325
This piece is beautifully framed-contact me if you are interested in the framed image. The "devil" is actually inspired by a sculpture called "Believer," (one of my favorites) created by my dear friend, Judy Davis. Check out her website at judethdavis.com The "goddess" is one of my favorite models (and people) Sanyo Angel Hazel: beautiful!

Restful Space

12"X16"
$125
This is an older piece, but I love the negative space and the impression of the figure as landscape.

Quetico

Oil on Canvas
8"X6"
Artist's Private Collection

In Loving Memory

Oil on Canvas
8"X6"
SOLD

The Nuclear Physicist

Oil on Canvas
8"X6"
NFS

Rajiv

Oil on Canvas
20"X16"
$400

Cool Joe

Oil on Canvas
10"X10"
$400