Two Portraits

I have been inspired lately to use conte, pan pastel, and pitt pastel pencil on Rives BFK paper. I love this particular mix of materials with the velvety texture of the paper. Even with all smudging I did, I found that Rives BFK paper was able to withstand multiple layers of conte, smudging and erasing. I can't wait to draw more!

 "Walter", conte and pastel pencil on rives bfk paper

"Christopher", conte and pastel pencil on rives bfk paper

My kitty Maggie watched me during much of these portrait sessions. She's a great studio companion except for the occasional snoring.

This past year I have spent almost my entire life outside of my full time job taking workshops. Although my personal schedule was definitely pushed the max and at times stressful, at the end of this year I am looking back and feeling hopeful, energized and inspired. For about ten years after I left Chicago to move to San Francisco, I stopped painting outside of my illustration job because I was too busy making a living. This year I've made connections back to what truly inspires me; I've been studying Nature closely and all the while looking deep within my own heart, thinking carefully about what I truly find beautiful.

I am eternally grateful to those artists around me, right here in San Francisco, who generously choose to pass on their wisdom and support!

With so much gratitude, thank you!

a conte drawings from my Tuesday night drawing workshop.

I am trying to work out simplifying the planes of the head. This still looks a bit complicated and muddy. It's not easy for me for some reason! I also had trouble with this particular shade of conte - it stains the paper which makes it difficult to erase and correct.

Teresa

A few things from my archives

"Theresa", oil

My former boss, Monica Kendall at Calabash in Chicago bought this at a two person show I had at the Palette and Chisel in the mid 90's (can't remember the date).