Here is a painting of a violin and sheet music. I love painting the wood that is on the surface of the violin.
So many wonderful memories of my daughters playing in concerts and playing violin for family parties.
I especially remember my oldest daughter, Angela, playing an Old English Song for my father, Jim Glass, on his birthday. He has a Scottish background and always favored Old English music.

Michelle's Garden was painted on location in my sisters newly installed backyard garden. I love the metal gate surrounding the rose garden. I had a model walk around the area and was struck by her gently grasping the flower.
I wanted the viewer to feel a sense of peace and gentleness and come to a place of rest while viewing this painting. As always, I enjoy your comments.



"Michelle's Garden"
oil on canvas
36" x 24"
available

For sketching the head, this sheet I received from one of my mentors, always amazes me.
For most people, the eyes are in the MIDDLE of the whole head. Most artist or anyone that is sketching the head, would not guess that, and most artist put the eyes too high on the face. Look closely at this sketch and hopefully it is helpful.

I would like to share with you a recent pastel which I did of my father. James D. Glass, passed away about two years ago, had such a big and joyful personality, he will be missed by so many people.

 

It is that time again. The Annual Show at the Womans Art Club. Now in its 117th year, below are the facts. My painting " Reading on the Concourse" was accepted into the show this year.

What:

The 117^th Annual Juried Exhibit of the Woman’s Art Club  of Cincinnati

 

When:

Opening Reception - Sunday, May 2, 2010 - 2:00 to 5:00pm

(free and open to the public). Award ceremony 3:00 pm.

 

Exhibit continues May 6 – 9  from 1:00 to 4:00pm

and  May 13 – 16 from 1:00  to 4:00pm

Where:

The Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center

6980 Cambridge Ave

Mariemont, OH  45227

513-272-3700

www.womansartclub.com

 

Why:

Entering it’s 117^th year as an art organization, the Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati will again open their doors for the annual juried exhibition. The Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati is the oldest women’s art club operating without interruption in the United States since 1892. Today their memberships totals over 250 women artist. This years exhibition, consisting of over 75 works of art, will present awards on May 2nd totaling over $5000 to selected exhibiting artist.

 

Hands Down......
      One of the biggest challenges for artists is painting and drawing the hands. They are difficult to paint, no doubt. Some artists and collectors believe that you can judge the quality of the painting by the how well the hands were rendered.

      One way to simplify the drawing and painting of the hands is to see the hands as part of the gestural expression of the whole arm. There are many details in the hands, but remember the hands should look soft and flowing, yet show a certain amount of anatomy.

       Another technique that artists use in achieving success in painting and drawing the hands is they will try to concentrate on rendering abstract shapes, instead of concentrating on "I am trying to paint a hand".  Think bold abstract shapes. And keep in mind the hands are like a box, with a top, sides and a bottom.

       But most important for the artist to achieve in rendering the hands is to capture the expression in the hands. Whether they are held together, up to the face, holding a pair of glasses, or laying gracefully on the sitter's lap, the hands should denote the character of the sitter.

       The portrait painter Michel Jacobs stated in his book, "Portrait Painting", that "the artist Rubens, as great as he was, could seldom paint hands. Rubens struggled with the hands in many of his paintings."  Jacobs says, " if you see a painted hand in a Rubens painting, you can safely say that it was painted by Van Dyck, his pupil and friend, who was very good at painting hands."

       For any artist, the study of drawing hands is a life long pursuit. Take time to do studies of hands of a model or practice drawing your own hand. This can add so much to your growth as an artist.

       Below are samples of hand details from a two portraits from Deborah Ridgley. The first photo is a detail from the painting "Mr. Warren Hitner" , oil on canvas, 30" x 20". The second photo is a detail from the painting "Michelle G. Schneider", oil on canvas, 40" x 30"

 

 

     

Have you ever envisioned the right piece of art for a certain place in your home or office but have not been able to find it? 

      From energetic still lifes to lush landscapes and portraiture, you can fill your blank wall in your home or office with an original piece of commissioned art.  * See below for "Five Easy Steps to Commission a Painting".

Recently I was commissioned to create a painting for Mariemont, OH resident, Mary Ann Fieler. Requesting a commission for her private collection, Mrs. Fieler only requirement was that the painting include pottery.

 I knew exactly what I wanted to create. Employing an antique Roseville Pottery (1930)  piece borrowed from a local collector of American Art Pottery, the still life was set upon a long piece of wood, among magnolia leaves, fruit, vegetables and one direct light source.

Thank you for viewing Mrs. Fieler’s new painting.

 I would love your comments. 

"Five Easy Steps to Commission a Painting" 
 It is so easy to do!
  

Step One: What kind of commission?

Decide on what kind of commission you would like. From concept to completion, whether you are commissioning a still life, landscape or portrait, the process remains the same to bring an idea to reality.

 

Step Two: Gather your information.

What size will the painting be?  Where will it hang?  What is your deadline?

 

Step Three: The cost of a commission.

Artist gives a quote for the final painting.

 

Step Four: The painting begins.

After acceptance of the quote, the 40% deposit is due and the work will being on the painting. In the case of portraiture, the first sitting of sketches, oil study and photography will begin after payment of deposit. Soon after, a small mini painting/sketch is created to make sure both artist and client are both on the same focus for the final painting. 

 

Step Five: The client receives the painting.
The final painting is unveiled to the client and the final payment is due upon acceptance of the artwork. All artwork is 100% guaranteed.

Are you ready to get started on your commissioned piece of art?

Click here to begin.

Permission is granted to forward this article to your friends and family.

 

 

" The Flowers in Adult Park"
16" x 12"
oil on canvas
available



" The Reptile House at the Zoo"
16" x 12"
oil on canvas
available

Thanks so much for your comments on the two painting above.
The warmer weather makes one hopeful that spring is near.
We will see flowers again!!