Sorry I could not turn this, I am working on my iPad, don’t have a photo program available. This is an UNFINISHED painting by one of my students. I want people to see what can be accomplished. The woman who did this work told me she wanted to be able to paint portraits of her grandchildren. She also was convinced that any attempt would end in failure. My first challenge was to help her believe that it would be possible for me to teach her techniques that she could successfully apply. As I go over the day’s lessons and the students learn what to do, they never fail to be amazed. Some of them have been through four years of college as art students. Some have gone to specialized art training or taken a variety of studies from different teachers. They tell me they never learned any thing similar. All I can tell you is that my method is an accumulation of processes that slowly came together from my search for the information that would help me achieve a realistic and beautiful portrait. At first I could only study portraits when I got to places such as museums, libraries or other public places. Then I had some occasion to research and find information about the old masters and their methods. There may be a lot of this info out there but it was not readily available to me. After my kids were grown I began to do a few very bad paintings and about that time I also had the opportunity to question some good artists about their methods. As I looked for teachers I was discouraged because even though they produced good work, their methods were very far different from the ways I wanted to use and had been researching. I finally found a teacher in Florida whose outcome pleased me and who had a similar vision. I learned a lot from him but his technique was far different. Mostly I learned to put continued effort into my own process. I used all these examples to refine my technique. Now, I find I am able to pass along to others the things I have taken so long to learn for myself. I look forward to holding regular classes for people who have a deep desire to paint portraits in a realistic fashion. Contact me if you are one of these people. Shalom

This show’s reception had been postponed so I took the time to look at the entries on line.  It was easy to see that the juror would have a talented line up of work from which to make her selections.  My dear friend, Tracy, was sure to win the top award in my opinion. Sometimes the award winners get a call to ask if they plan on attending. This year we didn’t but no one knew that no others had gotten that notice.  All the awards were a surprise this year.  As I expected, Tracy’s wonderful portrait received first place.  As they were preparing to announce the best of show my mind was darting from painting to painting wondering which it would be. Then they called my name.  No one believes you when you tell them you did not expect it but I can assure you, I was really surprised, no, I was completely floored.  When Plimoth Wife won two years ago, I knew she had to get this award or I must be confused.  But this year there were so many wonderful entries in this show that I just was amazed that the juror chose this painting out of all these great examples. I don’t have a really good photo so I cropped a close up detail. 

Also I will mention that the beginner’s class is having its final two sessions this week.  I know there are others who want the basic info but it will be hard to get in those six weeks of classes again before I do the intermediate class for the students who are waiting for it.  I think that will begin sometime in January.

I will locate a better photo of this and get it up as soon as I can.  The title is ‘Embrace the Differences’.

I started a new beginner’s class today. We will do six classes.  That gets everybody started with the basics and then they can proceed on their own or come for intermediate classes.  I have been told that many artists resist the encouragement to share their ‘secrets’. In my class I have had students tell me that I am the first teacher who was willing to share so thoroughly all the tiny things that help the artist learn.  Maybe I teach the same way I was able to learn.  I learned to paint portraits because no one told me I couldn’t do this or that, and I didn’t ask, I just did it.(Don’t get me wrong, I asked a lot of questions but no one could answer them.  Maybe I didn’t know the right questions to ask.)  I tell all my information because I am trying to help my students accomplish a successful portrait. I never have learned a programmed method and so I teach from the heart. The reason I am enjoying the teaching experience is because my students seem happy and fulfilled.  This, in turn, makes me happy and fulfilled.  I will take some photos and try to get them up for you to see.

Also, I went to the Artist Group where a bunch of us happy, crazy, silly, strange people gather for a social evening with wine and snacks.  Sometimes we challenge ourselves to a specific art project. This time we simply did a show and tell.  The types of art done in our group varies from knitting and sewing to building dioramas to glass blowing and taxidermy. I am single minded. I can hardly switch mediums, let alone use my imagination! So my show and tell was a how to of my latest portrait. I am always amazed at how excited people are to see a half finished painting.  Often my sister in law says, “Stop there!”  They do have a certain charm at this stage. Then they pass into the scary stage. And finally, they come out as pure poetry or art or whatever.  I love it.  That’s all.  Shalom, Diana

By the way, it is Sept. 11, 2016 at 9:22 in the evening, not Sept 12 at 1. 30 in the morning as this says.?????

I have a class set up for the last three weeks of September. It will take place on Sunday and Monday afternoon’s starting at one and continuing until we are finished, two or three hours.  We will be covering the process, not necessarily finishing a portrait.  Then those who feel they are ready will have an opportunity to continue in the intermediate class which will be held in the fall.  I have room in the beginner’s group for only one or two. Reach me by using the contact info on this site.  Hope to see you there.  Diana