Friends, photos just do not show true. The surface of this little guy’s skin is pink and bright, the dark skeletal forms are deep and just barely influence the likeness but do not look dark. Today covid and other illness prevented my students from attending so I got this advanced. I will finish it soon. Also, the commissioned portrait is nearing completion. I cant predict how long till the finish because the work left is mostly detail. You will see what I mean when I show you, but I wont do that if the client objects. hugs and shalom, Diana

I offer apologies for posting less frequently. I am working on a special commission and teaching a portrait class twice a week. Both are intense and require focus and time. This little portrait of my great grand son has been in line waiting for my attention. I want to mention that my ipad camera seems to darken the skin tones and exray right through the image to the under painting. it looks much smoother than this photo shows you. Even so, I will do at least one more layer and more pink glazing. i doubt you can see it in the photo but the eyes are really nice. The sky reflected in these brown eyes and when i put this on, it looks so nice. I barely suggested the sunflowers and i an happy with the effect. When this is dry I will add some darker greens. It will also show improvement when I paint the hair.

My miniatures got an award of merit at the South Western Pennsylvania Council for the Arts Show at the SAMA in Ligonier. This concludes my show schedule for the year. I was rather surprised to see an award for the miniatures because I just didnt expect to get the juror’s attention with this. I am very happy to end up the year with this award and recognition.

My class of seven is down to a regular five because of illness which i believe was covid. Every day that i taught I did a thorough inspection of my own health before hosting these students. So far, so good, in-spite of seasonal allergies. This is an enriching and happy place to spend time. The students LOVE doing/learning portrait painting. They are amazed to see their results. I enjoy the teaching tremendously because the results are so positive. We are switching to once a week as long as the weather holds.. So for now, shalom. Diana

Layers may seem like a slow way to go but the result is luminous supple skin surfaces that look alive. Right now there are seven students in my portrait class who are finding out the joy and excitement of achieving this quality in their first portrait attempts. it amazes me how they all come to class with such eagerness and leave expressing their desire to return quickly for more. They work diligently and ask questions. if they are discouraged, all it takes is me explaining that they are on the right track and they respond with a positive attitude and a willingness to keep faith that they are still doing this correctly. I explain that they must develop the ability to see ahead to the look they are wanting, that this will only happen well when the light can go through the transparent layers and bounce back to the eye. I tell them they also can make the choice to paint directly, with all the colors mixed each time they come to the easel. but the effect, although pleasing, even beautiful, will be flat and only realistic in an illusory way. This indirect method is also just paint, after all, but it has much more life when done well. Here I show the layer I hurriedly apply after the students leave because i never have a minute to paint when it is better to use the time instructing and explaining. It is a privilege and a pleasure. I feel blessed.