So, you can be encouraged if you can feel the energy in your early work. All I did today was add some light, deepen some values and pick out some shapes. I don’t think I ever marked a grid on a canvas before, since I always draw on paper and then transfer. I just wanted a more spontaneous painting. Keep watching, although there will be a few days I’m not in the studio. Blessings, Diana

When I taught myself how to paint portraits, everyday was a wild adventure. I would stare at my canvas and subject and ask myself, ‘ how in the world shall I proceed?’ So, I have returned to that basic because it seems to be a way to find my path through this maze. Without telling you too much, I will say that I isolated some of the larger pieces of the puzzle with dark, but transparent color. I have marked some significant features by means of the simplest grid. I am going to stop for now but when I go back to this, I will lay in some very bright touches to establish where the brightest light is. In my minds eye, I can see a vivid image. I aim for that from the beginning. This is only about an hour’s work, but, it is strategic. I must proceed carefully.

Yes, I know. I am in the middle of two or three portraits so why start something new? Well, I am itching to do something new. Portraits call me and I love painting them. When I paint other things, I usually don’t have the natural vision. But once in a while, something else sings a siren song. I have succumbed! I am not going to tell you about this one. Mostly, because I don’t know how to do what I am doing so, what is there to tell. Also, I want you to watch this progress ,,,sort of,,, in the dark. We will all see if I am successful. Diana

I am working on the many layers of flesh to build up the suppleness of skin in this portrait. Like I said in an earlier post, it may seem simple, and then it is not! Sorry to be so short but it is late and so I must cook dinner.

Somehow, a portrait artist must see the finished puzzle. He or she has the ability to recognize each piece and also when and where to place it. I can teach all the steps and what to watch for but the artist must have their own vision. This is probably why a group of artists can paint the same subject and they all are so different, because of the artist’s vision.
so here is the tiny piece of the puzzle for today. If I had enough energy, I would probably work from start to finish. My method is designed around my physical limitations, but I really don’t want to stop. I am thankful that I can succeed without working hours on end. I have never had difficulty picking up where I left off. I am truly grateful. See you soon, Diana

It often happens that when we expect something to be simple, that simplicity is so perfect that it is no longer simple to paint. This portrait is a magnificent example. Here, the gentle smile must be perfect, the soft light on the completion must not be handled carelessly and those eyes must not loose their allure. You may notice that the layers of flesh painting are in the stage which I term ‘blotchy’. I must discipline myself to control and not over paint each layer in order to build up the supple skin that draws viewers to my work.
I want to thank all the many art lovers who attended last nights GALA at the Greater Latrobe High School. So many of you, generously gave me your encouragement and compliments for my entry, HANDS OF THE FUTURE. This piece was chosen one of five in the adult vote. It was not selected by the students. I would hope that someday, it might be my honor to receive this recognition. Thanks again to all who came to enjoy this fabulous event.