I can’t think of a better way to wrap up a very challenging year than with the birth of our first great grand daughter, (we have four great grand sons already). Our very first grandchild now has a daughter of his own, with this eight pound girl being born on December 27. His wife and baby are well and they are all quite happy. I would so love to be making portraits of this little one but she is not nearby as her daddy is serving our nation in the military.

I have been working on a still life for my art group meeting in January. I have wanted to paint more still life paintings but usually cannot make myself abandon my portraits. I will try to attach a photo before I post this but the painting is not quite finished.

I am working on two large paintings and a small portrait of my grandson. I still have the miniatures in progress and I should finish a landscape I began last year. I have a lot of doctor appointments lined up and my dear friends hope I will start a class soon. I am thankful I am well enough to continue my work.

We are looking forward to a visit with our AFS daughter and her daughter will be with her. This week I got up the courage to clean the portrait I did of this girl when she lived with us so many years ago. It was really dirty but I realized it had never been varnished so I was reluctant to clean it with solvents, no matter how mild. I got up my courage and used a moistened towel wrapped around my finger and I cleaned a small area at a time. The grime and dirt came off and it looked great. I definitely don’t recommend this procedure to anyone but it seems to have worked fine for me. Then I brushed the surface with polycrylic. This is the stuff that made me so ill last year. I made the room warm and then opened the windows for plenty of ventilation but that made the surface dry too fast and I had nasty brush marks that I couldn’t smooth out. I asked my husband for his finest sand paper to carefully knock off the highest parts, then varnished it again. It took four layers but the final one is perfect. I am thinking Nelly will want to take this home with her. We are really looking forward to their visit.

Well, I am going to try to add the photo of the still life. Later this week, if I can find time, I will post some of the other work I am doing. Till then, hugs and Shalom, Diana.

Everything I touch today has turned to mud, although I am pleased with my first pass on this new painting entitled SISTERS.  Even here on my blog, I opened it this evening, hoping to relax and communicate with all my friends, but instead I find that everything has changed.  I used up half an hour trying to put in a new photo and finally got it.  Then, I tried this typing and it keeps throwing up blocks or some strange information that is not helpful at all.  I will try to stumble on but even starting a new paragraph causes me headaches.   I have no idea what has messed this up but it will not let me start a new paragraph so I will just run all my sentences together. Sorry.  The summer has been full of challenges. I don’t want to list a bunch of problems here so let me just say that I have not been working continually, for many reasons, and now when I am trying to get back to work, stuff keeps getting in my way, now, even my word press blog is not responding. Anyway, today I could not seem to get into this new painting.  Hours went by with one interruption after another and finally I just decided I was going to get started with the sketch transfer, no matter what happened.  This is a job that should not be stopped in the middle.  By the time I got my work set up and ready to go, my hands were shaking badly.  They still are.  I am surprised I got the work this far. But this is the place in the process where it is important to get the likenesses.  For this painting, the photo references are very blurry but I have always loved this image.  I searched through many photos of my two youngest girls to find what would help me get good sketches as close as possible to the original.  I have worked on the sketches for weeks.  When transferring, the likenesses must be done with precision.  Having a case of tremors does not help.  Once the transfer is made, I like to use a soft sable brush to turn lines into planes.  This is where I begin to finess the skin tones. Yes, I start planning the end of the painting from this early beginning.  So, I did not complete the bottom of the painting but I can tell already that I have what I need. 

I am going to tell you now about something I have been working on for nearly two years.  I was sharing my painting process with a new acquaintance who wanted to paint his grandchildren.  He was so impressed with what he was learning that as a thank you he offered to help me film a video.  I was certain I would never be able to do my work under the scrutiny of a camera but I gave it some concideration because many of my students have asked me to provide this learning tool.  In my early years of portrait painting I too wished I could have the benifit of watching a talented artist do their most detailed work. So my friend and I began the ardous task of filming and editing.  Had we realized when we started that the videographer would move out of state in the middle of the process, we probably would never have begun. Now, as we finalize the last portions and make decisions about how to market the video, I decided it was time to give you a heads up.  I am hoping this Portrait Painting for Beginners will be ready for you to access shortly after the first of the year.  I am hoping to market it through You Tube.  I will let you know as soon as I can. 

We are coming to the end of 2018, almost two decades into the millennium. The last two shows were at SAMA in Loretto and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Counsel for the Arts at SAMA in Ligonier.  To say they were both well attended would be an understatement.  My previous season’s entries for each of these shows held the award for People’s Choice and so this was how the award presentations started for this year.  My entries for now have a wonderful place for exhibition and will hang into the new year.  I am planning to focus on growth as I have at other times in my career.  Since this year has been filled with many personal challenges, illness and loss I have lost momentum with my art.  I want to spend a lot more time painting and enjoying the process.  I hope you all can do the same.

I cannot make that an all inclusive statement but I can state that artists gather together to share their love of art and also to share the company of other artists! Today I listened to a two hour pod cast of great interest to me because of the content and because of the artist whom I admire greatly.  I won’t mention any names because I don’t want to swamp him. I will use this blog to send a big hug, a big thank you and a shout out to him at his studio or home so far from here.  I sent him a note today by email.  Later, when I checked my web site, he had checked in and looked at my site.  I sure hope he was not disappointed at what he saw.  Again, a huge thank you.  You are a great inspiration to me.  And it means a lot to have you share your life philosophy so that others get a sense of true communication with you. With the amount of views your site receives, I am honored to have you even open my web site and take a look.  May you and your family receive many blessings.  Diana

I have promised I would update the work in progress which is ‘My Toy’. I will get to that but first let me catch you up on the summer.  My husband and I helped to care for his dear sister who has been my friend since childhood.  I even have a photo of her sitting on the steps of my grandparents house where I live now. Pancreatic cancer was her mom’s diagnosis and so fourteen months ago when she called and said “Well, I truly am my mother’s daughter” I knew instantly that this was what she was referring to.  It was a bravely fought battle and she managed to be on her own for a large part of it.  Her family honored that desire to maintain her independence as long as possible.  Then we began to take turns staying with her and doing what we could.  One of her sisters is a nurse and she sort of directed the others. My sister in law passed from this life to the next on Oct. 2. Two days later I learned a classmate had died suddenly as well.  At her funeral I learned how much she was loved and respected in the community.  I had only gotten back in touch with  her in the recent past.  I am sorry I didn’t know her better.

All my work has been waiting for me.  But as I have begun to get organized and ready things to begin again, Gout hit my right foot, and worse than the two times before.  I haven’t figured out what stirred it up. I could barely walk for a week and I got a fever with it so I haven’t really revved up my routine.  I have the ballerina, the Degas’, in a combined arts and dance show at the Bottle Works in Johnstown.  They need a sturdy easel so Bruce consented at this late notice to build one.  He wanted it to be respectably attractive so he has constructed it out of walnut.  It has been three days in the making now and he should have it ready in time for the practice sessions. Also I learned that my entry to the Loretto Biennial and also the South Western PA Council for the Arts at Ligonier SAMA have both been accepted. That is a joy.

I don’t usually add comments about negative things but I know many of you face some of the discrimination that artists in general deal with often on a daily basis so I wanted to share this.  I do so in hopes that this will give viewers food for thought so that they might examine their attitudes and moderate their comments at least.  But even more that hopefully they might consider the hours, hard work, commitment, and creative energy that goes into an artists efforts.  As human beings interacting with each other, I have had many occasions to wonder why anyone would ever say to another person some of the things I have heard…… A number of classmates were having a pleasant conversation recently.  One of them who lived out of town asked the others which of us were still working at our age, which is nearly ten years past the SS cut off. As he tallied up the number he included several of those in this conversation.  When he did not include me, I reminded him I was still employed.  His response was, “Oh, you, well,,,, You are just an ‘ARTEEST!'” and he dismissed me with a gesture of unimportance.

You know what I tell my grandchildren?  Someone can bash you with words or gestures and you can walk away unscathed, BUT it leaves a permanent tarnish on the offending speaker.

Friends and fellow artists, don’t let the attitudes of others cripple your call to make art.  Allow your dedication and creativity lead you on.  We are not doing the work of drudgery or necessity although those are God given callings too.  We are doing an act of devotion and commitment and we know not where our work may deliver joy or energy to another. I thank my Yahua every day that He has enabled me in this task.

I have taken time off from my therapy because of the other obligations in my busy schedule.  I am pleasantly surprised how much more connected I feel to the general flow of daily life.  I know this water therapy was soothing and helped to keep my joints flexible but I seem to now have so much more time to get things done.  Before, it was therapy, paint, cook, collapse, repeat.  Now, I am gardening as per the amount of energy I have, then I rest, then I sew or paint, then rest and enjoy the garden, or research or study, then cook, then collapse.  Well, as I said, I feel more involved with a number of things that I just didn’t have time for. I am happy I did the large group of paintings in the winter because I have most things finished for the few shows I want to enter this year.  I have one I am still in progress with on this blog and am started on a special project.  Also I have some pending commissions.  My students will be eager to get back to class and I have been putting that off till later because of all the circumstances with family and because my room is being used as a plant nursery till the garden is in. This is delayed because of the amount of rain.  The garden cannot be tilled until it dries out a little.  I have employed a willing teen to help me with the work in the gardens so they are far more advanced than usual.  Everything is lush, green and about to burst into bloom.  My peace and joy is expanded and fulfilled in the garden and I am grateful.  I will get back to you when I get some work done on the blog progression portrait.  Hugs to you all. Diana

There never seems to be a dull moment.  Our daughter is well after her close brush with death from a surgery. Another family member is quite ill.  This involves some traveling for us. Our families have had a few difficult experiences and all are resolved, thank YAH. I finally settled into a regular art/painting routine again.  I counted twelve pieces I was working on and most of those are nearing completion. I have looked at the shows for the year and know that I am not going to try to keep up with the schedule I had last year.  I want to do more commissions.  Even so, I have decided on certain shows that I will enter, mostly dependent on pieces I have finished that I think will be suitable. I am really excited about several of the works and in a while I will post some images.  I don’t want to spoil the surprise because several of these will be gifts after they have been entered in shows.  This is all I will write for this short blog.  Sorry, but I must paint!!!!!!!!!!

I allowed this grasialle to dry completely. Then I mixed a color that may look strange to most artists. It is a mixture of a flesh tone called a half paste. I apply it to the areas of skin, even in the hair where it will show. I use a very soft fan brush to buff it to a sheen. This gives me a surface to paint on over the wet layer of flesh. I use titanium white to very gently sculpt the face, following the patterns already established in the previous layers. This process always looks blotchy but it will even out as I apply numerous glazes of this flesh halfpaste.

The photo always goes to the top so this is the third photo. It shows the molded or sculpted form. Each time I put on another layer of half paste it is more transparent and it becomes more flesh like. Then I glaze with pinks and reds to make the skin tones luminescent and lifelike. You will see how it develops as I continue to work on this image.

Last summer when it was time to enter the Ligonier show I debated about what to enter. It had been a busy year for me and I had entered and gotten awards at almost every show I was in. This was the latest event for the year and I thought I would not have a piece to enter. Then I realised I could show this great portrait of my grandson. I don’t like to enter something if in my opinion it is not worthy. I think this one is one of my best and I realized I had not used it in this show so I entered, it was accepted, and the show has been hanging since November. The evening of the reception was really an exciting evening. The artists were regional, not just local so it was exciting to meet new artists who were of the highest caliber. Winning third prize was an honor among this talented group. Today Bruce drove to pick up since the show has ended. When he returned he smiled and handed me an envelope with an award for People’s Choice award! What an honor. It is especially gratifying to have the vote of the people. I feel blessed that so many have enjoyed Sammy in this painting I entitled “The Mountain Stream Hideout” Thank you all so very much. This ends a whirlwind season. I will try to compile a list of my shows and awards for 2017. Like I said, it was a whirlwind year, beginning with my solo show last March at the Latrobe Art Center.  I will enter some shows this year but I hope to spend more time painting.  Hope you are enjoying your art endeavors too. Shalom, Diana

Ok, this is an application of titanium white mixed half and half with clear gel, a transparentizer. I call this the layer of skin. After it is dry, I will model the tones until they look as good as I can get them. The object is not to even every thing out, but to make the transitions between light and dark as natural as possible, thereby creating a realistic looking three dimensional appearance.

As you can see, I have added a little more to the brights. I call them brights because there is light on all the image but in order to capture the likeness we must learn to see the patterns this brighter light makes. We will paint the over all light on the next pass which I may attempt now if the previous layer is dry enough. For now, just note carefully how the sun is shining across her left shoulder and how the three dimensionality of her body is defined by where the light hits.

This pass with brights is where an artist begins to mold the contours of a likeness. The artist must be able to follow the patterns of light and see ahead to what the other layers will do to influence the information as we lay it down. I know that I will need to brighten even more the areas of brightest light. If you are studying these blogs in order to learn portrait painting,I would say this layer could be studied repeatedly. I compare the previous layer to the skeleton and this one to muscle. We don’t want our painting to look flat like the canvas. We want it to utilize the light in order to create the illusion of space and form.

This may not look very good but I have spent two and a half hours simply refining the form. It is important to get all the information as correct as possible. The expression is the main point so that is my focus at the moment. This is the kind of image that people are attracted to so I want to do it well. My next pass will be brights. I just don’t know when I will get back to it.

When ever I insert a photo I can never get this type to load. I had the photo, now it is gone, sorry. I will do my best to get it on here after I type this message. I took this photo quite a few years back and for some reason, right when I have so many others in progress, she jumps out and screams, me first!!! This has happened before and always they always seem to turn out well so I can’t resist. Of course the title says it all. I intend to post every time I work but I must warn you not to expect too much too soon. As I said, I have a lot of things in progress besides teaching at the Community Art Center starting this Wednesday. I hope people enjoy this subject as much as I do and so I am eager to get started. Bruce has a meeting tonight so if my back isn’t hurting too much, I will transfer the image and get started on the modeling of form right away.  I love doing this work and wish I could keep at it for more hours. I do the best I can. I think I have not done so many at one time before. I am trying to find the most productive methods for myself. Let me think; two and three and two more and I just finished two, plus the others that are in the drawing or planning stage. I guess that is enough for now. There is a very special one I hope to have finished for shows this summer, a gift for a relative, and a portrait of my grand daughter that could be fantastic. I just remembered two more that I put back two years ago to work on Plimoth Wife, which I am hoping to sell soon. I am happier with my results and always strive for the best outcome. I will post again when ever I get this transferred to the linen canvas. After that, I can’t promise when will be the next post. Blessings, Diana (now I will try to get the photo back)

Our daughter had a surgery which did not go well.  It required a second surgery and other procedures to save her life.  Then there has been a slow recovery.  I am happy to tell you she is now doing well.  HalleluYah.

I have gotten back to my studio and it feels so good to be painting again.  Sharon asked me if I got bored doing so much art.  My answer was, “I sometimes feel upset to have to take time out to eat and sleep!”

I finished a portrait for my niece, am working on a surprise for another friend, completed a commissioned work, started a landscape and a small botanical, got the sketch ready for my grand daughter’s portrait (fabulous) and a sketch for upcoming class in Westmont, made a list of all things in progress, and got back to work on the double portrait with the girls and their beloved pet.  I’m sure I have forgotten something.

Well, that is all for now.  I want to get in at least two hours before dinner.  Hugs, Diana

Portrait painting is the art of constantly making corrections.  I tell my students not to be discouraged if they notice an error and are afraid to make these changes.  I try to help them realize that as portrait artists, they must constantly be on the look out for minute marks that are trying to veer away from the likeness or expression. We should be examining and adjusting the position and measurements of our features all the time. If we don’t do this, then in the end, when we take a new perspective, we will see a glaring problem and it may be too late!

You know, artists do a lot of thinking. We are always painting in our minds, planning the next painting.  During the time when I was learning, I realized there were certain methods I could not utilize.  There is something about my mind that won’t allow me to sort out information from a cluttered environment.  If there is a sale in the grocery store, I get frazzled just trying to figure out what I really want.  So when planning a painting, I knew I needed to provide as little confusion as possible.  I can make a very complicated sketch but in reality, I keep the procedure as uncomplicated as possible.

There are painting methods that begin with rough sketches and blocks of color. I have watched as an artist paints over and over until all this is unscrambled, becoming a beautiful realistic composition.  If I tried to do that I would be frazzled and exhausted before I got anywhere.  I knew I was looking for a better solution for me.

As I read a lot about different eras, different styles, different artists and methods, I was drawn to the methods of some of the old masters.  They at least started with a well planned, complete sketch and transferred that to the canvas.  I had been drawing portraits since I was a child.  Although they were simple line drawings and not extreme in detail, I believed I could use a good solid basic sketch to get the main information on a canvas.

Then I had to consider my health and physical pain.  I had to find a method that would allow me to start and stop in what ever time frame my daily condition allowed, knowing it would be different each time.  No matter what book I looked at, or what video I watched, the methods just did not fit my requirements.  I had to rely on a trial and error experiment.  I worked on the first few paintings and had no trouble getting from the toned canvas, to the sketch transfer and even the beginnings of the underpainting layers.  As I went along I learned that I could do just an arm or one layer of face or a little of background, coming back day by day to do another area.  I even learned to have several paintings in the works so I could always have something to work on when I had reached a stopping point on the first, maybe when the layer needed to dry before moving on. Over the years I would not allow myself to be satisfied with my process.  I keep looking for ways to improve it.

I always teach my students to not be rigid in their process.  If they need to solve a problem, give it some thought. And always check out other artists.  Even if their methods are completely different, there may be some little tip that will work with your process that will make your painting experience more successful. Shalom, Diana

I finished my busy show season and then the following Friday one of my daughters had surgery.  She was hospitalized about four days and sent home even though she had a slight fever and high white count.  A few days later she had a check up and these conditions were worse but her doctor told her it was just an expected result of the surgery.  She continued to worsen.  I will jump forward to tell you that twice in the last few days my daughter’s condition was life threatening. She had two more surgeries and the very best surgeon there is.  I am convinced that through the power of God, this man was moved to save her life.  She is now recovering and hopefully all will proceed to a healing and good outcome.

With all my art having been on hold, I am now getting back to a somewhat normal schedule. I am very pleased with the progress of the commissioned work I am doing. I am finishing a project for my niece and also teaching a class.  I usually do six sessions all together for beginners but with my group of continuing students, we decided to do two sessions a week, the second week of the month for an indefinite amount of weeks.  This should avoid most other calendar events and give us time for work at home in between the classes.  I love holding the sessions because the students are so hungry for the information.  They ask great questions and listen intently to my suggestions and instruction.

In the coming year I plan a few unique pieces so I am eager to get started.  Hugs to you all.  I will post photos when I can.  Shalom

Last evening was the opening reception for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Council for the Arts 22^nd Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition. I wish all of you could have been there to experience with me the excellent art, the good food, and the joyful exuberance of the crowd. There was a celebratory atmosphere even before the awards were presented. It was voiced repeatedly how top notch the art entries were and how difficult it must be to make the selections. These entries were regional so many artists came from quite a distance. There were many artists whom I have never met before this event. The encouraging comments from one’s peers bring a measure of comfort, confidence and inspiration to any artist. It is like adrenalin for the artist’s motivation. I felt immersed in good will. It was an especially meaningful occasion since this year was a whirlwind of goal oriented competitions and events and I was hoping that this particular show would finalize the busy schedule with a final award. My hopes were fulfilled with a third place prize that is a high compliment considering the amazing competition. Being surrounded by friends and family made the accomplishment even sweeter. Afterward, we went to have dinner and fellowship with our family and friends and had the added bonus of joining other friends who chose the same place to gather. It is sometimes hard to express how much these moments mean as they fill in the pages of life. Thank you all for the memories.

I have added a photo that my daughter took at the show when the winners were together after the awards. I have three pick up dates to bring home my work from the  most recent venues and then I will already be into January. At this point last year I was working diligently on my solo show so this brings me full circle. This year I plan to do more commissions, fewer shows but I will not drop out of the show scene altogether. I hope to teach and also paint more. A few days ago, I tried to count all the works I have in progress. There are seven and a few more at the planning stage. I do so want to see these come to completion. I really want to paint a few more monumental and important pieces. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and success I have had. I enjoy this vocation and want it to be taken to its most advanced level possible. Hallelu Yah and all praise to Him for blessing my ability and opportunity to do this. I will do as He leads and if that brings more art I will put forth my best efforts and be grateful. So glad to have you all here too. Shalom, Diana

This is just a little note to tell you what has been happening this past week.  First I went to a luncheon at Seton Hill University.  I met with a wonderful teacher named Maureen and her art class who had presented the Women in Art Exhibition.  There were three artists; a carver and maker of wonderful artistic and useful canes which she donates to veterans and other handicapped people, an interesting and inspired artist who paints scenes filled with emotion and meaning, and me, as the realist who uses art to tell stories and capture moments in time to share with the world. The students asked a variety of questions which centered mostly around the way the world perceives women in the art world and the effect that being a woman has on influencing what we produce. I love to take every opportunity to encourage young artists.  So thanks to all of you for being so hospitable and interested.

The following evening I attended the event of the year with my husband and best friend. The Greater Latrobe School District hosts this Gala every year to gather art from local venues and present it for the selection of one or more pieces to their noted collection. Last year I was blessed to have three pieces in the running and all three were chosen into the top five by the audience.  This year I had two and again, both were in the top five by the audience.  This is an honor and I am delighted to be part of this fine occasion and have the wonderful showcase for my work.  Both years the students chose a different top five and so, sadly, none of these works are included in this prestigious collection at this time. Congratulations to all whose works were in the GALA and those who were chosen by the students.  I saw first hand how the exposure to art and cultural events can help shape our future adults.  These kids need to be commended by all for their courtesy and manners and performances as hosts, dosents, and musicians.  I admire all involved.

The girl on the left is the one I told you about.  Her mom is on the right, our wonderful Venezuelan daughter.

It is a special honor to receive a first place award for Women in Art. I attended the reception yesterday afternoon and evening and was happy to explain a lot about my work to the students there.  It is good to know that many young art students have an appreciation for some degree of realism.  I found an interview on you tube with Nelson Shanks, one of the top portrait painters of our time.  His views on the subject are inspirational to me.  Look it up under his name and choose the video where he is sitting on a bench outdoors by a small lake. His out look is quite worthwhile.

I have two more events this year and then I hope to settle in to a long winter of serious painting.

The solo show at Latrobe Art Center in March started the year off with a busy schedule.  The entire month was so busy. We had an exciting reception and I have posted pictures of that event.  Then we did the luncheon with everyone so attentive and interested, asking lots of questions. Many friends came to see the show during the month and some came from as far as Las Vegas and Kentucky and other states far and near.  I often met them at the gallery to enjoy their company and give them a personal tour.  When that finished I started making decisions about what shows I could enter and what paintings I had available.    There are size requirements and also age of painting regulations, I have to spend a lot of time going over my limitations as far as travel times and overlapping  calendar dates.  The first show was Allied Artists in Johnstown, then Latrobe Art League Open Show and this Friday will be the Dressler Show in Somerset.  Each of these is a unique experience in a unique setting.  The people are so  nice and it is a joy to visit with them. After this I must get my entry in for the Mr. Rogers show and the SAMA show in Ligonier.  Hope to be accepted.  Then in August, actually beginning the last week in July, I will hopefully be teaching a class at the Bottleworks in Johnstown.  If any of you are interested, please look them up on line and make a reservation for your spot in the class.  The space is limited.  Shalom, Diana

My solo show ran the whole month of March. What a wonderful experience. After that got wrapped up and we got all the paintings home I then had a great visit with my out of state cousins. Once we said our good byes I got out my schedule for the upcoming shows and started to figure what I could get finished and which shows I might be able to enter. My artist contacts were asking me to arrange a class so I figured out a date where I could get in a full six classes and we had a totally fun and successful time. About the time I finished that series, a local art group asked me to teach there.  I had an amazing visit with their intern and met the new coordinator/ also set up a tentative schedule.  If you are interested in a six session portrait class, contact me at this site on my contact page.  The object of the six sessions is to teach the process so that as you practice and apply your ability you will be able to have the info that will help you paint a portrait of your loved one.  The next few months are getting quite full. I am glad it is finally summer and the fresh veggies are coming on. Our high school class will have a reunion, number 55, in September.   I will try to find time to put more on the blog but my mind has been too distracted lately to think of much of interest to put here.  Well, that is enough for now.  Shalom.

On Monday, May 22 we will begin a new portrait painting six week session. I have very limited space so please reach me by the contact info on this site if you want to join us. We will decide how to schedule around Memorial Day whenever we meet for the first class.