Alley Way- Roughs and preliminary charcoal

 Here's a new painting I'm working on. If you scroll to the bottom of the page, you'll see two rough idea sketch's for this. I originally thought this might take place in a deserted circus or carnival setting. I also imagined the man just standing there looking at the "lady of the night". When I finally shot pictures of my models and began working there was no synergy between the two figures. Luckily the model who posed for my male figure lives next door to me. I had him over and re shot him in various poses bowing and introducing himself to the woman. I think it made the picture a lot more interesting. I hope to paint this one a bit looser and more spirited than of late.  Also need to find some alley way debris to include in the composition, such as trash cans and old tires , trash, bottles, stuff like that.

Charcoal On Vellum  

Charcoal On Vellum

Rough idea sketch

Rough idea sketch

New Painting - Flirtation

I finished this little painting on New Years Eve.  I hope the subject matter is not too much of a downer or too morose for the New Year.

I'm not totally happy with it but there are things I like about it as well, so I share it with you all. I wanted to be more painterly but the small size prohibited me from loosening up some how. Better luck next time I hope. I did this painting in the hope that it might get into a juried show competition I just entered here in town and there is a size limitation. Below the finished oil is my charcoal comprehensive and two small oil sketches. 

The head is about one inch tall and that was really hard for me to paint it well at that size. I need to buy some smaller sables for sure!

Happy New Year everyone! 

"Flirtation" oil on canvas 24" x 20"

Charcoal Comprehensive   24" x 20"

color sketch

color sketch