Mixed Media Artwork, "Mantilla," 8x10 Matted

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This is a mixed media piece on watercolor paper; the art measures 5x7 inches, and with the mat the outside measurement is 8x10. I used liquid medium to transfer pictures to the paper, and pen and ink to finish getting the effect I wanted. The background is metallic gold acrylic. 

 

After finishing a big illustration job that has taken almost a year, it was fun to try some new art techniques. Some succeeded, some failed, and now I'm ready to get back to squishy oil paints. 

Carmen

Halie and Bunny, 12x16 Oil Painting, Portrait of Child

My granddaughter is an adult now, but I painted this when she was a child and very attached to her bunny. It went everywhere with her. She was so funny and so happy-go-lucky, she kept me laughing. I miss those days.

Carmen

John Lewis, 8x10 Graphite Drawing

For some time I have been having an urge to draw the face of Congressman John Lewis, veteran of the fight for Civil Rights. His face reflects many a hardship, many a battle against injustice, and unspeakable sorrow.

While working on this piece I came across the Congressman's memoir trilogy, a graphic novel called March. The story and the art are wonderful, and should be required reading in every school, but since it contains the 'n' word, that won't happen.

Carmen

Stephanie, 30x40

I have zero time for painting, so I am reaching into the archives for this portrait of my daughter that I painted years ago. I was still working full-time and painted this in my kitchen at night, because that room had the brightest light in the house. I was completely self-taught at that point, just biding my time until I could retire and paint full-time.

I now have a job that's taking 100 percent of my time, and it is art, but not painting. Keeping it under wraps until time for the big reveal.

Carmen

Marilyn, 20x20 Oil Portrait on Canvas

Only Marilyn Monroe could wear a hat like that and look so good. This is one of my favorite pictures of the photogenic Miss Monroe. I pulled this one from the archives, since I have fallen behind in my new paintings.

My grandmother used to wear a hat fully that large when she hoed her little orange grove, but it did not have the same effect. It did allow her to take her shade with her. She was a true Florida pioneer, tough as nails, an Italian woman who didn't like to cook. I know. Who ever heard of an Italian woman who didn't like to cook?

Carmen

Unfinished, 9x12 Watercolor Portrait

I've been painting a large piece for a show (this isn't it), and I have had no chance for daily paintings, so I'm posting this watercolor from years ago. It was a watercolor lesson in a workshop, and after the workshop ended I just never finished the painting. I really like his eyes, though. 

Carmen