INTO THE LIGHT

Worth the wait.

2011-12-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

Mother and daughter, commissioned piece in oil on linen.

Light at Night

2011-11-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Gosh, it has been a long time! I decided to go ahead and post a piece that I did earlier this month from a photo taken many years ago. This building has changed and is multicolored now. Fewer lights, too.
Oil on canvas.

Portrait Study

2011-08-25T13:13:00.000-06:00

A piece done more quickly. Casual portrait. 10"x10" oil on canvas

My Flute and I are One

2011-07-11T14:36:00.004-06:00

Oil on linen, 12"x24". Inspired by photos for commissioned piece.

Texas Rancher

2011-05-22T10:35:00.003-06:00

Oil on linen, 16"x20"

Atmosphere

2011-04-09T12:23:00.002-06:00

Always being challenged, I accepted a commission to do this portrait as a surprise gift. The client asked for a softer, more atmospheric quality than I usually have in my work. The client is happy! Hope the recipient will be, too.

Interior / still life

2011-03-27T13:20:00.003-06:00

This piece was done very loosely and with the intention of capturing the sparkle in the silver and the warmth of the table. Oh and if I could pass on the fragrance of the freesia..... 12x12" oil on linen

Latest Project

2011-03-04T09:49:00.002-07:00

Sometimes it is good to have multiple projects going at the same time. Well, it also might get a bit overwhelming, too. Right now, I'm juggling a few; I've got 3 commissions lining up and a project with my mentor.

This photo is from the project with my mentor. I'm stretching myself and doing a full length portrait with a complicated background. Wayne was the model for the reference photos. The painting still has a lot of work to be done on it, but I like where it is going. Huge, tho...at least for me. 36"x 48" oil on canvas, and barely fits on my easel.

Poster for new project

2011-01-10T16:01:00.002-07:00

Color and light in the short days of winter

2010-12-24T10:07:00.002-07:00

A bouquet of fresh tiny flowers inspired me to do a color rich study. I feel all better, now!

Merry Christmas!

Yes, I'm still painting portraits

2010-11-10T15:02:00.005-07:00

I've been working with Jan for months on this piece. It is larger than I usually do (18"x18") and I was able to work on it at my own pace (with an agreable model).

Latest Still Life

2010-10-25T15:29:00.002-06:00

I've been working on some small, simple pieces. Here is my latest still life.

Late summer sunflowers

2010-10-01T11:12:00.003-06:00

I've been teaching some classes in pastels, so I thought I should be doing some work in them as well. At the same time, these sunflowers were blooming in our yard. So I had some fun with this lighthearted medium. About 18"x24" on sanded paper/card.

Just a sketch

2010-08-28T11:32:00.002-06:00

What a tree! And a lovely day. Finally got outside for a bit. I'm working on a number of projects but no photos yet. So this will have to do for now. It is an enormous cottonwood tree at a rest area between Alpine and Ft. Davis. A favorite spot!

Back to real people!

2010-05-14T09:48:00.003-06:00

Jan is a dear friend who agreed to model for me. Such patience! This is on 18x24 tinted paper, done in graphite and white charcoal. Sure enjoyed working from a live model again!

Horny Toad?

2010-04-30T10:16:00.002-06:00

"The Poetry of Things" is a 9" x12" oil on linen board completed for a show celebrating the horny toad. Since I couldn't get one to sit for me, I decided to do a still life with the sculpture of the lizard. The title actually comes from the title of the book in the piece.

Art Opening

2010-03-25T19:53:00.002-06:00

Not a human portrait...but....

2010-02-22T15:03:00.003-07:00

My very first backhoe! 18"x24" colored pencil on paper. Portrait commission work takes odd turns.

New stuff

2010-02-06T13:25:00.004-07:00

Since the last posting, I've worked on a sign painting (with preprinted paper border), an oil sketch of Wayne's son and I've rehung the gallery wall after feedback that it was too much stuff.

Now Showing

2010-01-08T15:51:00.004-07:00

I have recently been accepted into the CatchLight Art Gallery in Alpine, TX. As this is a co-op gallery, I get a portion of the wall space and will be working a couple of days each month. I am in the company of the best of the Big Bend!

Saturday, January 9th, will be my first opening reception as a member of the gallery. So if you are in Alpine, stop by and see us! 5-8pm.

This photo shows the current display of my work.

Latest Commission Work

2009-12-28T15:28:00.003-07:00

This painting of Paige was delivered to her grandmother before Christmas. It was originally supposed to be a gift, but "Oma" was considering keeping it. "Paige" 10"x 12" oil on linen canvas

Delivering

2009-11-23T18:54:00.003-07:00

Ok, it wasn't nine months, but the delivery date is Thanksgiving. Probably could have worked on it for another year or so...but here it is.

A & A getting close

2009-11-09T10:08:00.004-07:00

Making progress on the form painting. Changed the background orange to a slightly yellower color. Still refining and refining, but it is looking better.

Albert & Adam

2009-10-15T17:37:00.003-06:00

Continuing the form painting. Still struggling with the jackets and shirts.

More on Raven

2009-10-12T09:09:00.003-06:00

Found this drawing from the spring session at the Ryder Studio. Thought it would be a nice change from my current portrait work.

Graphite pencil and white charcoal on toned paper. 18" x 24"

Starting the form painting - challenge

2009-09-27T14:51:00.004-06:00

I've started some of the form painting, chosing the large block areas first. Since the background is going to remain an unmodulated orange, I started there, then the clothes. I still need to work on the finer details of the fabric. Started work on the hair for both, so I could work a bit on the edges with the orange.

Challenge Wash-in

2009-09-27T10:19:00.005-06:00

"Wash - in" of painting. A full color work using oil paint thinned with solvent. A bit like a loose watercolor. Albert (left) will have different glasses, so they are not really detailed. Adam chose the background and clothing for the father/son painting.

More on Challenge

2009-09-27T10:10:00.002-06:00

"Inked" in over charcoal drawing with diluted oil paint. Then wiped charcoal off.

Continuing with the Challenge

2009-09-27T09:55:00.003-06:00

Drawing in charcoal on canvas.

A New Challenge

2009-09-15T19:44:00.002-06:00

Started work on a commission of a double portrait. One of the models is an installation artist and has particular ideas about background and what they are wearing. So I will be trying to balance my opinion with his. This is the poster study for the piece. I will be doing some work from photo, but will get the models into the studio at least once a week. Will keep you posted!

Yippee!!!

2009-09-09T19:50:00.006-06:00

"Raven".............."Randy".................. "Cherished"

I entered these three pieces into a regional art show put on by the Kate Hoffman Art Association. Saturday, I was thrilled to learn that "Raven" received 3rd place and "Randy", 1st place in the Portrait Category. "Cherished" got 1st in the Still Life Category. AND.... "Randy" was judged Best in Show. Wow! guess those classes paid off!

New Still Life Poster Study

2009-08-29T19:07:00.002-06:00

Taking on a real challenge.

Cheap Model

2009-08-29T18:46:00.004-06:00

Decided to try a self portrait....can't beat the price. Tried to keep smiling. Obviously couldn't do a 75 hour pose.

This Little Piggy

2009-08-22T21:08:00.003-06:00

Finished the still life. Just a few favorite items. Could be "conceptual"....art, music and the funds needed. But it was just some stuff.

Got Distracted

2009-07-31T16:40:00.010-06:00

While working on my latest still life, I received some beautiful roses. Couldn't really do a full painting, so I tried a larger poster study.

Still Life Poster Study

2009-07-24T16:52:00.003-06:00

We are back in Alpine, TX and I have started a still life painting. Above is the poster study. Anxious to see what happens to my work outside of class.

Portrait Drawings

2009-07-06T20:46:00.003-06:00

Thanks Krista for use of your time at the studio. These are the works from the latest drawing class. Wayne, Lori, Maribou and Nova.

Drawings from the Studio

2009-07-01T11:16:00.002-06:00

Randy, Maribou and Raven....some of the studio staples. Randy is on toned paper all are in graphite. All 18" x 24"

Poster Studies 2009

2009-06-27T19:40:00.006-06:00

Finally photographed all of the poster studies I did since February. Didn't realize it was so many! These are all 5" x 7" and done in oil.

Ashby Portrait

2009-06-13T18:23:00.002-06:00

Ashby, aka Wayne, sat for the Ryder Studio for a two week intensive portrait class. Although I didn't finish this during the class, I was able to get him to sit for an extra day. Oil, 8"x 10"

Raven - Finished and rephotographed

2009-06-13T18:15:00.003-06:00

I retook the photo after using a bit of retouch varnish. Came out a bit better than an earlier post.

Raven sat 6 weeks for this portrait. Oil 14" x 16". A bit larger than I'd been doing before.

Figure Drawing

2009-05-05T16:29:00.004-06:00

In the Ryder Studio, on a "normal" day, we work on our portraits in the morning and figure drawing in the afternoon. During the last two weeks, I've been working with Randy in incandescent / halogen lighting. These are the two pieces I completed.

Another Randy oil sketch

2009-04-30T20:03:00.004-06:00

Randy has a whole suitcase of costumes. Sure makes it fun to paint! Quick 3 hour sketch. 9 x 12

Alla Prima Week - Randy

2009-04-30T19:45:00.006-06:00

These were from our alla prima class (and some extra sessions outside) each one is a 3 hour pose, 8 x 10 (except the one above which is 9 x 12)
It was aerobic...oil sketches.

Alla Prima Week - Raven

2009-04-30T19:27:00.007-06:00

We painted a number of quick portraits, generally about 2 1/2 hours when you count the model breaks. Changing costumes, background and lighting made it fun!
These are all Raven, and 8 x 12.

Understanding Modern Art

2009-04-14T18:58:00.004-06:00

Last week we spent the whole week working on our own still lifes. As always, I set up still lifes a bit more complicated than necessary. I'm calling it "Understanding Modern Art". Somewhat tongue in cheek, that is the name of the book in the still life. 12"x12"

Final Rose

2009-04-14T18:45:00.005-06:00

Finished Rose last week. Refined some of the forms and tried to bring the light up in the hair.

One more day!

2009-03-27T18:37:00.004-06:00

Today was supposed to be our last day working on our portraits of Rose. But, yippee!, we get to work one more day next Friday. So here she is. Next week, I'll work on getting some sparkly highlights in her hair and some minor tweaking all around.

Getting Closer

2009-03-24T20:57:00.002-06:00

We are down to the last week of form painting. So far it is coming together. Photo shows a bit of drying in (matt areas where the oil from the paint has sunk in) which will be taken care of with a bit of retouch varnish. Using a small round nylon brush with opaque mixtures of oil paint. Sometimes I'll use a tiny bit of medium when the paint is stiff and doesn't spread easily. We are working on oil primed linen canvas as our support. Mine has a bit of texture, others' are very smooth.

Continuing Form Painting

2009-03-22T12:53:00.002-06:00

This week Tony did form painting demos each morning and we worked on our paintings in the afternoon. I've continued working up from the dark in Rose's face and spent a day on her hair. I still need to bring up the lights in her hair as well as the rest of her face.

Working up the neck/throat

2009-03-17T19:43:00.003-06:00

Continuing the form painting of Rose. Should have stuck to the dark area but couldn't resist working into the light on her throat and chest.

Form Painting Started

2009-03-13T21:48:00.002-06:00

After finishing the wash-in color underpainting, I've started the form painting. This entails working small areas with a small acrylic round brush. Working thinly, from the dark to the light. In this photo, I've form painted the background and part of the dark part of the hair.

Washing in Rose

2009-03-09T21:02:00.002-06:00

After inking in the drawing and wiping off the charcoal, I've started the "wash-in". This is a color underpainting using oil paint thinned with solvent, starting in the dark area and moving toward the light.

The beginning of Rose

2009-03-06T07:54:00.003-07:00

The first portrait of the year! This photo is showing an oil "poster study" where we explore the effect of the the light and the canvas with drawing. The canvas is 10"x 12" and the drawing was done in charcoal followed by an "ink-in" done over the drawing with a very diluted paint. Today I will wipe off the charcoal and use the drawing for the next step; a "wash-in" color underpainting. So glad to be back at it!

Critique

2009-03-03T22:06:00.001-07:00

TREVOR PORTRAIT by Trevor Burrowes

For a long time, I viewed easel painting as meaningless. When the real world was there to be explored, what good was a flat representation of it that hangs on a wall? I wanted to do practical things with the world you could touch and feel. Perhaps I should have studied architecture and not painting.

Although I had modeled for many portrait painters, professionals and students, no reproduction of my likeness produced in me more than academic interest until I modeled for Tony Ryder’s students late in 2008. One student produced an inspired pencil drawing that I treasure. But what really changed the way I look at paintings was a painting of me by Deborah Allison. It also changed how I view myself.

Someone said of the pencil image that it was noble. It was a good likeness showing me in the most flattering light, a three-quarter view from slightly below that could be of any great hero or knight on a horse. Noble , strong, thoughtful. But the painting by Deborah Allison was something quite different.

As it proceeded, I thought it expressed sadness and I wasn’t convinced that I would like it. It was a tight painting and there’s nothing worse than a tight, detailed rendition that is drawn wrong. It took me some time to realize that this was drawn right. Very right. So right in fact that it redefined the way I see myself. It is what I now look to to provide clarity and stability about my image.

I wasn’t trained to do realistic painting but I know enough about it to appreciate how this work follows the rules of painting. One senses the exact texture of the hair, eyebrows, eyelashes and beard. While a novice would be distracted by trying to depict each hair individually, Deborah has convincingly depicted these features through daubs of paint. This takes great skill and learning.

Despite the filtering out of non-painterly detail, the representation is relentless, It has no interest in flattery, yet it is not unflattering. It allows my countenance to speak for itself.

It is me at ground zero. The previously mentioned equestrian knight might fall off his horse and feel shame, but Deborah’s Trevor has no horse to fall from. He’s firmly planted on the ground. If he’d been brought up to feel soft and helpless, or that he must overreach to gain acceptance, this image tells him something different. He is strong and durable, even stoic. While imperfect, he is quite adequate the way he is. I now look for this persona in the mirror

When I study this picture I can hear the sound of my voice…as if she found a way to paint that too. Time has pressed against this face, yet it endures with considerable beauty – the beauty of time itself.

Trevor

2008-12-15T08:26:00.003-07:00

Just realized I hadn't posted the last painting of the class; "Trevor" sat for us for 6 weeks. A joy to paint! 10" x 12" oil.

More Drawings

2008-10-27T21:24:00.002-06:00

Recent drawings of Raven and Donna.

Finally Finished Donna

2008-09-21T19:42:00.002-06:00

This is the final image of Donna's portrait, finished last week.

Encore Raven

2008-09-21T19:39:00.003-06:00

These are two of my drawings of Raven with graphite and white charcoal on colored paper.

Donna

2008-09-16T20:52:00.003-06:00

Artist and model, Donna, sat for us for 6 weeks. Sure was a joy to paint her. 10"x12" oil.

Melissa

2008-09-09T18:09:00.002-06:00

Melissa is a model from San Fransisco. We only kept her busy for two weeks, but I feel like it was a productive 2 weeks.

Cinzia

2008-08-18T08:10:00.001-06:00

We've used Cinzia as a model for many figure drawings, but this was the most relaxed we'd seen her. Must be due to the big comfy chair!

Larine

2008-08-10T14:00:00.002-06:00

Each portrait takes from 5 to 6 weeks, 5 days a week, 3 hours a day. This requires tremendous patience from the model and persistance from the artist. Larine is a fine artist when she is not modelling for us at the Ryder studio.

Cherished

2008-07-03T17:42:00.002-06:00

Goodness the months are flying by. We are halfway through the nine month course with Tony and still painting like crazy. This piece "Cherished" is 10"x10" in oil and is a composition of the books and objects that mean a lot to me for various reasons. I painted it across the canvas, so the format is not a normal square.

Raven In All His Glory

2008-06-21T19:12:00.002-06:00

Two Figures in Studio 16"x14"

Raven 12"x10"

Raven sat for both portrait and this double figure work. Two figures and two sources of light at the Ryder Studio. It doesn't get better than that!

Wayne

2008-05-26T21:13:00.001-06:00

My honey, Wayne, sat for our portrait class and this is the result. Graphite and white charcoal on paper.

Play of Light

2008-05-16T20:50:00.001-06:00

During a break in our models, we worked on still lifes that we set up. This painting "Light Play" was a still life of items that were gifts from friends and family.

14" x 10", oil.

Toby

2008-05-12T07:54:00.001-06:00

We worked for 5 weeks on the portrait of Toby. Starting with small poster study followed by charcoal drawing, color "wash-in" and form painting. Final work is 12" x 10".

April's Work

2008-05-12T07:48:00.001-06:00

Randy sat for us in a toga, looking like a Roman Senator. I chose to stick to a portrait. Has a bit of a feel of a saint.

2008-03-24T07:46:00.000-06:00

New Blog, new posting, new work. Monday everything starts fresh. I'm hoping to keep folks up to date with my progress in portrait class. So here is the lastest painting; "Deidre", 12" x 10", oil.