Georgia O'Keefe look-alike

Diane Marks is doing an outstanding job, getting our models into costumes that inspire more interesting paintings. This model didn't look as severe as her look here, but my painting went in that direction. I guess that's my impression of O'Keefe's persona.

Painting done February 14, 2014.

Frida Friday!

Nancy posed in Frida Kahlo outfit, including headdress and jewelry. I have more work to do on this one, but a good start, I think.

Work in progress, commenced January 24, 2014.

Drawing at Janet's

It's mid-March right now, and I have a log of catching up to do on this blog. If memory serves, I took only charcoal and paper to this "candlelight" session at Janet's. I think I was too tired to lug the painting gear, or think about mixing color! Also, I had just started a drawing class at Phil Sylvester's Drawing Studio, where I immediately appreciated working large and thinking in terms of simple notan.

Drawing created January 26, 2014.

Contemplating Matisse

This is a rare 2-day pose up at Studio 30, with Julie as our gracious model. Costuming and set was "matisse inspired", thanks to Diane--but I did not manage to bring much of that influence in. Maybe a little, but I would need to work in more patterns on the drapes, or something. I'll leave it be, and contemplate it for a while.

Painting done 1/16 and 1/7/14.

Mimi

First painting of the new year, a.k.a. "Another Fun Friday" at Kat's in NoPo. The after hours were especially fun, with Brenda demonstrating her Lady Gaga routine with baby carrots! But I digress.

With a few tweaks, I'll call this one done. I think I got further with it than I usually do in the 3-hour session because I didn't do my usual underpainting--I just dove right in.

Oh, I should mention, I've progressed with one in the "Texting" series. See it here:
http://pdxpainter.blogspot.com/2013/07/texting-in-kyoto.html
...since I don't want to create a separate blog entry. (One entry per painting; easier to keep track at year end.)

"Mimi" painted 1/3/14

Anna, at Studio 30

Another Friday session up at Kat's Studio 30 on Dec. 27. This is surely the last painting of the year, and a lovely way to end it, painting with friends. (Speaking of which.... reports of our sessions can oftentimes be found on the Alla Prima FB group noted over there on the sidebar of my "Favorites".)  I think with a bit of anatomical hand-fixing, and perhaps some more dashes on the flowers, I can call it done. But that will have to wait until next year, along with most of my other unfinished paintings of the year. Almost time to uncork the champagne!

So, to top off the year... a few final comments....

2011 was my record-setting year, with this blog, having made 68 posts. But that was the year I went to Spain, and approximately 28 entries were non-painting (travelogue) posts... which means I did about 40 paintings that year. So I am totally patting myself on the back right now because all of my posts this year record paintings done--or at least started!--in 2013. So.... 67 paintings in 2013... that's more than one per week. I am kind of surprised... and more than pleased.

As I look back on the year in paint, I can see I'm making progress and that is gratifying. I can also recollect a lot of fun and laughter--and no small quantities of wine!--enjoyed with fellow painters here in Portland. I am proud to call as friends some rockin' great painters here in the Pacific NW, and I'm looking forward to even more expansion by all of us in the new year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all, and to all a good night!

"Anna", 16" x 20 oil painting commenced 12/27/13.

Madame N

Studio 30 session with Brenda's daughter, Nicky, modeling as "Madame X".  12" x 16"  linen panel. Work in Progress.

Painted  12/20/13