Ever wonder who you are?  Maybe you question where you are going?  Of course, at different times in our lives these questions become more or less important to us.  It’s interesting to take a moment and ask, “Who am I today, and who do I think I will be in 5 years, 10 years?”

I’ve been facilitating a self-portrait discovery class for the last few weeks and it’s been very interesting seeing the journey come to life on canvas.  Each participant is given the same instructions, yet each painting is already dramatically different.  The class has both adults and teenagers, yet no one is at an advantage, because the focus is on interpretation rather than artistic skill or expertise. 

We started with brainstorming and color association.  For some, this was easy, and they created a long list of words and colors quickly.  Others had to mull things over for a few days before they started to “see” both the words and colors that would represent who they are now, and who they hope to be.  It’s an interesting exercise and if you don’t think too much about what “should be”, and just relax and write down what comes to mind, then you may be able to make connections with different aspects of your life.  

Why does that certain outfit make you feel confident and upbeat?  Why do you feel so down after going to a particular place?  Color is very powerful, and when you discover your own associations with colors, you can alter your mood, confidence, and energy level.  Change your shirt, paint your room, add a dash of just the right color here and there.  Seemingly simple things that could change your life!

Stay tuned for more of the self-portrait journey.

Recently, a mom said to me that she would like me to photograph her oldest children and then, “Make one of those.  I’m not sure what it is, but that’s what I want.”  She pointed to one of my painted portraits that hung on the wall.  I think she sums up what many people experience when seeing digital painting for the first, or perhaps the 100th, time.  Their eyes see one thing, but they can’t quite wrap their minds around the virtual creation aspect.  

Corel’s Painter program is a virtual toolbox containing all of the traditional tools artists have enjoyed for centuries.  Oils, conte, charcoal, pencil, greasy colored pencil, drippy water colors, etc.  With a click of your mouse, and no mess or smell, you can lay down a water color background, come in with pens, and then complete your painting with thick impasto oils.  Needless to say, I often go a bit crazy picking and choosing from this vast array to get just the right effect.  But I love every minute of it! 

When the painting is done, it’s like Christmas to me, waiting for the printer to send me the final product.  All of my work is professionally printed and framed.  You have chosen me to present you with a timeless beauty that will thrill you everytime you walk by.  Therefore, I chose a company that is dedicated to creating the best canvas printing and framing for the final step of the process.

This painting is quite special, as I know the family and have seen these two eldest children blossom.   The big delivery is tomorrow, and I can’t wait to see mom’s expression when presented with her framed canvas painting!

After years of sitting around in my computer, this painting finally came to be.  The wonder of life’s seemingly simple things, like a water reflection, are captured as this sweet child holds tight to her Peony.  Painted with a soft loose oil brush, printed on canvas, and framed in a beautiful silver frame. 

See tools and books I use to create here.

What are people saying about their commissioned portraits?

“I love it, love it, love it!”

“When people come to visit us, they stop and stare at our painting. They can’t believe what you were able to do with just a snapshot.”

“I love it so much I’m going to hang it at work, not home. That way I can look at it all day.”

“Wow, it doesn’t look anything like the photo. It’s so much more than I imagined, and the kids are beautiful. Thank you.”

“Oh wow, when we hang this on our wall, we’ll have real art, not just a framed poster print.”

I was recently interviewed by Marie at the WAHM Spot. Full details and interview is here.

Don’t forget, Soft Impression Portrait sale ends in October, so I hope you’re looking for your cutest and most endearing photos to have painted. At 50% OFF, these are a steal!

In just a few hours Soft Impression Portrait paintings will go on sale for a whopping 50% OFF! 

Beginning Sept. 17 and ending Oct. 31, 2008, you can commission me to create a beautiful painting of your loved one for half my normal fees.  Just $100 for a one of a kind, personal painting, just for you.  What possessed me, I don’t know.  Maybe it’s because I love these classy little paintings, I just had to make sure you would have one of your very own.  

Let me assure you, I take just as much care and consideration creating these as my more expensive paintings.  What makes them different?  Well, these portraits only have one subject.  In addition, the background is a soft wash without any details.  This allows me to focus on what makes a painting so captivating.  The eyes.  For you, your loved one is the center of attention and allowed to tell their own story, so to speak. 

Your Soft Impression Portrait will be professionally printed on 11×14 luster paper and mounted for stability with a protective surface finish.  Shipping is included for all US addresses, and international orders will be charged at cost.  For more details and  information, please go here.

Oh, and don’t be selfish of such a good thing.  Let your friends and family know too!