Perugia Oil Portrait Sketches

Collection of Portriat Sketches at Women Exposed in Bloomington, IN February 2007

Today I have released the rest of the collection of oil portrait sketches I did in Perugia two years ago--they are now either sold or posted to be sold!

This collection of work is one that is very dear to my heart. In the Spring of 2006 I arrived in Perugia after my first (and only) printmaking high. I thought that I had found a new medium that would carry me to new depth in my art. Printmaking did expand my work immensely but experiences with it also beat into my head that I am not a printmaker. After this stir in my artistic psyche I was baffled to find not one press in the facilities in Perugia. Instead I was placed in a beautiful room with the two other artist in my independent study class. We were never there at the same time so it felt like I had a studio all to myself. My inspiration was lacking.

Bettylou (Pineapple), 10 x 11, oil on paper

My teacher, William Pettit, was phenomenal in figuring out where I needed to be pushed. After some frustrated still lives I finally did a quick set of sketches for a larger portrait--keep working the basics. It was like doing sit-ups and push-up every day when I really just needed to go and take along run. Bill saw the sketches and really liked them. He suggested I just start having people come in a sit for me as I do quick sketches of them. The project was amazing. I not only had a wonderful time doing it, I also had a collection of people who willingly modeled for me.

To view the oil portrait sketches that are still for sale visit my etsy site.

Pineapple and Bettylou, aprox. 3x5', Perugia, Italy

After months of these portraits I got a little bit teird of painting people so I turned to something else--pineapples. Pineapples are so colorful and full of texture that they were the perfect new subject for my portrait project! These paintings are also available for sale but are not posted on etsy.

Thanks for reading and please contact me with any questions!

A Room - Installation Idea

A Room, In Progress Sketch, Spring 2008

This photo is from my sketch book. One of my long terms goal in regard to my art is promoting education and open minds when it comes to the human form. This installation sketch is of a room with many different mannequins representing a variety of bodies. The mannequins will be created with a creative assortment of materials which will help further convey the message and stereotype of each form. Each individual sculpture will be roughly life size to create a more intimate interaction with the piece.

Now, this has been done to certain degrees before (like with real bodies). I wanted to stick in some image references but the names are escaping me at the moment.
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Since the opening I have been running around quite a bit! Chad is moving from Saint Paul to Aspen, CO (we are leaving for that leg of his move on Thursday). I am also in the midst of designing some art classes to teach this summer at Flourish. I have to have all of that done before we leave for CO, so no new art for a couple of weeks. I will get back to my easel soon.

Happy June!