Creating dark oils

This 16 x 20 oil portrait was different and I loved it! The dark background is a change from most of what I do and it creates a very Old Masters look.







The client wanted to show that very special relationship between she and her horse and we achieved it!

Family oil with dogs

This 20 x 24 oil is a good example of bringing in all the elements of an early spring day with kids and dogs! It's real life at its best and what better way to remember it than with a lovely OIL portrait?

Look further down for a LARGE family oil with all members of the family present!

Black lab and Mallard duck Pastel

This Pastel is a surprise gift measuring around 14 x 14. I had
digital images of the Lab and additional ones of the Mallard
duck.
Combining subjects by sight is the original artist "photoshop!" No computers, no gimmicks, just visually pulling together the images to create a portrait that will be enjoyed for years!

Large family Oils

This one was a challenge! 40" x 80" in size, it was created by adjusting the colors, composition, poses, lighting...you name it and it was done! But the family now has a beautiful portrait of a time in their lives that they will look back fondly and remember! Mom especially will wonder how she was able to juggle it all !

The colors just glow in this oil and the family was delighted!

My client said it best!

Dear Theresa,

People who ride or work with horses can always remember that special horse that stood apart from the rest. It is often due to exceptional talent or confirmation or maybe outstanding bloodlines. Our special horse didn't have any of those characteristics. He was a 24 year old quarter horse with nothing special about his confirmation or his talent. What made him stand apart was his gentle nature and his willingness to do his best and take care of his rider. Charlotte and I have struggled since his death in October. We miss our friend. You can not imagine my surprise when I opened this beautiful portrait on Christmas morning. You captured so completely the sweetness of his face and his wise old eyes. You also captured perfectly the face of a little girl who thought he was just about the best friend anyone could have in life. Thank you for doing such a beautiful job. I will treasure it always.

K Yarbrough

Merry Christmas! Onwards 2008!

Well, for an artist business that works solely on commission, 2007 has been a busy and rewarding year. Rewarding financially and rewarding in the knowledge of the joy that I create with my art for both me and for my clients!
The activities of the season have been a combination of reminiscences.....my mother passed away this year with me at her side and as I walked away from the hospital in those dark, early morning hours last February, I knew that another era had passed. So this Christmas, I find myself thinking "She would like this" or "She needs this" and just as suddenly making the connection that it didn't matter this year...but I shake off the doldrums, for with every sad thought is the reality of people delighted with what I have created for them. Today O know that my clients excitedly await the "reveal" of a Christmas Eve or morning portrait. I love it!
And with that thought I wish a very Merry Christmas to everyone! And let's make 2008 a year for dreams to come true!

Pastels, horses and more

Hope Thanksgiving was good for everyone! We've been busy with the Fall shows and now of course, Christmas!





included some recent portraits in this post.
This lovely young lady and her mount posed for me at the UNC shows in Raleigh NC so I could create this pastel for her family!
The challenge is creating the colors of a clipped horse (in this case, a dun) with the range of colors available in pastels. Oils can be mixed but pastels must be lightly layered to come close to the necessary colors :-).


Both of the dog portraits were created from photos supplied by the owners. It is always satisfying to create something for posterity. Both animals had passed away and these will be gifts!
Stay tuned for more Christmas portraits!