Christmas Commissions

I got a commission from my cousin Liz and her husband this Christmas to recreate some photos for her parents that they had taken on one of their many trips to their favorite places in Hawaii. I ended up doing a series of three 8 x 10 charcoal/pastel portraits in order to really capture the feel of Hawaii. I didn't get to talk to her parents for very long about them, but I think they were really happy with such a thoughtful gift and I was really thrilled to have the opportunity to help. :)

On the left an island shoreline, the middle is a tropical sunset, and the third is a waterfall into a cave with a palm tree (which you can't see very well). Please forgive the laundry on the the couch and bad glare on the photos!!! XD

Life at the beginning of the new year...

Back from Christmas and already full into the swing of things again. The spring semester started this past week and I couldn't afford to take a 'for fun' art class this time. That means I have to make time for myself to be able to do art. To be honest, I've been pretty sick of painting for a while since I had to do it for class, but after a little break I'm almost itching to get back into it. I have a ton of nearly finished paintings that just need a little touch-up or a frame, which I really, really hope to get up here soon!
April is the annual food-themed exhibit at Liberty Town and I am planning on having around 10-20 pieces to submit to the gallery. I have a set of 3 pink cupcake paintings that say 'Suger', 'Spice', and 'And Everything Nice'. Those turned out so great that I think they will sell really quickly, so I may also do a blue and green set. I also want to do oil paintings of 3 small plates and 1 large spread of sushi/sashimi. Maybe a couple simple little fruit paintings as well. The other part of this exhibit has to do with art made of food. I would really love to recreate a life-size bust of Marie Antoinette completely out of different foods, lacy bodice, elaborate powdered hair, and all! The issue with this has to do with costs however. The first place prize is only $100, and these pieces are not for sale. I feel as though the materials would exceed any possible winnings. We'll see.
The other exhibit coming up soon is of figure drawings, taking place at Headquarters Library. There is a group of local artists meeting every Wednesday at $12 a person that is working on pieces specifically for this exhibit, but unfortunately the meeting falls on the same time as my Calculus class. I don't think I'll be doing any big paintings, but hopefully I'll have some time to do a few charcoals for this. Its too bad they aren't accepting any nudes, or else I'd have a few to submit already, haha!