I am getting used to the feel of charcoal and conte but remain convinced that I will never like the feel of a pencil. That may sound odd but, but a brush has a smooth and flowing feel to it and a pencil is hard and static...polar opposites to me. Charcoal and conte seem to bridge the gap a bit. It is all a great learning experience and one day I may even come to like pencils!
My portrait studies continue and I am encouraged to be seeing progress! This portrait is of Emmie, a very strikingly beautiful woman that I have been wanting to paint for a long time. When the scheduled model didn't arrive, Emmie agree to sit for us. I was elated!
Our plein air group, the Texas Paint Slingers , went to Crane's Mill Marina for our first paint out of 2011. It was a beautiful day! The weather was supposed to be overcast and drizzling until noon but it was a picture perfect day. It is such a quiet and peaceful place. The only company we had were a few bass splashing and a family of ducks swimming in the lake. We didn't even mind the cedar! Sometimes you've just got to paint!
Another plein air painting done at the Zilker Botanical Gardens in Austin. I think a person could paint there every day of the year and never have to paint the same thing twice. The gardens are so beautiful, peaceful and serene.There is definitely something there for everyone!
