Home Sweet Home

A recent house portrait commissioned by a good friend as a wedding gift for her groom. The house that they have worked so hard to make into a home. She asked for his favorite maple tree to be the only thing in color. I thought it was a wonderful and unique gift and was very happy to be a part of their special day.

8" x 10" archival ink pen and watercolor

Commissioned Portrait from the past

The portrait below is an old commission that I had done a few years ago (before my blog existed). I came across photos that I had taken and since I wasn't able to share it before, I thought I'd do this post. I worked from a really nice vintage photograph and enjoyed painting in a simple monochromatic way, fading the background and drawing softly with the colored pencils. I thought it was a lovely image and had a wonderful time working on it.



Watercolor and colored pencils on watercolor paper

(painting detail)

New Painting

"I have you fast in my fortress,
And will not let you depart,

But put you down into the dungeon

In the round-tower of my heart.

And there will keep you forever

Yes, forever and a day,

Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,

And molder in dust away!"

an excerpt from The Children's Hour
by: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Two Bleeding Hearts : Undying Love
Watercolor
10.5" x 14"

I've recently finished the above painting for an open watercolor show in New England. The painting is of two flowers appropriately called Bleeding Hearts. This plant bears heart- shaped flowers, from which a little "drop of blood" dangles at the bottom, and are often a symbol of undying love.

Working on this painting was a bit of a challenge because it had to be done in strictly aqua media and I hadn't done a full watercolor painting since college. In my other work I like to get it to a point in watercolor or acrylics and then noodle away with my colored pencils to finish it. I'm not crazy about the painting but I figured if it doesn't get accepted into the show, I will have to get my colored pencils out and finish it until I'm happy.
Below is a photograph of me working on the painting at what seems to be my most productive hour, late at night when everyone is fast asleep. It's my quiet time to spend under the peaceful light of my desk lamp with music in my ears; no distractions; and nothing else to concentrate on but my painting. :)

Commissioned Portrait

A commissioned portrait painted for the holidays.


Watercolor and colored pencil
8.5" x 11"
December 2009