Little Girl Portrait II: Gracie and the Balloon/3rd Session

Gracie
oil on canvas, 11x14
3rd Session

I'm really having fun now! Though I'm still not certain what I'm going to do with the background yet, I like the way the light blue and her face have such an ethereal feel to them. It feels like I'm painting a little angel.

Little Girl Portrait II: Gracie And The Balloon/2nd Session



Gracie And The Balloon
oil on canvas, 11x14
2nd Session



Painting the eyes...

Little Girl Portrait II: Gracie And The Balloon

Gracie
oil on canvas, 11x14
1st Session

One of the nicest compliments I can receive from a client is when they ask for a second portrait of the same subject. I really enjoyed painting Grace the first time and now, I have the pleasure of capturing her on canvas again. This second piece will be a smaller size, 11x14, and is from the same set of reference photos I took for her fist portrait. Now that I have the rough sketch taken care of I am excited to begin. Besides the balloon, there are some other fun surprises that I get to add to this composition.
This will be a Christmas gift and so I had better get busy!

Portrait Of A Little Girl: Elena Running/ The Completed Portrait

Elena Running
oil on canvas, 16x20
8th Session

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, one of my favorite elements in a commissioned painting is adding personal information that has significance to the subject or subjects that I am focusing on. In this case, the English garden in the background marks a time in Elena's life where she has had the opportunity to spend part of her life there. The roses also hold special meaning because of her middle name, Rose.  Art that tells a story; this is so much fun!

Portrait Of A Little Girl: Elena Running/ The Background

Elena Running
oil on canvas, 16x20
7th Session

The background in a painting can play an important part in the completion of a portrait by setting the mood and  complimenting the main character. One of the opportunities I like to take advantage of when possible, is to make the background a meaningful part of the visual story. The public garden in which Elena is running through marks a significant time in her life. 

Portrait Of A LIttle Girl: Elena Running 6th Session

Elena Running
oil on canvas, 16x20
6th session

Portrait Of A Little Girl: Elena Running/ 5th Session

Elena Running
oil on canvas, 16x20
5th Session