Christ in the Americas

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints holds an Art Contest once every three years. Last year, I painted this to enter into the contest. As I took photos of the model who was portraying the Savior, I asked my daughters to stand by him. My intention was to have them stand there so I could get an idea of the size of the children as they stood next to the Savior. Later, I would hold a second photo shoot with other children to stand in as the models for the painting.

As I reviewed the pictures from the original photo shoot, I noticed that one of my daughters had crossed her toes. I liked the pose so much, that I made her the focal point of the painting, and decided not to find new models for the children. So, I turned my daughter's blond hair to black. She is looking directly at the viewer with her feet on top of one another, and her toes are crossed. As you guessed, the crossed toes are my favorite part of the painting.

Portrait

This started as a painting during a Young Women in Excellence program. As the speaker spoke to the theme of "painting a masterpiece of our lives," I painted this portrait. I didn't finish the painting that evening, but finished a few weeks later. This was my first attempt at a painting of the Savior.

CTA round 2

Just when you think you are finished with a painting...think again.  The client wanted a few changes to the earlier version posted below.  Hopefully the changes are somewhat noticeable.  If not, I just wasted a week painting for nothing. 

I like how this one turned out.  It is a portrait from life that was accomplished while visiting the Watts Atelier last year.  The model had a great hairstyle that added to the personality of the portrait.  He asked for a copy of the drawing, saying that I made him better-looking than he is.  He was really fun to draw. 

portrait

Another pencil drawing from life.  

CTA Poster

This is a job I just finished for the California Teachers Association.  Since California is bankrupt, I think that I will be paid for this job by IOU's, free tickets to Disneyland, Oranges, jars of beach sand, or possibly federal government bailout money.

I'm hoping for the bailout money--but I'll take the Disneyland tickets.

It is a poster for teacher appreciation week. 

Art Class Schedule Spring 2009

Click on the flyer to view class options, location, and information about registration.