Something Old

I took this figure study out of it's old frame today to reframe it for an upcoming figurative show at Aucocisco Gallery. I will also be showing my new portrait, Greta's Dark Self. This drawing is titled Matthew, and I drew it at a figure study group at The Academy of Carlo Pittore in the late fall of 1988. I chuckle at the word Academy: Carlo's studio was in a dilapidated old chicken barn. Never the less, we worked very hard there! The upcoming show is titled In the Spirit of Carlo Pittore, in honor of Carlo's birthday, May 14th, and a percentage of the proceeds will go to The Pittore Foundation which issues grants to figurative artists. Bowdoinham artist Susie Drucker and I are the curators, and we are both old friends of Carlo, who died in 2005.

Simple Conte

An hour long portrait study of Gwen in simple conte crayon. Sometimes it feels good to just go back to the basics.

Adam's Portrait

Adam Wriggins at Sixteen, 2012

mixed media on Rives BFK, 22" x 30"

Last Friday I did this portrait of Adam Wriggins in my studio. He sat for about an hour and a half. His Mom, Marian Baker, gave him a gift certificate for this portrait as a Christmas gift. I did portraits of Marian and her older son Dan a couple of years ago out on Little Cranberry Island where they spend their summers, and where my daughter Kaitlyn lives year-round with her husband Cory. My husband and I are heading out there tomorrow to spend a few days enjoying the island in late winter mode!

Another Monday Afternoon @ Barnfire Studio

Talented Kiddos + Props + Charcoal = Cool Wall 'o' Portraits!

Couples Portrait Progress

Worked in my new studio yesterday afternoon, using the photo references to furthur resolve this couples portrait. I still have a ways to go, but it's shaping up. I'm loving working in my new space!

Portrait Marathon, Cont'd...

Another Saturday afternoon spent making on the spot portraits at Aucocisco Galleries. This beautiful father and son were my second subjects of the day. I drew twin brothers for my first appointment. Their Mom took some pictures and promised to send me some, so I can post about that sitting soon.

Whew! I try to get as much information as possible in under an hour...it's a challenge! I always want to hang onto the drawings and work more on them, but the speed and seeing what unfolds is part of the fun.

A Real Steal December Deal!

Tomorrow, December 10th, and next Saturday, the 17th, I will be doing on the spot portraits @ Aucocisco in Portland from noon - 5pm. A great gift idea! $100 for a 30 minute sitting, $150 for a couple or family of three, and you get a 22" x 30" mixed media drawing on Rives BFK, ready to frame or hang as is. Gift certificates also available until December 24th. E-mail me at mmiller@meca.edu for an appointment!

Farnsworth Friday

Jo I, detail

Jo III

Jo II

Jo I

Three of my drawings from today's Life Drawing class at the Farnsworth. Ink, charcoal, pastel, and acrylic on heavy paper, each 29" x 41". Heading out of state for a week's vacation - see you back here next Friday! Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

More Maho

Maho III, 2011

oil, oil pastel, pastel, charcoal, and acrylic on paper, 29" x 41"

detail

Maho IV, 2011

oil, pastel, charcoal, and acrylic on paper, 29" x 41"

detail

My drawings from yesterday's Life Drawing class at The Farnsworth with Maho modeling again. She's so terrific!