What is this… Color!

I recently tried my hand at doing some painting. I have worked in color before. In fact my entire commercial career was full of color. I have not done many oil paintings, however. An occasional plein air painting but fewer than I have fingers on my two hands. I was pleased with these little (4″ x 4″) portraits of my two boys. I did them for my wife’s birthday. She was also happy with them (especially because they kind of actually resemble our boys) . The one of my older son Nico, I am very happy with. I love the loose brush work.. don’t ask me how to do it again. The one of my youngest, Mateo, is a bit too over worked and not as fresh. I might be able to save it though. If I rework it I will post it again for you to see. I also should apologize for the scans. They are a bit washed out, both portraits have a bit more punch than appears here.

It was a lot of fun doing them and I felt myself stretching my abilities as an artist. Which is always a good thing. I think I will do more painting soon. I ignited a little spark that I hope to fan into some warm and toasty oil paintings.

Let me know what you think.