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I intended to do this study on canvas but changed my mind to use Bristol board. While I was digging through my flat file for the board I saw a book of watercolor paper and decided to try that instead.

Acrylic on watercolor paper, 11″ X 14″

She said she likes a certain style of painting/drawing that I occasionally do (see below) and wanted a portrait painting of her done in that same style. I always get nervous in these situations. First, the art has to stand on its own. Secondly, the image has to capture the person the way others see them. And, most importantly, the image has to capture the person the way they see themselves.

Acrylics on bristol board, 11″ X 14″

Other examples in this style can be seen in these two links:

http://sircolby.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Pink_and_Blue_Smile1.jpg

 http://sircolby.com/drawings/girl-in-color/

While looking through my “things to draw” folder I came across the photo I took of an intriguing looking drummer at one of those Renaissance-type festivals I visited last Spring. Even though I think I could have done much better using color pencils I was determined to use acrylics since it had been too long since the last time I picked up a brush.

I rarely use any black when painting but since her outfit was black and red I decided to be bold and give it a try. I’m still not a big fan of black. Oh well.

Acrylic on canvas, 20″ X 24″

I discovered a box of oil pastels in my art closet. I don’t know how long they’ve been there. I don’t even know where they came from. I decided to give them a try. Since this was my first attempt at using oil pastels I decided to keep it simple.

Oil pastels on paper, 8″ X 8″

Not long ago I made a trip to the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin, Texas. I had the pleasure of listening to Mandy Rowden perform at a small club, Jax Neighborhood Cafe. I thought the various lighting sources were interesting so I decided to take a photo of Mandy on stage. I thought the photo was interesting so I decided to do a painting, embellishing the color a bit.

Acrylic on Bristol board, 10″ X 14″

Yes, I know all the Easter Egg hunts are over but I finally got around to doing this painting I had wanted to do several months ago. Part of the delay was deciding how to do it. I first envisioned this as a pencil drawing. I even thought of drawing everything with graphite except for the targeted egg which would be in color. I used that technique in the drawing, “Popsicles” (http://sircolby.com/drawings/popsicles/). As you can see, I chose to go with full color using acrylic paints on canvas.

Acrylic on canvas, 16″ X 20″

I’m working on a project that’s taking a lot of time so in the meanwhile I’ll post a painting I did a long time ago. It’s a rendition of a photograph from National Geographic magazine. They always have such great photography. I have used their images to practice on several occasions. You may have already seen it in the magazine itself. It’s also posted on the rotating masthead of this website.

Acrylic on canvas, 24″ X 36″

Watercolor pencil and wash on paper, 10″ X 14″

Young boy playing marbles. Do they still do that? This was adapted from a magazine article.

Acrylic on canvas, 14″ X 18″

Just playing around with acrylic paints. The goal was to do a portrait quickly with little chance to stop and think. Using mostly pink and blue hues served to amplify the exaggerated contrasts.

Acrylic on board, 8″ X 12″