I made a quick trip to DC to see my daughter C, who goes to college there. While she was in Russian class, I went to the newly renovated National Portrait Gallery.
I stopped in front of a portrait of the suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton by Anna Elizabeth Klumpke and felt compelled to sketch this formidable woman with the odd coiffure.
Next, I was drawn to the stunning composition of this oil painting called the 'Stevenson Memorial' by Abbott Handerson Thayer.
Also on exhibit were the winners of the Boochever 2006 Portrait Competition, among which was this giant head hanging from the ceiling. I figure it was 8 or so feet high and 10 feet long. The oil on polyester resin piece is by Nina Levy, and is called, aptly enough, 'Large Head.'
Before I left, I sketched another art supplies vignette from my studio. This is my container of odd pens and brushes. I was playing around with masking liquid (ha!) which I've only recently started to use. I couldn't help myself--- which is kind of too bad, since the ellipses leave something to be desired. But you, dear readers, must learn to take the bad with the good.
Thanks very much, one and all! I used a Masquepen, a handy item I ordered from Daniel Smith. I'm having fun with it, though I may be on the verge of getting carried away with it!
Posted by: Laura | November 19, 2006 at 04:30 PM
Oh what lovely paintings! I just love the variations and reflections in your art supply painting. Like capturing a jewel.
Posted by: Maggie | November 19, 2006 at 12:58 PM
Oh I love this other painting of the paintbrushes etc. Really great.
Posted by: Andrea. | November 18, 2006 at 07:18 PM
This is such a great series! I absolutely love the new spirit your work has--strong, confident and bold (and very elegant, nevertheless).
Posted by: Victoria | November 17, 2006 at 01:23 PM
You've really made the statutes come to life. I love the depth of character that shines from the first and the reverence from the second. That head really bothers me (not your rendering of it, just it's existence). I really like the glass and the way you've made very good use of the masking fluid, making it into a design element, rather than just preserving whites.
Posted by: Jana Bouc | November 17, 2006 at 10:13 AM
SO MUCH in a 'quick' jaunt to DC! WOW!! That Elizabeth Cady Stanton sketch -- WOW! You did a phenomenal job! Curls to chin! Interesting head image ...!! But those brushes and colors ... awesome! You do color and lines so gorgeously!
Posted by: lin | November 16, 2006 at 09:55 PM