Thirty in Thirty Series Continues...Adolescence

My 30 in 30 series continues and we have reached adolescence...the point at which youngsters begin their journey into young adulthood.  

For those of you following my blog you will know that I am doing 30 paintings in 30 days depicting stages of life from birth to death.  These are my interpretations....

Smirk

6 x 6

Oil on Board

This is the age at which they come into their own and find their way...they have opinions.  When I was typing the title "Smirk" I noticed the blue hoodie and immediately thought ...ooohhhhhh...smurf...and then rethought that thought...I am sure a teenage would not find it amusing...I digress...let me continue on...

Phone Call

This is the age where communication is key and cell phones are a must.  Opinions fly...

Wide Eyed Innocence 

The age where they know much more than we give them credit for...but they think they know much more than they actually do.

Express Yourself

The age where it is important to identify with your peers in the form of tattoos and piercings.  Faddish jewelry and clothing helps adolescents identify with causes and groups important to them.

Earbuds

The ever present and all important ear buds are a staple of every day life. 

Adolescence is wonderful and horrible at the same time.  It is hard to find yourself, to be an individual, to be part of a group and maintain integrity.  Young people always find their way...their path is not often a straight line but the challenges they navigate are what forms them into the exciting, successful adults they will become.  

I am loving this series and learning so very much.  I can't wait to continue.

Georgia On My Mind

"Georgia on My Mind"

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

Sometimes you have to take a break from a 30 in 30 series of portraits and just paint something else!!!  

When I began my 30 in 30 series I received a phone call from a dear friend and wonderful artist, Kathy Cousart...click her name to visit her website...ohno... I digress...

I received a phone call from Kathy asking about my series and encouraging me...cheering me on and giving me confidence.  It really meant so much to me.   When my brain was muddled with the next 6 x 6 portrait and I needed a break I decided to paint Georgia, Kathy's adorable puppy and name it "Georgia on My Mind" because she was...on my mind that is.  It was fun to play with the whites and the bright red Georgia Bull Dawg shirt.

I sent Kathy a picture of this painting and she loved it...I am so very happy to be able to send her a small token of my appreciation for the kick in the pants I needed to get started!  

My attempt to make the world smile, one painting at a time, is working.  

Now back to the 30 in 30 series!!!  Break is OVER!

Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Continued...

This continues my 30 in 30 series depicting stages of life...as I see them.  The paintings are all 6 x 6 painted on a board.

The Rebel

This painting reminded me of a rite of passage all kids go through.  Will  you choose a bad habit to impress your peers?

Daydreaming

I love the faraway look in her eyes...daydreaming about the future...about life...

Joy

The joy of youth...playing happily

Carousel

Riding around in a carousel...trying to catch up to you!  

Remember that song??? 

Baseball cap

 Asserting his independence by wearing a baseball cap turned to the side.  Possibly unconventional to his parents...but conforming to the norm of his age.  

Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days - Stages of life...

This begins my 30 in 30 series.  These paintings depict the stages of life...as I see them...

They are all painted on 6 x 6 inch boards toned in a warm orange.

Number five - Quiet confidence

Number four - Uncertainty

Number Three - Getting mischievous...learning about life

Number two - New life...welcome to the world

Number one is a baby sucking its thumb in the womb

30 paintings in 30 days

Blank board

6 x 6  

One of 30

Ready to be painted

I am so excited that I have been juried in to participate in the "30 in 30" challenge at Lorton Workhouse Arts Center! I will be painting 30 six by six paintings in 30 days!

I picked up the boards today.  Yep...there were 30 of them.  I toned them a nice warm orange in preparation for...well you know.  So now I have 30 boards, toned and ready...and 30 days ahead of me.  

Stay tuned...

Memories of a cabin in the woods

Memories

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar panel

NFS

This was once a wonderful vacation home on Casper Mountain in Wyoming.  It is no more because of a devastating forest fire.   I followed my friend's journey on Facebook.  

The homes were evacuated and they were not sure if their home was still standing or not.  Finally they got the news...it was lost to the inferno.   When I saw the picture of the A framed house my immediate impulse was to head to my easel.  I felt if I could do justice to the memory of their loss I could maybe make them smile...even for just a minute.  

I am so glad they are happy with my rendition and I will be mailing them this gift to grace the walls of their new cabin.  

My mission...making the world smile...one painting at a time.