Dauphine, work in progress

Every woman would love to have a life as Marie-Antoinette did, for she was the most fashionable Queen in History. Having your head chopped off isn't so bad, when you compare it to a full life of elegance and luxury.

I saw several of her portraits and busts while visiting France. This encouraged me to paint her as well, I have always admired her taste and extravagance. Also, I have become fascinated with her features of a strong slightly bumped nose, big puffy blue eyes, and full oval half double - chinned neck. Her cupid bow lips sit inbetween those quirky parts, and I think she just makes beautiful sense.

I always start off rough and loose.

Acrylic on board 20 x 26 in.

Portrait of Alex Schaefer

At the Hive Gallery opening last month, I finally painted Alex. He's an Art Center teacher and resident artist at the Hive Gallery, always painting 20 min. live portraits during the openings. After sitting for him, he let me have my turn to paint him. The lighting there was challenging, but I tried my best to capture his happiness. He inspires me to paint from life and appreciate all my efforts, and what my eyes see.