Wednesday night's painting- Profile

I think the colors in this image are just a bit off from the original, but are close enough to post.
This painting was such a pleasure to do. It went fairly smoothly and the company was excellent.
With Barbara Pask's help, I actually managed to record the painting of this one in three videos at www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin . If you're new to the site, you might need to know to scroll down a bit until you find the video you want to play, double click it then scroll back up to watch it.

I told everyone I'd be painting again next Wednesday, but was reminded that I have a commitment to paint for the Randolph Art League next Wednesday, so I'll paint online next on Monday, February 2nd. I hope you'll come by and join the fun!

Reference for painting session January 28th

This is a fellow who was in my mini-workshop a couple of Saturdays ago. I'm thinking of painting a larger painting of him at his easel, but thought I'd do a smaller head study tonight...

Hope you'll come by... www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin

Updated website & online painting schedule change

Last September, I think it was, I boldly stated a goal of revamping my website. Still haven't done that. But I did stay awake all night a couple of nights ago and updated the website I have. Same old website design but newer paintings and news page. Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://www.susancarlin.com/ Responses? Suggestions?

I'm going to try painting online on Wednesdays for a while. I know that's a conflict with other online painters, but I hope some of you may still make it over to hang out with me a while. No session tonight (Tuesday), but I'll be painting tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6 p.m. CST.
www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin Come visit with me!

Favorite Time of Day

I worked on this during the online broadcast last night, but the stomach bug I'd picked up was getting worse, so I ended early. I'm sure the viewers were grateful due to all my moaning and whining. I had a rough night but feel better already. Water is all I've risked drinking this morning, and then just a little. I forgot to hit the record button, so there's no recording of this session at Ustream.tv. Sorry!
I see a few things I might want to do to this painting before getting it under glass. I think there could be a bit more light and heat on the tops of the sofa and pillows where the light strikes. The colors please me, and the simplicity of the drawing.

Saturday with the Central Texas Pastel Society

This pastel painting beginning is from yesterday's demo and workshop for the Central Texas Pastel Society at the Windberg Art Center. I'll continue work on this painting during my Tuesday evening session (6 p.m. Central) at www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin

No, I'm not waltzing with an invisible dancer- I must have been offering one of my fervent opinions.
I do have a few.

There were perhaps 40-50 people at the demonstration in the morning and, as I painted, the image of my painting was projected on a huge screen so all could see. I worked from an image on my laptop, which also was projected.

This is during the sketch...

I'd taken some photos of Karen reading the evening before and showed the members how to take a poor photo and, with cropping and the adjustment of brightness and contrast, have something worth using as a reference.

I was so impressed by the members of CTPS... all were positive and supportive of each other, and those who participated in the workshop worked their tushes off. I respect that.

This is Bob Douglass, CTPS President. He sets a joyous tone for the group, I could tell.

This is Jeri Salter, Program Chair and past president and also a member of Austin Pastel Society, who arranged for me to give the demonstration and afternoon workshop on painting the figure in an interior. Thank you, Jeri!

Artist Mike Windberg was a whiz at setting up all the electronics and such a gentleman in helping at every turn. His father, artist Dalhart Windberg, has created Windberg Art Center- a beautiful workshop venue and oasis for emerging artists.

Thank you all for a wonderful, exhausting, satisfying day.

More Puzzles

Ok, it IS addictive. Here are some links to more puzzles using some of my paintings....
Braids puzzle Jigsaw Puzzle
Cowboy puzzle Jigsaw Puzzle
Creating puzzle Jigsaw Puzzle
Watching Birds puzzle Jigsaw Puzzle
Cat In Bowl puzzle Jigsaw Puzzle

Autumn Baby puzzle

I came across this site that will turn your image into a jigsaw puzzle. Had to try it...

Borders

It was a race to the finish, but with the wonderful company of several artist friends (Barb Pask, Frank Gardner, Mary Spires, Pat Schultz, Rosemary, Ruthie, Renate, Jinx, Dave from Las Vegas, Josh Kadtke and others my brain won't remember right now) on ustream.tv, plus the assistance of Libby Peters, Jo Castillo and Regina Calton Burchett in uploading the photo to the Austin Pastel Society website, I completed this painting and beat the midnight deadline by an hour or so last night. Whew. Thank you, everybody!

What makes me happy...

Some of you may remember my progress images as I painted this commissioned portrait in August for a woman who saved it until Christmas to give to her husband. (I never could have kept the secret that long!) She was so thoughtful and sent me a photo of him opening his painting. And this note:

Susan:

I made it until Christmas morning with the help of my cousins. They kept the painting so I could not break down and give it to him early! These are pictures from Christmas morning. Thai was thrilled!

Happy New Year! When we visit San Antonio, we will stop in to meet you in person.
Thank you for making Christmas so special this year!

Best regards,
Cindy Hoang

Wow. Love that!

Now, remember this portrait from December? Three siblings commissioned it for their mother's Christmas. I got the wonderful email from Mary right after Christmas:

Hi Susan,
I can't even begin to tell you how much that painting means to my mother! She opened it up, took one long look and started to cry! Not only does she love it beyond words, she took the painting to her best friend's house today and is also getting it framed TODAY. Couldn't wait one minute to protect it. She spent quite some time marveling about the intricacy and detail of the painting -- noticing Tavy's exact hair shading, the precision of the collar, the tags. It's the best present anyone has ever given her in her whole life, she said! Wow! I was struck by how much she studied that painting, noticing details that I never would've, and how that painting pitted hair for hair against the actual Tavy, soared past every test. She just loves it. We can't thank you enough!!! Clearly,the care you took to really capture Tavy paid off.

This painting was the best part of our Christmas. I hope you found as much joy in your holiday!

Mary (for Theo, Theresa, too!)

It was so thoughtful of Cindy and Mary to send those notes, don't you think? I get so much pleasure in the painting of portraits- figuring out the puzzle of it all and trying to make ever-better paintings in the process. It adds SO much to the pleasure to know that the paintings will be enjoyed by those who commission them or those who receive them. I've gotten many emails and phone calls this year thanking me for my work. That makes me very happy.

A finish and some progress

This is after another couple of hours working tonight online with a few sweet folks keeping me company. Boy, I was feeling chatty and most everyone else was feeling quieter, I think.

This is the finish of the Girl With The Blue Bow. Got to spend some good long time with her today and found that "interesting place" where I could call it done.

Hope you all are painting fun things these days!

Borders..some progress

This is where we left off after the broadcast tonight- Wednesday. Below is where I stopped on Tuesday. The last hour of our broadcast tonight somehow didn't get recorded. Drat! As always, it was a lot of fun hanging out with such interesting artists from all over.

Painting tonight at 6 Central...Come on by!

www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin
I'm starting a largish pastel tonight. 18" x 24." I've waited until the last minute to paint something for a competition entry, so it's now or never. This afternoon I ran first to Starbucks and then to Borders to see if I could find a subject. It made for awkward conversations, but people were accommodating, if baffled. I've settled on a couple at Borders reading magazines in the cafe. Wish me luck, or better yet, come by and keep me company tonight as I get it started. It's due on Sunday, for goshsakes!
www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin

Pastel Baby and Girl with Blue Bow

Not the best photo, but here's the finish on the commission of the adorable baby in pastel. 11 x 14 on Pastelbord.
I had fun working in pastel for a change. I think I had it in my eyebrows, not to mention up to my elbows. Funny how I'm so much tidier working in oil.

Below is where I've left off on the commission of the beautiful girl with the blue bow. Still have a ways to go- the size of her eyes, especially. I cut in all around them on the last session and have to widen them back to their normal size. Lots of details yet to do, too.

I've got such a positive expectation for 2009. Love abounds. Any problem is out-weighed by well-being. I'm so grateful for this sweet community we've made via our blogs. Thank you!

Hi ya'll,

I’m already getting excited about 2009 and seeing what we’ll paint this year, aren't you?

I’ve got three things happening soon I thought you might want to know about:
1. As some of you know, I do an online painting show on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin . Last Tuesday I started a pastel portrait of a little one year old boy. This coming Tuesday, December 30, I’ll be continuing to work on that painting. Last Tuesday’s recordings (2) are at that link above, if you’d like to see them.

2. I’m doing the demo for the Central Texas Pastel Society on Saturday morning, January 17 at the Windberg Art Center. The demo is free to all, and non-members are welcome. I’ll be demonstrating from 10:30 - Noon, then giving a Mini-Workshop on painting the figure in an interior setting from 1:00 -4:00 p.m. The cost of the workshop is $35. We’ll be using a photographic reference I’ll provide. The workshop will be open to non-members if space is available. There’ll be space for up to 20 participants, with members getting first shot. Easels are provided. Let me know if you want to come and I’ll send you a supply list.

For more information contact cntxpastel@aol.com . Meeting from 9:30 to Noon at the Windberg Art Center in Georgetown.
http://windbergartcenter.com/
Directions: From Georgetown/Round Rock: Take IH 35 North and take the Walberg/972 Exit 268. Continue North on the 2-way feeder road for about 2 miles until you reach the Windberg Art School on the right.

3. I’m giving a two-day portrait workshop for artists who work in either pastel or oil February 17-18, (Tuesday and Wednesday) at the Hill Country Arts Foundation in Ingram, TX (5 minutes from Kerrville) $230. for non-members. Modeling fee is included. We’ll work from photographic references the first day and from the model on the second day. If you’ve wanted to work on seeing and painting values a bit better, I’ll be making that an emphasis during this workshop.

I hope to “see” you Tuesday on my online broadcast and perhaps in person at the Central Texas Pastel Society demo and at the workshop at HCAF.
Paint happy, Ya’ll!
Susan

210-655-3590 home
210-602-8562 cell
210-226-3992 gallery
susan@susancarlin.com
http://www.susancarlin.com/
http://susansartjournal.blogspot.com/

reference for painting session Dec.23

www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin

Come on by!

A Christmas present from the Universe...and Broadway Bank

On Monday I was surprised when I was suddenly tearful when talking with my good artist friends Donna Good and Mary Shepard. I was saying I might need to buy myself something so there'd be a present under the tree to unwrap on Christmas morning. My self-pity lasted just a few minutes and soon I was back to thinking my usual thoughts of abundance and how the world is full of love and well-being. Donna and Mary encouraged me to buy myself a toy anyway, bless 'em.
On Tuesday I got a call from my bank saying I'd won an iPod iTouch! Broadway Bank here in San Antonio was having a little sweepstakes to encourage people to check out their new website and you could enter to win one of five iTouches. I went down to pick it up today (Wednesday) and they took my picture holding it. Of course, it's not on because it hadn't been charged up or synched to my iTunes yet. But as we speak, I'm downloading a movie rental onto my new iTouch. So tomorrow when I'm riding the bus back and forth to the gallery, I'll be watching The Prestige with Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale and Scarlett Johansson. At 15 minutes per bus ride, I'll be watching the movie over a few days, but how cool is that??!!
They're going to have photos of the winners on that newsletter thingie that goes out with the bank statements. Except for that errant curl sticking out into mid-air, I don't think the picture's too bad. Thank you, Universe and Broadway Bank!

Thanks to those of you who hung out with me online last night. Ustream had a meltdown toward the end, so the second video clip ends abruptly. Sorry about that. I'll try to work on the little girl again online soon.

Finished Landscape

I had several landscape angels who helped me with advice on this painting. I'm pleased with the results. I also finished the little Renaissance girl today, but didn't get decent photos, so will post it tomorrow.

Landscape progress

I moved this further along today. Still lots yet to figure out. Thank you for your confidence in me!

Me? Paint a LANDSCAPE???

This is an 18 x 24 oil on stretched canvas, and I'm painting like mad. It needs to be finished and in Oregon in time for Christmas. I'll post images along the way...

I'm painting online tonight, a bit later- 7 pm Central

Hope you'll come by and join the fun! www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin

Renaissance Girl Progress

Had an itch to paint last night, so called an impromptu session on Ustream.tv- and several friends showed up to keep me company. So nice!
The painting is coming along, but the features aren't right yet. Like most artists, I have to walk away and come back to see the corrections which need to be made. I'm liking it better and better, though.

Renaissance child - a start from the online "show"

11 x 14 oil on stretched canvas
This is the two-hour beginning from yesterday's broadcast of my "show."
The drawing gave me fits for some reason. I still have much to rearrange. I'll post progress photos once I've made progress! The artists who meet up with me on Tuesdays there make it so much fun for me. Joan asked if I would talk about ideas for getting commissions, so I spent the last 20 minutes of the second video from yesterday offering what I could.
Thanks again to those of you who come to play on Tuesdays!

I'm painting tonight at 6 p.m. CST Come Join Me!!!

www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin

Santa's Sangria

12 x 12 oil on canvas panel- sold

This is the painting I started on Tuesday during the Ustream.tv session. I spent another hour on it last night repainting the hand and adding some details elsewhere. I sure like this guy's twinkle.
The painting below is the palette knife portrait I did on last week's Ustream.tv session. I spent another hour on this one last night, too. I think the color is a little off true on both these photos, but close enough to show you what I've been up to.

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgivings. I'm thankful for this community of vital, happy supportive artists I'm a part of here. Thank you all for caring to come by and visit!

Saint Tavy

It's either a halo or a moon. I keep thinking of Lady and the Tramp when I look at this little dog. All he'd need is some spaghetti hanging from his mouth. And, of course, no collar.

Second post in one day... A doggie start.

Start of an 11 x 14 oil on stretched canvas.
I'm not sure the "halo" is going to stay. I've sent the image to the commissioner to see what she thinks. The dreamcatcher in the background of the photo suggested the idea. The way I understand it, this dog is MOST precious to the mother of the siblings commissioning the painting for her. But I'm not sure the dog has attained sainthood. We'll see.
I often set my computer monitor up on the top of the counter in the gallery and turn it around so I can see the reference photo at its largest. Below is at the sketch stage. Great ear, right?

8x10 oil commission finished

Isn't this face sweet as heck? So enjoyable to paint!

Next up is a cute little dog for a wonderful blogger's mom for Christmas....

A finish and a start

8x10 oil on canvas panel, a commission due for Christmas. This is a portrait I started a week ago Tuesday online, with several members of her family (and the little girl herself) watching. No pressure there! I'd only gotten to paint for two hours that day and wasn't able to get back to it until today. I spent several hours at the gallery working on it today and like it quite a lot now. I used a dry brush technique that felt very much like the way I sometimes use pastels.

This is a start I made on an 8x10 oil on canvas panel, a commission due for Christmas. The photo reference was taken with a flash, but after my initial worry about its quality, I think the portrait is going to work out just fine. I'll post progress images as I go.

It's a sign of how kind my artist friends are that no one's called me on the fact that posting my goals update is WAY over due. Let's just say that for now I'm just going to focus on getting my Christmas commissions completed. The revamped website will have to wait.

La Villita has a big holiday event on the weekend following Thanksgiving and I'll participate in the "open house" atmosphere on Friday and Saturday by holiday decorating and having refreshments for the revellers. The lighting of the Riverwalk on Friday is a huge event each year and many thousands attend. Here's what the official Riverwalk website says about it:

At 7:00 p.m. on the Friday following Thanksgiving, the switch is thrown and approximately 122,000 twinkling lights form a magical canopy over San Antonio's River Walk. The lighting ceremony is the official kickoff to the Paseo del Rio Holiday Festivities. The spectacular one-hour parade features decorated, illuminated floats with celebrities, bands and lavishly-costumed participants. The theme for this year’s parade is a Theatrical Christmas.

Thanksgiving is just a week away, can you believe it??? I guess I'd better start decorating and figuring out what to feed the visitors to the gallery!

Painting from online session Tuesday

11 x 14 oil on stretched canvas painted with palette knife

A lot went wrong on the way to broadcasting this week's painting, but we all prevailed and this painting was begun. I have more to go on this one, but thought you might want to see the "so far." www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin to see most of the painting of this portrait.

Two finishes

12x16 oil on stretched canvas


8x10 oil on canvas panel

Usually I'm giddy with joy at being here at the gallery and painting. Today's been hard. The changes in my life at home had me explaining "allergies" when visitors came in to find me sniffling. This afternoon a fellow came in saying he was on a scavenger hunt and needed to find someone to "paint his picture". (Meaning, 'free'.) Huh? I said I'd like to help but I was under lots of deadlines to get portraits done by Christmas. He persisted. He wheedled. I kept declining. He insisted. I finally said, quietly, "I said no." He turned on me then , leaving the gallery, half-shouting, "I'm telling everyone about you!" Huh?
Then an artist from another gallery came in and started critiquing the portrait I was working on. I didn't agree with her suggestion, but was polite and kept doing what I was doing. Then a visitor walked in and she asked, "Can I tell you another thing you should do?" I said, "No." Not taking no, she said, "It'd be a quick fix..." At that point, I told her not to do that in front of my customers and that I'd talk to her later, but "bah-bye now." It's wise that she left at that point.
Two people in a row who felt they could force me to do something I didn't want to do? What is it, my hair? Do curls indicate malleablity? My 60's African dashiki shirt? My initial politeness?
Who knows.
But then, soon afterward, two artists from the gallery next door came in and made me laugh and shared art stories and left me reassured that the world hadn't gone completely rude or hostile. Shortly following, someone bought one of my paintings to give as a gift. Nice.

Life is good. I've got lots of work, a home, family. A promising president elect. And most days aren't so hard.

Join me as I paint online today at 6 CST

I'll be starting a new commission of an 8 x 10 oil portrait of an adorable little girl later today. I hope you'll come by and keep me company and enjoy the company of the other artists who drop by. www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin 6 p.m. CST

A finish, some progress and keeping on....

12x16 oil on stretched canvas
Both of these paintings have a lot of shine from the wet paint, but I think you'll be able to tell enough anyway. I believe I'm finished with the one above and pretty far along on the one below.

8x10 oil on Raymar canvas panel

My apologies to you sweet people who regularly check on me. I know I've been somewhat remote this last month or so. My parents just moved to San Antonio and I've been spending time with them and trying to keep up with my commissions and the bookkeeping that goes along with having the gallery. My daughter has started at a new dayhab and figuring out the transportation has been challenging. I've also been to lots of art receptions and am happy to report that I've won 6 awards in the last few weeks. Thrilling stuff, I know you know. Nothing says, "Keep going" like ribbons and checks!

In amongst all that thrill, though, my relationship unraveled and has ended. It didn't feel right to just not mention it here. Whether you know it or not, you folks are a huge part of my support system. Of course, I hope that it feels mutual to you. I'm sorry I haven't been more present on your own blogs lately, making comments and cheering you on. My life has been wacko, as you now know. In the future I hope to live up to the due dates on my portrait (and one landscape) commissions and find a way to have sanity and balance in all the facets of my life. Has anyone figured out the key to this? Care to share?

I'm old enough to have come to rely on this one fact: Every sadness, every disappointment, every loss, every devastation.... comes with a gift. Something good comes as a result. Every time. No exceptions. So I'm keeping an eye out for the gift. For now, I'm just staying watchful.

Nov 4 online painting - Yellow Lab

Today I started this 11 x 14 oil from this photo reference, and I continued work on it tonight on www.ustream.tv/channel/susancarlin this evening. It was fun hanging out with the usual suspects and a couple of surprise visitors. But I completely forgot to push "Start Recording" so there's no record of the session. Ah well. I'll try to remember next time. Thanks, Ya'll!