Leila

This is a little girl I met during my travels through Italy a few years back. I created some sketches of her and snapped some photos and have used both to create studies of her that I hope will help me work out a final painting of her...or maybe two or three. She was such a delightful, little girl. Her parents owned a restaurant on the Piazza in this small town...I think it might have been Montoni ?? She was so open and friendly towards the guests that stopped by, so free and uninhibited - enjoying the sweet life (La dolce vita!) - something we should all practice doing regularly....and it was apparent that she was the entertainment for many of the older folks that were congregated in the area. She was actually chasing bubbles but I also like the idea that she appears to be playing the game of avoiding stepping on the cracks (between the blocks of stone). Something so simple but so enjoyable for so many.

Anyway, a great place to visit....and as some of you that follow this blog know, I love to paint children; So this was especially enjoyable to paint and I look forward to painting variations on this as I work towards the final piece. This is a 5" x 7" oil on canvas and available for purchase.....$85 unframed, does not include shipping. You can reach me at rtist6162@aol.com if you are interested in providing a permanent home for this painting.

"Use the talents you possess, for the woods would be silent if no birds sang except the best". Henry Van Dyke

Thanks for stopping by,
Helen

Shadows Along Shoal Creek

This is a place I would like to be during these hot,humid days of summer, although today one can actually breathe outside...not too stifling. The shadows, golden colors, and coolness of the creek are just so inviting! Shoal Creek is by the town where my mom grew up, or at least part of her early years. When she was a little girl and inquired of her 'origins' her father would tell her that they found her under a rock on Shoal Creek.....couldn't fool her though.

It is intesting how just about anyone can relate to scenes like this. They are so common and typify special places that we all know....actual physical places that we all know but also somehow an emotional place that we all know. I like that connectedness that people have.

This is a 5" x 7" oil on canvas and it is available to a good home. It is $75- unframed. Shipping costs are seperate.
You can email me at rtist6162@aol.com if you are interested. I will be glad to bill you by Paypal if you like.

"One touch of nature makes the whole world kin". Shakespeare

Thanks for stopping by,
Helen

Sweet and Juicy

A quick,little 'painting a day' painting....some little models I had on hand. This is a 5" x 7" oil on canvas. Let me know if you are interested....rtist6162@aol.com.

"In life beauty perishes, but not in art". Leonardo da Vinci

Thanks for stopping by,

Helen

Sweepstakes

Okay,did someone say sweepstakes??? No, not for any of my art, as much as I would like to think that you might get excited about winning one of my paintings and immediately come to my blog just to see which lovely painting...and so on.
Anyway, I was flipping through my Dick Blick art materials catalogue that arrived in the mail last week. Lo and behold, out falls a postcard advertising Blick sweepstakes, and yes, you or I could win a car - a Scion xB (made by Toyota ???). You can either enter at a Dick Blick store or you can simply go to www.DICKBLICK.com. There is no purchase necessary. The last date to enter is September 30th.
I am telling you folks this as I would love to see one of my friends/followers/or anyone else win a car...how cool would that be! I assure you I won't expect a reward if you win because of reading my thoughtful blog :).
Anyway, this is a 5" x 7" oil on canvas painting of the Washington park lagoon - a local park, and a rather old one at that. Email me if you are interested - very reasonable....www.rtist6162@aol.com.

"It could be you".

Thanks for stopping by,
Helen