Study

Tonight was one of those nights I couldn't seem to get off the ground with my painting. A little discouraging. This is a drawing I started with (in burnt umber) that I rubbed out. It has character I suppose.

Jamie

"Jamie"

6" x 6"

Oil on Canvas Panel

Amber L Bailey

This is Jamie, who I haven't talked to in ages but decided to paint as part of my project. I think this is the sexiest portrait I've done yet. I have decided that eyes are the biggest part of this project. I have been drawn to subjects with great eyes. I am having fun watching these paintings come alive through the eyes. It's funny, at the beginning stages I'll become frustrated that the portrait isn't looking much like the subject...and then I work on the eyes...and it's like magic how much the piece looks like the person. Please bear with me on the quality of the pictures of my work.

John, I need your services soon to photograph my work! :)

Alexis Surprise

This is my second attempt at taking a picture of this painting, and I did it with my camera phone! At least it shows the brush strokes some.

"Alexis Surprise"

Buy "Alexis Surprise" at my Etsy Shop

Alexis Surprise

6" x 6"

Oil on canvas panel

Amber L Bailey

Another lucky person chosen from my Facebook friends list, ha. Alexis Cone, talented musician. My camera has a mind of it's own. Does anyone have tips on photographing paintings? This is like a totally different painting than the "real life" version. Sorry Alexis, you moved too far away, I'd love to show you your portrait in person. Anyhow, this is Alexis. I call it Alexis Surprise because of the obvious expression. However, it is part of a photograph that I cropped. The photo has a story of its own. I'll leave that to Alexis. I really enjoyed this painting. I think it's my favorite yet of these small portraits. Alexis made a great subject with her big eyes and pillowy lips. Really though, if anyone has tips on taking a good picture of a painting (other than taking it outside because even that doesn't improve the quality much), please comment! Thanks!

I have 4 of these small portraits completed, I wish I had time to do one every day! It's amazing how working all day long cuts into a person's life, haha. I laid out the finished ones on a table and got to thinking how awesome they would look as part of a bigger mural of squares...I think this project is going somewhere.

"Mama"

Mama

6" x 6"

Oil on Canvas Panel

Amber L Bailey

I have been meaning to paint my mother for a long time, and I figure with Mothers Day just a few days away, it's the perfect time to do it. I dragged her outside Sunday afternoon and took a picture of her...as reluctant as she was to be painted, haha. I love how the light turned out in this painting. As usual, I can't get the picture to do the painting justice, I need a professional! Anyway, this one I call "Mama." Happy Mothers Day.