Bluebeard

oil on panel, 8" x 8"

The first pass at this painting was strictly palette knife, but then I went in with a brush the next day, before the paint had dried, and swiped some areas, to a beautiful effect, I thought.  I love this painting.  I'm amazed at its magic, especially when viewed live.  The black background was a combo of pthalo green and alizarin crimson, always an interesting black, and I think it sets off the intense blue violet of the iris to great effect.

Iris in Bloom

oil on panel, 14" x 11"

This is a portrait of a friend's daughter I had intended to paint from live sittings, but due to COVID I ended up painting her this time from a photo.  She is only 14 years old but her bearing and maturity are well beyond her years, and I tried to capture that here, as well as her kind, sweet nature.  A beautiful girl, inside and out!