Next Portrait in Progress

This is another one of my little four year old ballerinas. That age is just so much fun to work with. They present so many different emotions in such a short time. They go from happy to sad at the blink of an eye. They can be so focused into whatever they are learning at that very moment. Then as all mothers know that curiousity becomes agitation and frustration.

Needless to say that age is just a blast to work with -especially for an artist. I have a ton of photos from my ballerina photo shoot and my only problem is deciding which one to paint next.

Once I finish the drawing this little girl will be my next watercolor painting.

"I Wanna Learn To Dance" Watercolor by Kathy Michels

Last Spring I had the opportunity to do a photo shoot with some little four year old ballerinas at a local studio. They were adorable. As is life with that age group you had some of the children who were just bouncing around, having a blast. Then there were the little ones who were so totally focused on dance they were oblivious to the camera. They had dreams and those dreams were so real to them. They were so into the moment and into the movement. The more I paint these children - the more I dream of going back there every few years and follow the progress of these kids and see how far they go in their dance. It makes you really think - when does someone truly know in their heart what they want in their life. Is the gift so strong that even these little ones know what they want to do?

"Time to Go? Please??" Watercolor by Kathy Michels

These little ballerinas were such a joy. One little girl always seemed to have her own agenda going on. It's not hard to tell which one that is. Another of the little four year olds was just so mesmerized by it all. She tried so hard to put that little foot exactly where it should be. It was adorable. She would always be looking around totally studying her feet and everyone else's making sure hers were exact. As I reviewed my pictures from the photo shoot I noticed one little four year always in prayer. It was precious. She looked up to God with her hands gently pressed together. She was totally involved in her conversation with God appearing to ask for help before each and every pose. I have several of her in prayer but one in particular I love. I will eventually do a piece with that very special photo.

More Good News

I was just juried into the "Daily Painters of Pennsylvania" group.
Check out their site at www.dailypaintersofpennsylvania.blogspot.com
You'll see lots of wonderful artwork and announcements of upcoming shows.

Announcement

I will be the featured artist at Cygnet Studios in Elizabethtown during the month of November. I will have about 40 watercolor paintings on display. A reception will be held on Sunday, November 14th, from 3-5 p.m. If you are in the area, please stop by and say hi.

Watercolor Painting "Are We Done Yet?"

I finally finished this painting. It was so much fun to do. I can't wait to take a print to the ballet studio for the kids to see. It is so much fun to try and bring children to life in watercolors. They were such an adorable little bunch to work with.

The Drawing Begins

I am finishing the watercolor painting of my teenage ballerina lost in her thoughts. As I

put the finishing touches on her I am beginning the prep work for my next painting. I shot this picture at Hersheypark. The expression on this teen's face is priceless. She seems to be totally ticked with the young man being so focused on his texting. Each painting is so much fun you

just never want it to stop.

This painting is now finished. I am putting the
finishing touches on these little darlings. It was
such a fun painting to do.

Newest painting in progress - I am not sure where this beautiful teen was at that moment - but I knew I had to paint her. She was so fun to paint that once I got started I

couldn't stop. I ended putting in about 12 hours on her in one day. Painting seems to take you into a whole new world where you become a part of your painting.

I finished my baby ballerinas and once I have the cd back from the photographer I will post it here.

Painting in Progress - Baby Ballerinas

My newest painting that I am working on is these adorable little four year old ballerinas. The teacher had them lay on their tummies and well, being four, they were just bored with the whole thing. I still have about two weeks worth of work to go.

The Emotions of Painting . . .

My first major composition was completed in January. It will always be the one most dear to my heart. It was my first time coming up with a major composition and having someone pose for the photo shoot. It was also a time for choosing clothing colors and textures as well; something that hadn't even entered my mind. It is overwhelming, nerve wracking, flustering, scarey and exciting all at the same time. I never knew painting was so emotional.

This is also the first piece that I will be entering in the watercolor society shows. That is another emotional journey trying to complete the first set of paperwork and meeting deadlines. After the first piece it becomes routine. But that first time you enter a major show it too is a bit overwhelming making sure you meet all the specs and guidelines.

Painting is Addicting

These are the next group of paintings I finished. They were all so much fun; each offering it's own unique challenge.

The Defining Moment

The Defining Moment seemed to come with a special assignment. Gather a few items that you like and tell who you are. These would make up a painting that those closest to you would recognize and understand. Not only do you gather those items but now you arrange your composition and start photographing. The funny part is you are so involved in gathering those items it doesn't occur to you that you actually have to paint these things later.

I collect angels and this was a special angel my Mom gave me. I also love books by Beverly Lewis so of course I had to choose the one that started it all "The Shunning". I love country music and Loretta Lynn and have had many opportunities to see her perform in Hurricane Mills. Those who know me would be shocked if I didn't have something Loretta Lynn in there. Then there is my little blue Fenton basket and my tube of cobalt blue watercolor paint. I couldn't forget the paint and of course my favorite color - blue.

I liked my collection and had great time working with the photo shoot. It wasn't until later when I sat down in front of that blank paper that I had realized what I had done. I had put together porcelain, lace, beads, glass, a book and cd (both with people on them) for my very first "self-inflicted" composition. While it was a challenge, it was also about things I loved. As hard as it to do it was a blast.