Sacred Heart Chapel Commission

I got a call from the "always entertaining" Mike Lyons over at Lyons Share Gallery in Fairhope, AL.  He had a customer that wanted to commission a mixed media painting of Sacred Heart Chapel, located right on Mobile Bay off Scenic Hwy 98 right outside of Fairhope.  But, the customer couldn't decide if she wanted the chapel painting mounted on an antique tin ceiling tile or antique wood.  So, I gave her a call and told her I'd make both and send them over to the gallery where she could then choose her favorite.  She was delighted with the idea and I am more than happy to do whatever it takes to make my art patrons completely satisfied with their artwork.

Here is the chapel on wood:

12x20" Oil on hand-cut metal, mounted to Antique Wood salvaged from Atmore, AL farmhouse 1907.

Here it is on tin:

12x12" Oil on hand-cut metal, mounted to antique tin ceiling tile, over 100 years old.

Anyone want to take a guess on which one she chooses?  I have my guess already....

Laissez les bons temps rouler

A friend of mine was the recent president of a local Mardi Gras organization.  After all the festivities were over, she wanted to present gifts to all the officers that helped make their year so successful.  She showed me some snapshots of all the ladies, dressed in various bright costumes, holding flags, and coming out to get on their floats. 

For their gifts, she wanted some small abstract paintings that conveyed "the busyness" and revelry of that day.  So, instead of stretched canvas, I chose some gallery wrapped 4x4 hardboard panels to give it a modern feel.  After several attempts (abstracts are NOT always easy), I finally captured the look and feel of what she wanted.  I really love these and my friend does too!  And, these ladies will have a nice piece of artwork to help them remember a fabulous day.  Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Casual Family Portrait

I just finished up a wonderful casual family portrait this week.  This is a client's three adult daughters and her two dogs sitting in her own back yard.  It's especially sweet since the Bassett, "Scarlet", has since passed away.  The reference photo we used was a snapshot taken recently but we also supplemented with other photographs of the girls.  This is a huge portrait - approximately 4x6 feet - and was accurately measured to fit perfectly over a mantle in her living room.  It's a gallery wrapped canvas, and the painting continues over and onto the sides.

When the portrait was finished to the client's exact specifications, I transported it down to Ashland Gallery where they will do a "floater" frame in which the canvas recesses into a box-type frame, with the sides still showing.  A very nice choice!

Speaking of Ashland Gallery, they will be having a great portrait workshop coming up October 20-21 given by Karen Stastny, an artist and teacher from New Orleans.  The fee is only $250, so if you have ever had an inkling to try portrait painting, this might be your opportunity.  For more information, just call Ashland Gallery at 479-3548.