Friday, January 23, 2009

Barber Boys

I just completed this portrait of two brothers. Their mother took the reference photograph at a family home. Aren't they handsome??? What makes it more special is that the older son was very ill last year and, through much prayer and fabulous medical care, he is doing great.


Notice that the stong light quality makes this portrait come alive.


Thursday, January 22, 2009

Three Generations

Here is an excerpt of a recent press release I sent out to the local papers and magazines...



Three Generations of Artists on Display in Fairhope, AL

Stemming from the historical nature vs. nurture debate, is artistic talent part of your DNA or is it something that is learned? If you ask Ana Hodgin, Suzanne Hodgin Fox and Jennifer Fox Allen, mother, daughter and granddaughter, all local artists, they would say it has been passed down through the generations and it’s ingrained in who they are.

FAIRHOPE, AL – January 1, 2009 – March 31, 2009 – Ana Hodgin, Suzanne Hodgin Fox and Jennifer Fox Allen, three generations of local artists, are all showing their work in conjunction with the Outreach Program of the Eastern Shore Art Center. This Outreach Program provides ESAC members a venue to display and sell original artwork while, at the same time, offering local businesses an opportunity to enhance their office spaces and support local painters. Ana and Suzanne’s work can be viewed at Fairhope Physical Therapy and Jennifer’s work is displayed at Bay Shore Dermatology.

Ana Hodgin received her degree in Advertising Design from Texas State College for Women (now Texas Women's University) in 1947. After living in Louisiana, Atlanta and Vidalia, GA, she and husband Stan Hodgin (a musical instrument craftsman and founder of the local musical group. The Jubilee Pickers) settled in Fairhope in 1992. Although she has worked in many artistic mediums, she currently paints in acrylic. Her work has been shown in numerous juried shows and galleries, including Eastern Shore Art Center and the Bay Rivers Art Guild.

Suzanne Hodgin Fox lives and works in Mobile, AL where she is a special education teacher at Corpus Christi School. She has been involved with art all her life. After art education in Pensacola, she moved to Mobile and becoming a prolific local potter, participating in local shows and accepting private commissions. As she became an educator and then received her Master’s in Special Education, her choice of medium turned to watercolor. Suzanne’s work has been displayed in juried shows at the Mobile Museum of Art, The Eastern Shore Art Center and through the Mobile Art Association, where she serves on the Board of Directors.

Jennifer Fox Allen is a full time oil artist working out of her studio in Theodore, AL. Jennifer paints portraits, mainly of children, as well as other works on canvas including still life, abstract and landscapes. She also creates mixed media works, utilizing found and antique architectural elements, hand-cut tin and oil paint. Her work has been shown in Mobile Art Association member shows, ESAC exhibitions and local galleries such as The Lyon’s Share Gallery in Fairhope, AL.

For more information about the ESAC and its Outreach Program, visit www.esartcenter.com/OutreachProgram.htm.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Eco Art Exhibit

I just found out (and am totally thrilled) that my mixed media work is to be included in the upcoming "Eco Art" exhibit at the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope, AL.

An excerpt from the artline quarterly (ESAC's newsletter):
"Going Green" means something different to everyone. Here, a new wave of recycled art and design has emerged. This exhibition of innovative and often surprising products was created from recycled and reused building materials, turning waste into eco-friendly art."

The exhibit runs from February 2 through March 2. Check it out, if you can, as well and the fabulous art center facility in Fairhope.

Click this link for more information:http://www.esartcenter.com/UpcomingExhibits.shtml

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Dauphin Island Show

Christmas by the Sea

We had a great time at the Dauphin Island show - "Christmas By the Sea" in conjunction with the Dauphin Island Christmas parade. The Dauphin Island Methodist Church did a great job in organizing the show and keeping everyone well fed and in the Christmas spirit! As you can see the "jumpy thing" behind me, there were a lot of activities for the kids.
Christmas By the Sea

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Christmas By the Sea

Christmas By the Sea



I will be participating in the Dauphin Island Arts and Crafts Show "Christmas By the Sea" this Saturday from 9-4. This is sponsored by the Dauphin Island United Methodist Church and is in conjunction with the Dauphin Island Christmas Parade. There is also FREE admission to the Estuarium, a gumbo cookoff and more! If you are looking for something to do this Saturday, this would be great fun for the family.



Here is a link: http://www.blogger.com/www.dauphinislandcoc.com/index_files/Calendar.htm

Thursday, November 13, 2008

House Portraits

House Portraits

A friend wanted a little 5x7 oil of their home for her husband for their anniversary. She took the photos and I took it from there. So cute and a great gift!
Original reference photo taken by the client:

5x7 freehand oil portrait:

I will be doing an outdoor show this weekend called "Shop Under the Oaks" (visit my website www.southernoilportraits.com for more information) in which I will be offering a Christmas Special: 5x7 home portrait for $95. I can only finish a limited number by Christmas and the others I can offer a gift certificate. If you can't make the show, email me directly.

Don't you love the shadows made by the trees?


Sunday, November 9, 2008

Web Design

Well, add another "hat" to the many I already wear for my art business. A friend asked if I would be interested in designing a website for her building company. Since I had already successfully designed my own site, I told her I would give it a try. I think it came out great! Check it out at www.yellowhammerhome.com. I REALLY enjoyed the work as it combined many of my past experiences and talents: working in the computer industry (before children), building and remodeling 4 houses, and all my artistic color and design experience. And if anyone needs a builder in the future, I would highly recommend Yellowhammer Homes.