Revised Edition

OK, Maestra, I think I made the changes you advised. Looks much better in my opinion. But then, it should.

Phyl, this is what I have so far. There's no doubt that the shape is much better than the first one. I still have a lot of work to do on the hair and may go back and redo most of the colors there.

This is harder than it appears, but I intend to get it. Probably will take me the rest of my life.

Final Sketch, Maybe

OK. I've adjusted a few lines here and there. Think I've got it about as close as I'm going to. How would you mix the paint?

Here is a pencil sketch which I just drew. I can see a substantial difference between this and the painting which I did previously. It is astounding to me that just a slight variation in a line will have a profound effect on the drawing.

OK, on to the next step--monochrome color. I am really enjoying this.

What I would have you do if you were my student

I changed Cindy's photo to a sepia tone and enhanced the values (lightness vs darkness) a bit. I would suggest that you mix Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, and white (Permalba White would be my choice but Titanium will do). Use only those colors and paint the portrait. When everything is in the proper place and you are satisfied with all of your shapes and values, let it dry. After a few days, you can use other colors and just scrub them very thinly over the dry paint. If you don't like something that you have done, you can use a little oil to clean it off and try again.

Remembering Mom

Tomorrow is Mom's birthday and so I saw in the paper that they are going to pack shoeboxs for Samaritan's Purse at Westfield. I know that is a cause that they really liked and believed in and so am going to go help do that. Just seems fitting on her birthday..

I miss them both more now than ever. I guess because I live here where they lived. She taught us many things ....like how to cook even though she didn't like to, like how to clean, how to deal with people. There are many things that I do and think "I am just like Mom". I love little kids like she did, I feel bad for the "down and outers". I still like "her" pumpkin pie and applesauce cake the best!! And I even look like her!!!!

Love ya all!

Cindy--As I See Her

This is from a portrait that Cindy took of herself when we lived in Jax. I spent a few hours the other day setting up my desk to accomodate my computer and give me a place to paint. Too cold to paint outside. Pretty good light here, so I'm going to be churning these out.