Ginny#17 - One Hundred Alla Prima Portraits of American Teenagers

                                                                               "Ginny"

Happy Easter! We couldn't ask for a more beautiful day in South Jersey, or more of an expression of renewal and rebirth.  Ginny arrived for this sitting wearing a black hoodie and black T-shirt. I loved her look! The feeling I got from her was independence and strength, and I choose the red background to express this and also to complement her dark colors.  I tried to leave strong splashy strokes of color in the background to capture her energy,  using long, floppy Langknickel sable brushes to do this (5590 series). I used them throughout the painting, and it forced me to work in a different way, which is part of what I want to push myself to do in this series. Its amazing how easy it is to keep doing the same thing, unless you consciously try to do something different.  I find switching materials and tools helps me to stretch and experiment, but it can feel out of control for I while.  I am getting more comfortable with this feeling, and am able to ride it out. Unexpectedly, I am learning patience.  This painting is done on Frederick's "Rix" linen, toned with lead white tinted gray.  It made a great surface.

Kayli #16 - One Hundred Alla Prima Portraits of American Teenagers

                                                                          "Kayli"

"Love yourself the way you are and always wear a happy face no matter the odds."

This painting was really fun to paint, the colors were really exciting and I felt very inspired by Kayli's look and fun spirit.  I loved the strong colors in the shadows of her pink shirt, and the colors in her skin tones.  I used two light sources in this painting, and put a cool blue filter over the main light, which created an interesting effect.  The second light was directed into the shadows and made them lighter, and there were lots of beautiful reflected lights.  I would love to paint a series of her like this, in different poses.  Her dark eyeliner accentuated her cool look.

Patricia #15 - One Hundred Alla Prima Portraits of American Teenagers

                                                                            "Patricia"

"Laughing  in the face of adversity is one of the greatest skills to have in life.....I'd love to find a job I'm passionate about, possibly as an engineer.  I'd like to make a difference with my work".

Sometimes, when I am painting these portraits I go through a phase where it feels out of control, like I have lost my bearings completely.  This used to throw me,  I would get really nervous and then I really would loose my way.  Now, when that feeling comes, I notice it, but ignore it like an unwelcome guest, and I seem to be able to regain my balance and keep on going.  I think this is an important skill for an artist to develop.  Its an inherent part of the creative process.

Cameron #25 - One Hundred Alla Prima Portraits of American Teenagers

                                                                        "Cameron"
“Teenagers are really concerned about how people judge them.  My advice to other teens would be to be yourself.”
I am skipping out of sequence here because "Cameron" was just awarded "Best Portrait" in the Philadelphia Sketch Club's 148th Annual Small Oils show. There will be a reception for the show this Sunday, April 10th from 2-4.  The Sketch club is the oldest arts club in the country, and had many illustrious past members including Thomas Eakins.  It is located in Center City Philadelphia at 235 Camac Street.  I loved painting this portrait, and Cammy was such a pleasure to work with! She is another one I have known since she was a baby. I was struggling with this painting, the surface was really dry, and it wasn't until the last  hour, when she played Lady Gaga for us, that I relaxed and it finally came together.  This is painted on Claessens #13 DOP linen with a layer of lead white on it to make it less slippery.

Clare #14 - One Hundred Alla Prima Portraits of American Teenagers

                                                                              "Clare"

"Especially early in high school, it seems like everyone is watching you, judging you, what you need to realize is they're not, and that will make you feel more comfortable with yourself.  High school gets better!"

Clare grew up practically next door and I have watched her grow from a baby into a beautiful young woman.  It was very interesting, and a privilege, to paint someone I have known for their entire life.  I tried Langnickel sable brushes for this painting, they were very long and floppy and felt difficult to control.  It was a challenge to get used to them, but I stayed with it for the entire painting and this taught me how to manipulate them and understand their unique quality.