This piece is almost finished, just thought I'd put it up to see if I get any feedback.

I wanted to paint this subject, partly because it makes for an uncomfortable feeling

that maybe others will share... the feeling that my heart breaks for these people, yet

I don't want to be confronted by them. I don't want to make eye contact. It's sort of

like coming upon a stray dog while you're taking a walk. I've heard they're unpredictable

and we should be careful, and I feel guilty, sad and ashamed.

So combine the emotion of the scene and the colors of city streets at night, the bright intensities

of light contrasted with colorful dark hues, and you have the makings of a dramatic painting.

Thanks!

L.

During a recent trip, we were served by a waiter who was obviously stressed and rushing (because 4 co-workers had quit). Yet he was smiling and personable, even stopping to chat and take a photo. Some people just enjoy spreading happiness...and those people earn a better tip!

The look on the face of this street vendor stands in my mind as he offered a freindly gesture to each person that whizzed by him. I imagine that he has a very sweet heart, but a lot of problems. Wanting to step out of my comfort zone with this little painting. I prefer to paint a simple composition (maybe that's what I like about doing portraits) but really felt that this character needed to be placed in his actual environment. So I tried to pull that off, putting a lot of the background in but in a subdued manner, without a lot of detail. I think it worked because the background includes function by directing your eye toward the face and hand, the center of interest.

Well, I've been back at the Foundry Art Centre this month. I've been studio sitting for my friend Janet Fons while she is on vacation. I thought I'd get lots of painting done for an upcoming show in June, but that didn't really happen. I have however tried to keep up with my small painting studies. Here is the one from yesterday. It's small, 8 X 8, done in oil on panel.

I still have to shoot the rest.