Governor Bill Clements 2

I recently finished a portrait of former Texas Governor Bill Clements for the Clements Center in Austin, Texas.  It's my second commission to paint this governor so I'm getting to know his face quite well.
                           

The start.

The finish.

"Governor Bill Clements"   30" x 24"   Oil

Eleanor

This one has gone to New York to a show titled "The Modern Portrait: Recent Works by Portraits, Inc. Artists" -- at the Portraits, Inc. Gallery.

"Eleanor"   20" x 16"   Oil

Wipe Out

The great John Singer Sargent would often wipe out a head he was working on and start over if the painting wasn't going well.  He might do this a dozen times on a single portrait, as reported by more than one sitter.  So it should be no surprise to me, a mere mortal, that this would happen in my painting - as it did early on in this commissioned portrait of two sisters.

"Emily and Elizabeth"   40" x 27"   Oil

Time-Lapse Video - "Headmaster at Hotchkiss"

During this season of high school graduations, I thought it appropriate to show a time-lapse video of my portrait of Malcolm McKenzie, who saw many a student graduate while he was headmaster at The Hotchkiss School.  The Hotchkiss is a private boarding school located in the beautiful Litchfield Hills of Connecticut.

Video by Justin Tennison

"Mr. Malcolm McKenzie"   40" x 30"   Oil

Portrait of Eve

This is Eve posing at home on her "stage", where she often dances to entertain herself (and her parents).

"Eve"   36" x 24"   Oil

Boy With A Bow Tie

Step by step of a recently completed portrait of Jack - quite the artist himself.

"Jack"   20" x 16"   Oil

Gone To Carolina

Here's a recent portrait commission I've been working on. 

 Early on I establish my darkest dark, my lightest light and the brightest color in the painting.

I like to work all over the canvas before adding details.

The background seems too busy so I simplify it.  I now start to add details and work on her likeness.

The painting is finished and on the way to its home in North Carolina.

"Laura"   44" x 30"   Oil

The Unveiling

Last week I was in New York City at the New York County Lawyers Association for the unveiling of the portrait of their most recent past president, James Kobak.  At the invitation of Mr. Kobak I did the honors of lifting the veil and it was indeed an honor to be there on this evening of celebration and appreciation of his tenure in office.  I was also honored that Ruth Reeves of Portraits Inc. was in attendance and I am grateful to her for securing this commission for me!

"Mr. James Kobak"   40" x 30"   Oil