Portrait of a Young Woman

Quick start up portrait.  This lovely young woman is the daughter of watercolor artist Perri Mason.  I worked quickly to put in essentials as we were not sure when we could meet again.  Engaging and thoughtful, Ryann clearly had modeled before.  Her visage offered me a chance to play with the sun that was coming through the window as she sat peacefully with a soft daydreamy kind of expression.  We chatted and I found out about her goals and plans for her life.  So much ahead for her to look forward to~ it has added another layer to the painting. I hope to have another sitting with her to flesh out some more details, but if not, I am still pleased with where this portrait is going.  The treasures of youth.  I have forgotten much of it.

encatsulated

These quirky moments are inspired by the naughty antics of my cat tribe.  They are all always in the mix!  What one does, the other two cannot help but investigate.  Many times I have been corraled and surrounded!  I go back to my love for illustration when I paint these vignettes using composition to move your eye through the painting and thus tell a story.  This painting is a petite 6in x 6in and now on exhibit at 2nd Helpings, in Roanoke, VA.  How many times have you been "encatsulated"?

Viewing Pleasures

 Views from the studio! The floor is being completed today.  While you can always see my work at The Electric Company Artist's Co-op, in Bedford, I will have occasional open studio tours as a member of the Bedford Artisan Trail to welcome all of you brave enough to ramble down beautiful country roads.  I will also have room for small classes and painting groups so come to an open house to chat with me about it.

 

Even the driveway looks good from here! I cannot wait to start painting in this space and share what happens.  Subtle natural light thanks to all the treetops and a wide open space.  The future awaits...

Step inside my parlor

"While depicting unique moments, I explore ideas, questions and emotions.
 I draw upon my interest in personal histories and illustration art forms to create prominent figures and dreamy skyscapes.  These subjects are my muse as each painting tells a story.  I am influenced by the spirituality in different cultures past and present.  Many ideas and beliefs about relationships, memories, irony, loss and death are found to be universal.  These connections are the stories I feel I should tell. " 

Well, I did it. Finally.  I apologize deeply for being away so long and hope to never lapse like that again.  I created a website. No more static portfolio, but instead a place for you to learn about and have better access to the art and a place for me to learn about and connect with you as well.  I hope fervently that you will enjoy~ feedback appreciated as this is the maiden launch.

www.suzannevpaddock.com

Wrapping Up & Starting New

   Sunday was a productive day.  I'm in wrap up phase on one project, then I opened a whole new can of worms, and in between I did some zen layering in a third piece.
   This latest in the "All My Abes" series is almost complete.  I felt the photo I worked from for this piece was unique as he seemed to be smirking.  Lincoln's humorous side is well known, and this is the first opportunity I found to express that about him. Almost there...
  After some great feedback on Facebook, I finally began "Life is Just a Crantasy".  Craniums and Cranberries.  There is something fun in the sounds of those words, and actually life-affirming.  You'll see. More chat will come as these smaller, intimate paintings progress...

 This last work in progress is a companion piece to "The Moon in Her Eye".  "Comes Round Full Circle~ Dog Star" is a tribute to canine fidelity and protectiveness.  This painting should be on view at TECAC by mid-summer. Perfect.

I would like to give a quick thanks to all the people, vendors and patrons alike, who came out this weekend to our Artisan Fair! It was a great day and a huge success.  The Arts are an important component of community and support was truly in high gear on Saturday!