Lorelle Miller Fine Art

Glimpse of Heaven

2012-01-01T15:33:00.001-08:00

Glimpse of Heaven , a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

This painting has gone through many iterations to finally come to this point. It is one of those projects that I kept revisiting.

Someone asked me yesterday, how do you know when you are done with a painting?
For this one, I believe it finally has the feeling that I had when I stood in front of this actual scene in Colorado.
It was so beautiful, so serene like somewhere I could be forever on the brink of a new day.

I thought it appropriate at the beginning of this new year to have it complete. My New Year's resolution is to do more finished paintings, not just quick studies. To suffer through and explore a deeper more finished product, while attempting to keep things fresh and alive. Such a delicate balance, and so worth trying to achieve. I will set time aside to work this way.

20" x 24" Oil on Panel

Newhall Gold

2011-12-06T10:01:00.001-08:00

Newhall Gold, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Colorful Sycamore trees stood as my models. Each leaning and twisting in a graceful pose. The sound of the wind all so restful to my ears, the feeling of outdoors. This is what I love, where I belong on this day.

I delight in these days and want for longer periods to grow deeper into this subject . To seek out it's secrets and settle into natures embrace.

9" x 12" Plein Air Painting
Oil on Panel

November's Brush

2011-12-05T07:22:00.001-08:00

November's Brush, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Finally back to Plein Air, which I have missed over the last month or so. I found it interesting to move back into this mindset, almost a fresh start.
I had to quiet myself down and tune in which took a bit, but I did find my hook. The painting also needed to be corralled in, as my excitement took over my choices. Once I got myself more under control, my painting moved into a more pleasing rhythm and result.
As I switch between my subjects of street painting, figure/portrait painting, and landscape/plein air painting, and stone carvingI notice how I have to reenter my process, but I see that it still works out as I remember.

8" x 10" Oil on Panel

Lace, Grace and Pearls

2011-12-04T12:11:00.001-08:00

Lace, Grace and Pearls, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

A path is visible lately, a voice coming through clearly.
Synthesis of skill and aesthetic underway.
Both brought about through visions present and years of understanding.
Miles of individual strokes laid as stepping stones, which have brought me thus far.

20" x 24" Oil on Canvas Board

The Seven Crow Princess-after Addrienne Segur

2011-11-01T08:03:00.001-07:00

The Seven Crow Princess-after Addrienne Segur, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Street Painting demonstration at the Platt Library-
This illustration is after Addrienne Segur. The Fairy Tale Book has been my favorite throughout my lifetime. Her illustrations are so beautiful and touching they mesmerize me to this very day. I would look at them for hours.

2' x 3' 1 1/2 hour Demo

The Grape Picker Streetpainting

2011-11-01T07:56:00.001-07:00

The Grape Picker Streetpainting, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

The Grape Picker Streetpainting
Street painting performance at Pelican Hill's Festa Dell'Autunno After Eugene de Blaas- 1902

8' x 10' Pastel Street painting

Portrait of Michael Milken

2011-11-01T07:50:00.001-07:00

Portrait of Michael Milken, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Portrait I did of Michael Milken at the ULI Convention - Los Angeles Convention Center.

4' x 8' Pastel on Black Panel

Don Bren - LA Convention Center

2011-11-01T07:46:00.001-07:00

Don Bren - LA Convention Center, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Grand Scale Portrait I did of Don Bren for the ULI Convention at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

4' x 8' Pastel Portrait on Black Panel

Portrait of Time Leiweke

2011-11-01T07:41:00.001-07:00

Portrait of Time Leiweke, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Installation at the Los Angeles Convention Center! I worked on Tim Leiweke, He is the President of AEG- a Huge Sporting and Entertainment Group. He help create LA Live and the Staple Center. Today He saw me painting his portrait, as his personal assistant was sending him a video cast. WOW!!!
4' x 8' Pastel on Black Panel

Sense of Sight with Sunflowers

2011-11-01T07:29:00.001-07:00

Sense of Sight with Sunflowers, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Street painting done for the Tulare Festival of Hope 2011.

9' x 12' Variation - after Anne Souisa Swynnerton- 1895

Classic Approach

2011-10-24T20:04:00.001-07:00

Classic Approach, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

This painting caught that classical feel that draws me to many of my street paintings.

I feel satisfied that this piece carries that type of sensibility. It is just what I love and enjoy seeing in my own work. I hope I can do this again sometime when the all the phrases come together so well.

12' X 16" Life Study in Oils on Canvas

Hold the Course

2011-10-03T20:54:00.001-07:00

Hold the Course, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

The last three painting sessions I have approached my life painting subject in a consistant manner, trying hard to keep a certain train of thought as I proceed.

I have heard that a first time success is luck.
The second time is coincidence, and
the third success is skill.

This piece was second and the third was produced today. I am hoping I am on to something.

16" x 20" Life Study on Panel

Life Study

2011-09-20T09:30:00.001-07:00

Life Study, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

This one fell off the brush a little more easily than usual. Intense practice from last week probably made the difference.

16" x 20" Life Study in Oils on Canvas

Wondering

2011-09-18T12:14:00.001-07:00

Wondering, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Sometimes when I am painting these life models I clue into something about the person, or rather my painting process picks up on some subtle characteristic that my conscious mind may have overlooked.

Looking back at this session, I realize a subtle wistfulness about this model, or at least that is what I saw. Maybe it is just the pose, or my position to the model, but somehow a certain mood was coming through.

It is interesting to distance yourself from your work and look back at it. You see the imperfections, or possibly the particular beauty that came through in that moment. This piece has both.

16" x 20" Life Study in Oils on Panel

Quick Draw Portraits- Senses

2011-09-16T09:18:00.001-07:00

Quick Draw Portrait- Senses, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Well I plunged into a Quick Draw gig at our City's Art Walk Event called "Senses".

A line grew and I did about 8 portraits in 4 hours.

It was like speed dating! It was a challenge that I threw myself into, and I am still coming down from the experience.

Learned some new things, enjoyed the live models and had a great time. Always interesting, this art thing...

18" x 24" Live Portraits- Quick Draw
Pastel on Paper-

Roots in Pittsburgh

2011-09-14T12:50:00.001-07:00

Roots in Pittsburg, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

I met this fellow sometime ago. I was absolutely intrigued with his face. Now that I have painted him during this quick sketch session (about 4 hours), I know I have to do more. Spend more time getting deeper into this portrait. I will be calling upon him soon to work again. I am hooked and cannot resist a face that speaks to me.

12" x 16" Life Study in Oils on Canvas

The Rønningen Boys

2011-09-04T10:19:00.001-07:00

The Rønningen Boys, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

This is a painting I did from a snapshot I took in Norway. These children run around today on a farm I stayed at about 40 years ago.

Bittersweet memories come flooding towards me, but I try hard to keep it together. ( A long back story).

A young family resides there now. Their sweet young boys play in the tall grasses glancing at this tall brunette stranger who speaks in this foreign tongue while holding back her tears.

Strange to revisit a place, to remember the people, the memories you fight back. It all reaches deeply into my heart.

Hard to believe all this coming now as I write. This place, the Rønningen Family, my family, Norway. It is all so far away, yet so very close to me. Really part of me.

16" x 20" Oil on Panel

My King

2011-09-03T15:28:00.001-07:00

My King, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

My subject was larger than life in many ways. Big personality, full of energy and hard to pin down. I kept trying to deal with all his movement and I almost gave up out of frustration, but eventually I caught him and now I like what I see... This image exudes a persona that is full. Unwilling to be bottled up or put in a box.

I get it... the models are living, not manikins.
What we cannot see or "measure" we must
know and understand. That part of the process is up to the painter. We have no excuses.

16" x 20" Life Study in Oils on Panel

Water's Edge- Lake Elizabeth

2011-08-30T10:21:00.001-07:00

Water's Edge- Lake Elizabeth, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Escaping the heat we wondered over to Lake Elizabeth. The welcoming relief of a watery shoreline soothed me. Part of me just wanted to sit there quietly, not paint at all, just soak in the stillness.

I think if I had a wish it would be to be able to come back a second or third day after a quiet time with a place before I paint it. I want to know the thing more intimately, feel what I am painting. Everything is so spontaneous. I need time to contemplate quiet down, honor what I represent.

How much of this is about the art or about the artist? The boundaries blur as I write this. I want time to respect and honor my acts.

9" x 12" Plien Air Study
Oil on Panel

Life Study

2011-08-22T23:33:00.001-07:00

Life Study, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

This is a piece I did a few Mondays ago at my Life Painting class. Some things I like and some things I don't.
I have been working with Karl Gnass for over a year now and slowly, very slowly, I think I make some progress. I have much more work to do, but at least the concepts are getting more clear to me.

Practice, clarify my thinking and practice some more. That is it

16" x 20" Life Study in Oils on Panel

San Francisquito Riverbed

2011-08-19T09:11:00.001-07:00

San Francisquito Riverbed, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Last Friday I painted out in the Summer Heat. Myself and another woman painter, scoping out various scenic possibilities.
First Stop was a beautiful scene, worthy of painting, yet challenging due to a ton (literally) of construction debris littered in the foreground. I couldn't see past it! Not this time, when I was so looking forward to beauty. It was just beyond me at that point. So we continued.

Up to road was this scene, not an "in your face" obvious subject, yet I found interesting design in the riverbed. So here we are quietly painting off the road were approached by several male spectators.

One fellow inquired about directions. Another man resembling ZZ Top that worked/lived as a Blacksmith in a abandoned mining site, invited us up for a Plein air painting expedition sometime. The last one stopped while we ate our tail-gate lunches with words and innuendos I would rather not publish.

Quite a different experience from when I paint or go out with male painters, or my husband.

We finished up after lunch and too much heat to go up the road a bit further to Lake Elizabeth. Where we found beautiful cool shade and shoreline. I will post that painting next. It was a full day with an interesting cast of characters. I wonder when I look back at this painting if I will remember all these scenarios? I guess that is why the blog is good as well.

9" x 12" Plein Air Study in Oils on Panel

Top of the Mountain- Fraizer Park

2011-08-17T17:41:00.001-07:00

Top of the Mountain- Fraizer Park, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Lately I have made myself stop to take in my surroundings. So often I am begin analyzing a scene before I have taken the time to digest where I am. Taking in the scene before I dissect it. This is on my mind more lately. I want to bring all my senses into the experience. Slow down more and regard my subject. After all, just hammering a lot of work out there is not my purpose. I want to go deeper beneath the surface to bring out more of the living experience.

11" x 14" Oil on Canvas Board

Fraizer Park Barn

2011-07-17T17:57:00.001-07:00

Fraizer Park Barn, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Friday I went to Fraizer Park again. On the way home last time I spotted this great old barn, so I ventured back to it today.

Most everything was painted that day on site, but then back in my studio I found some other things to resolve.

The process of inventing, observing, simplifying, yet communicating were pulling me in different directions. It was a struggle, but I think I came to a fair conclusion.

I felt as though I was on a teeter tooter with this one, towards the end as I was refining the finishing touches. Working mostly from my memory and responding to the painting itself. I had taken some photos, but I decided to work intuitively rather than literally. Good practice, and difficult.

14" x 18" Plein Air Painting
Oil on Panel

Wild Iris Mountain Meadow

2011-07-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

www.lorellemiller.com

I came home and could not stop thinking about the scene set before my eyes today. I have been a lot of places lately and seen a lot of magnificent scenes, but
this much I know... That extraordinary field of Irises was astonishing and is a miracle just up the road. It just goes to show you that beauty hides within our midst.

9" x 12" Plein Air Study in Oils

Lorelle Plein Air Painting at Mjsoa Lake, Norway

2011-07-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

www.lorellemiller.com

To think I was there, painting in the cool sweet air of Norway, is a dream. I never thought I would get back there, ever. Hard to believe my art has brought me to so many places, in the US and abroad. I bow my head with gratitude for these miracles. I cannot say enough to express my gratitude to those who made this possible for me.

Downtown Hamar Norway

2011-07-01T12:00:00.001-07:00

Downtown Hamar Norway, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

In between teaching a short portrait drawing class, as well as working with the kids doing the street painting, I managed to do an oil painting of the city street outside the Art Studio. I also had some student artists working beside me, learning about plien air painting! What a great day!

16" x 20" Plein Air Study in Oils on Canvas

Lakeside at Mjosa Lake- Norway

2011-07-01T11:47:00.001-07:00

Lakeside at Mjosa Lake- Norway, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

I had only a little time left to paint in Norway, so off I went to Mjsoa, the local lake which is the largest one in all of Norway. Everywhere I looked I could see a painting. I settled on this view which was so fresh and clear.
The weather was so clean, I could have painted there for days. Several people stopped to look, and one gentlemen said he wanted to buy this piece, so I left it in Norway for the time being. I may in fact have an exhibit there sometime in the future. You just never know. This trip was a complete surprise and it worked out so wonderfully.

8" x 10" Plein Air Study in Oils on Canvas Board

Church on the Hill- Norway

2011-07-01T11:39:00.001-07:00

Church on the Hill- Norway, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

This little piece I did down the road from where I was staying. By this time some of the locals had seen me in their newspaper with my street painting projects at Gustava's Cultural Factory.

They do not have a lot of plein air painters around this area, so I was an unusual sight. That along with the street painting projects must have left some kind of an impression. I was a bit uncomfortable at first, but then just let it all happen. Once they understood what I was doing there more and more people stopped by to see the painting.

8" x 10" Plein Air Study in OIls on Canvas Panel

Norweign Countryside

2011-07-01T11:31:00.001-07:00

Norweign Countryside, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

This was the 1st plein air piece I did this summer in the Hamar, Norway countryside.
People were surprised to see a painter tucked away in the trees. A smile and a wave usually did the trick to communicate that I was just there to paint, nothing else.

8" x 10" Plein AIr Study in Oils on Canvas Panel.

Fishermen Hauling Dragnet- Kroyer 1883

2011-07-01T11:19:00.001-07:00

Fishermen Hauling Dragnet- Kroyer 1883, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

This piece was done as a permanent installation for Gustava's Cultural Factory in Hamar Norway.
It is about 5' x 10' pastel on Wood Panel. It was done as part of an International Art Exchange program where we are bringing unusual art forms to this community.

Fisherman- after Christian Krog 1879

2011-07-01T11:13:00.001-07:00

Fisherman- Christian Krog 1879, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

This is a street painting I did at one of the Jr. High Schools in Hamar Norway this summer.

Christian Krog was one of the well known Skagen Painters.

5' x 7' approx. size

Demo for Simi Valley Artists Association

2011-06-08T17:40:00.001-07:00

Demo for Simi Valley Artists Association, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

I did this quick oil sketch for the Simi Valley Artist's Association.
The piece was done from a live model. This woman bought about 20 raffle tickets so that she would be sure to win the opportunity to be painted for the evenings event. The demo was somewhat complete in about 1 1/2 hours. I could have worked longer obviously, but that is what I had for a time limit.

16" x 20" Life Study in Oils on Panel

Val Verde Field

2011-06-05T12:56:00.001-07:00

Val Verde Field, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

These are some of the most peaceful yet enriching moments of my life, where I quietly paint alongside my friend Ernie.
Both of us working at solving problems and taking in the silent views surrounding us.
Every time I get to go out and do this I feel so grateful. My life feels balanced. I just want to experience the love and passion of what I do as an artist. I have found my language, my center. That along with my family makes my life complete.

8" x 10" Plein Air Study in Oils

Last Dance

2011-06-03T18:29:00.001-07:00

Last Dance, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Today I went out painting with my newly invented pochade box.
I leave for Norway in a week, and did not want to bring my expensive and somewhat bulky plein air set up, so as usual, I improvised. It is still not perfect, not as solid as I would like, but I have a few more days to fiddle with it.
This painting was done in the field of my dear friend Rod Edwards who passed away, not long ago. Things are changing and I am not sure I will get the opportunity to paint in this great field of his again, we will see. I have a lot of great memories. I still feel him watching me as I paint. Still missing him. Ernie and I both think of him on days like this, I am certain!

I Madonnari Streetpainting Santa Barbara - 2011

2011-05-31T21:10:00.001-07:00

Santa Barbara Street Painting- 2011, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Joesph's Dream
8' x 8' Streetpainting
after Gaetano Gandolfi 1750

Lorelle Street Painting in Norway

2011-05-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

www.lorellemiller.com

Large Figure Study

2011-05-27T13:40:00.001-07:00

Large Figure Study, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

This challenge was set by my teacher Mr. Karl Gnass. He said..."That's it Lorelle, you must go larger scale, no excuses, just get a large canvas, some house painting brushes and go for it!!" So that is what I did.
This exercise was done in two live sessions about 6 hours a piece from concept to complete. Great Challenge and it felt right.

3' x 4' Life Study on Canvas

When the Mood Strikes Her

2011-05-04T15:02:00.001-07:00

When the Mood Strikes Her, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

This was an exercise in the concept of Gothic
sensibilities. I liked the models translucent skin and somber appearance. Appealing to the dark side, the moody side.
She is still soft and feminine, but a bit foreboding, cold to the touch, so to speak.

16" x 20" Life Study in Oils on Panel

What's Funny

2011-04-13T17:36:00.001-07:00

What's Funny, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

A 2 day modeling session with a rather funny, quirky model/actor/musician/writer. His pose defied his personality since he appeared to be a rather happy fellow. I guess that is what makes a good actor.
Enjoy, I did!

16" X 20" Life Study in Oils

Portrait of Jim Ventress

2011-04-07T20:25:00.001-07:00

Potrait of Jim Ventress, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

A commissioned piece for the Boys and Girls Club honoring Mr. Jim Ventress and his 25+ years of service.
Not my typical style at all, but was asked to create a "jazzy" feel for this piece, since that is one of his major passions.

Mr. Ventress told me the painting was surreal, like he was looking at himself.
I had never met him before the presentation, so I was quite happy with his comment.

16" x 20" Oil on Canvas

Blue Ballerina

2011-04-05T18:19:00.001-07:00

Blue Ballerina, a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

It is not often that I have the opportunity to paint a ballerina. This lovely young lady posed for a small group of my students and I. She held this rather difficult pose for about 3 hours (with breaks of course).

I loved the music that was playing while I painted and feel it all came together rather nicely. Enjoy the Blue Ballerina, as I did.

14" x 18"Life Study in Oils

Nigerian

2011-03-22T18:29:00.001-07:00

Nigerian a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Some faces are so intense, so extraordinary, I am mesmerized. This was one of those situations. So visually stimulating, I could have painted for many more hours. Such beautiful colors, so richly dramatic. In this painting I find a sense of great strength and a determination. That is what came forth in the "Nigerian".

16" x 20" Life Study
Oils on Panel

Waiting for Spring

2011-03-19T10:37:00.001-07:00

Waiting for Spring a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

This started out as a plein air painting, which I then proceeded to rework in my studio along with my photo reference and my memories.

It seems that if I do not hit it right away, then I struggle to work the piece until I find satisfaction. This process is often frustrating, yet also enlightening. It seems that if I just trust and follow the twists of the road along the way, I will come up with something worthwhile. This puppy was one of those... difficult yet somehow worth the trip. At the end, I am enjoying what I see.

9" s 12" Plein Air/ Studio Painting
Oil on Panel

Exotic Muse

2011-03-17T16:43:00.001-07:00

Exotic Muse a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

16" x 20" Life Study
Oils on Canvas

Working it, making it right, getting closer.

Ol' Long Hair

2011-03-12T19:51:00.001-08:00

Long Hair a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Another character from my Monday Figure Model Sessions.

This fellow was quite the talker, for an figure model.
A lot of personality set before us in all his glory.
I stuck to a portrait which is more of my interest to me in general.

This guy was hungry for attention. He talked a lot about his movie and commercial stints, noting how he has been everything from a Samuri to a Old Biker. I can see him playing many parts, but for me he sits perfectly as the Ol' Long Hair.

16" x 20" Oil on Panel

Fresh Strawberry

2011-03-11T07:17:00.001-08:00

Fresh Strawberry a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

Here is a painting I did shortly after taking the Rose Frantzen workshop.

Bringing the ideas of another artist into your own realm of understanding is a challenge. I am trying to clarify in my head, ideas that resonated with me integrate them into my own process.

I have now studies with some of the best Head/ Portrait/ Figure painters in our country, possibly the world. There will always be another infatuation that will come along and intrigue me to investigate their work.

The biggest most important task I have is to find my own voice in all this, taking in what I have learned from them, yet coming to my own conclusions.

16" x 20" Oil on Panel

Profile Study from Rose Franzten Workshop

2011-03-03T08:48:00.001-08:00

Profile Study from Rose Franzten Workshop a photo by elle3b on Flickr.

I have not posted in a while, but wanted to share one of the pieces I did in Rose Frantzen's Workshop.

It is hard to align yourself with another artist's processes and understandings. Rose is so brilliant and sensitive, I broke down several times during the week of working with her. She was very supportive.

I am told that this type of frustration in a workshop is good because it means that you are breaking through to a higher level of understanding.

I found a sense of my future direction which I hope will be evident in my new work as I push further along the path in my own understandings.

Now all I need is time and space.

16" x 20" Oil on Panel

Vamp

2011-02-01T10:39:00.001-08:00

Vamp
Originally uploaded by elle3b

With some you get an attitude, or maybe I found the attitude and it came across in the painting.
Went larger this time which allowed for more movement, like in street painting. Plan on doing more of this size as it seems to provide me with some extra elbow room and expression.

20" x 24" Life Study on Canvas

Life Study of Character Model John

2011-01-23T14:24:00.001-08:00

Life Study of Character Model
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Working hard with Flesh. Found some special moments during this painting process. Hit an emotional intensity that comes only on occasion.
Want that depth to happen more and longer. It is the heart of creativity like the fleeting touch of the real thing. We are not talking technique.

What amazes me is how many places you can go standing in one spot.

12" x 16" Life Study in Oils

Field of Light

2011-01-22T17:01:00.001-08:00

Field of Light
Originally uploaded by elle3b

A second painting done after the wind had died down a little later in the afternoon in Newhall. It was great to accomplish two little studies in one day. The late light was really wonderful, but you have to catch it quickly before it disappears.

8" x 10" Plein Air Study in Oils

Winter Bridge

2011-01-20T08:31:00.001-08:00

Winter Bridge
Originally uploaded by elle3b

On this day, the wind was really gusting around me, but this lovely little scene was begging to be painted. During the process of painting I was hit by a tumble weed and held on tight to my easel so it would not get blow over.

This kind of painting experience can not be felt in a studio. You are challenged by the elements and pushed to concentrate regardless of what is going on around you. Plein Air painting is amazing.

9" x 12" Plein Air Study in Oils

Snow Shack

2011-01-12T12:31:00.001-08:00

Snow Shack
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Last week I went out and painted this little shack off Hwy 138. There was still some snow left from the recent storm. It was great to experience painting the lovely white stuff as it surrounded this old shack. By the time I was done painting my boots were deep in the mud. There is nothing like this... it is really fantastic... mud and all.

9" x 12" Plein Air Painting
Oil on Panel

Life Study with Green Scarf

2010-12-21T11:02:00.001-08:00

Life Study with Green Scarf
Originally uploaded by elle3b

A two day life study.
I think I found some sort of richness coming through.

It amazes me how you can think you are an artist your whole life and be brought to your knees as you try to push to higher levels of understanding and execution. Some days you feel like you've got it and other days you feel like you should turn in your brushes forever.

I think it is often an artists plight to deal with the struggle, but I guess that also makes the few successes along the way even sweeter.

11" x 14" Life Study in Oils

Acton Barn

2010-12-11T12:10:00.001-08:00

Acton Barn
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Yesterday I painted in Acton with my painting buddy Ernie.
He has been exploring the area recently and shared some of the beautiful views. We settled on this wonderful old barn. I admit it was a struggle to get it right, probably because I am not plein air painting enough lately, but that is going to change. I miss being out doors.

Yesterday we had a darling black country cat at our feet while painting, and a curious horse watching, while a barn owl hooted nearby. I think it is important to stop and take in the surrounding perfection. It is not all about analyzing the scene, it is equally important to feel and experience the place.

8" x 10" Plein Air Study
Oil on Panel

The Unclad Madonna

2010-12-07T11:49:00.001-08:00

The Unclad Madonna
Originally uploaded by elle3b

A beautiful nude with the grace found in so many paintings of women.
It is some of what we experience as women, the sensuality and beauty of our bodies as we offer them in love.

16" x 20" Life Study in Oil on Panel

Christmas Memory

2010-12-05T12:51:00.001-08:00

Christmas Memory
Originally uploaded by elle3b

This is the demo I did at the Westfield "Night on the Town" event this weekend. Thank you to my lovely model Rosemary Estrada. I hope that people enjoyed watching the process of painting this subject.

It was challenging to do this project with night time lighting, in the cold but we persevered and now have a Christmas Memory.

16" X 20" Oil on Panel

After Twain

2010-12-01T11:53:00.001-08:00

After Twain
Originally uploaded by elle3b

An exercise in skin tones while trying to expand and explore different possibilities.

I found some unusual combinations working out. I like the intensity of his gaze and the mood that presents itself through the choices made.

8" x 10" Oil on Panel

Carmen

2010-11-30T11:59:00.001-08:00

Carmen
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Still working, still reaching.
My husband says this woman reminds him of Carmen from the Opera by Bizet . This was his impression, but however you see her, she was exquisite and I did my best to capture her.

11" x 14" Oil on Panel

Warm Tones

2010-11-13T12:13:00.001-08:00

Warm Tones
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Practicing Skin Tones

8" x 10 " Study in Oils

Frenchmen's Flat

2010-11-13T12:12:00.001-08:00

Frenchmen's Flat
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Spent the last couple of days painting off of Templin Highway.
Such a beautiful vista, the color of Autumn are making their way into the trees. Hopefully next week I can go there again and see if more fall colors emerge.

9" x 12" Oil on Panel

Playing Pirate

2010-11-10T12:30:00.001-08:00

Playing Pirate
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Continuing investigation of skin tones, composition, color, inventing... my head is swimming. I think some quiet time is needed to reflect and settle down. Time to quietly work and reinforce what I have been gaining from all the input.

What did fascinate me with this model is how his character changed with a different costume... What actors do all the time but for me this was witnessing a type of magic transformation.

11" x 14" Oil on Panel

An Exerpt from The Temptation of St. Anthony after Matthais Grunewald- 1510

2010-11-03T06:52:00.001-07:00

The Temptation of St. Anthony after Matthais Grunewald- 1510
Originally uploaded by elle3b

This is my street painting which was done at the 1st International street painting festival in Sarasota Florida.

Madonnari from all corners of the world bringing life to the street. Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Costa Rica, Slovenia, Mexico and multiple cities around the US. We were all there doing what we love and cannot help.

This piece had a timeless quality, the creatures appear contemporary while they are actually 500 years old.Extraordinary!

I was honored to be among some of the very best street painters of today.

9' x 12' Street Painting

Fawn

2010-10-25T15:56:00.001-07:00

Fawn
Originally uploaded by elle3b

A gentle and timeless sensation was evoked by the delicate features and poetic pose of this model. That coupled with sweet music and the wind gusting the trees outside pulled upon my senses.

Here is where I want to be when I paint, in quiet contemplation and the soothing rhythm of my paintbrush.
No voices, no distraction nothing more than my own voice and those who have been my guides. I paint slowly, thoughtfully, to bring her to the canvas.

6" x 14" Oil on Panel

Warrior

2010-10-13T15:23:00.001-07:00

Warrior
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Last Monday I worked painting a live model. I found myself
intrigued by his intense gaze, that along with the austere music playing created an emotional response in me. I found myself caught up and
carried away.

Later on when I came around to my actual surroundings I found certain issues with my piece. I think that the emotions outweighed the intellect in my choices here, but sometimes it is a sacrifice one direction or the other.

I still am intrigued by the intense gaze I found in this young warrior, a mood and passion found, but certain values and execution lost. On rare occasions they find common ground, but not as often as I would like.

11" x 14" Oil on Panel

Victorian Fantasy

2010-10-11T20:14:00.001-07:00

Victorian Fantasy
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Street painting done at the Via Arte in Bakersfield- 8' x 12'

After Arthur Drummond - British Painter
1871- 1951

Strength in Allure

2010-10-05T15:09:00.001-07:00

Strength in Allure
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Painting from life after a weekend of studying a
masterpiece, does have it's influences.

Here I was face to face with a live human being, while all the nuances were still fresh in my mind from my recent experience. A very interesting
comparison.

11" x 14" Oil on Panel

Bolle di Sapone- after Luigi Bechi

2010-10-04T22:00:00.001-07:00

Bolle di Sapone- after Luigi Bechi- SC 2010
Originally uploaded by elle3b

8' x 12' street painting
Santa Clarita Street Art Festival

Goddess

2010-09-14T09:34:00.001-07:00

Goddess
Originally uploaded by elle3b

My art is my safe place. The world I understand, to some degree.
Though I struggle, fail, plod along and give it all I can, I at least feel there is something there I can grasp.

There are times when I feel knocked around by the waves, but my painting, my art serves as my life raft, giving me a place in an abyss of movement.

This woman spoke to me of goddess imagery and energies, hence the title. The painting took on a life of its own as I found my way.

16" x 20" Oil on Canvas

Winged Figure with Sunflowers

2010-09-06T14:10:00.001-07:00

Winged Figure with Sunflowers
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Variation of Abbott Handerson Thayer's Winged Figure (with Sunflowers)- 10' x 12' Streetpainting

Tulare Festival of Hope- Suicide Prevention Task Force- September 2010

Here is my latest street painting which was done in Tulare California. The Suicide Prevention Task Force of Tulare County
Invited to participate in the “Festival of Hope” which bridged a very difficult topic with visual art acting as a conduit for the conversation.

The piece is a variation of Abbott Handerson Thayer's Winged Figure. I added the Sunflowers which went with the theme. The piece was a 10' x 12' Streetpainting and it was very well received by the community. The imaged touched many who walked by and I believe the image which portrays a sense of compassion was perfect for the mission of this event.

If you can reach just one single person to change their life around through a connection with an image like this, then you have done your job.
I was very touched by many of the circumstances that I heard about over the weekend and I am very humbled by the opportunity to use my art for this purpose.

Reveal

2010-08-31T08:00:00.001-07:00

Reveal
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Finding your voice as a painter is a wondrous thing.
To risk and develop a vision that is a signature of your very own. That is my journey now. I feel the urgency of time and heed to that notion.

My guides encourage me, help lead the way, but it is my journey and my choices that come forth. I am intrigued by the Masters, an obvious influence from my streetpaintings. My own work is much different, yet here I see or felt a connection to their approach. A classic pose, a contemplative mood all working together to bring about a story.

Reveal is a truth, the word having more meaning than mere paint.

16" x 20" Oil on Canvas

Urban Island

2010-08-29T10:24:00.001-07:00

Urban Island
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Enjoyed a day painting in the Sepulveda Wildlife Reserve.
I was fascinated by the shape of the island in the water. There was a strange mix of urban and wildlife sounds near this Urban Island. The cool cloudy morning was so peaceful and serene with the various birds swimming and diving into the water. It was really wonderful to paint here.

I try to capture the feeling of a place when I paint and am still figuring out what I want to say with each painting. Trying to find my way and certainly getting lost at times, but I feel with this one, I did get the essence of my experience there. I feel the cool quiet of the place. 7 1/2 x 12" Oil on Panel

Formation Light

2010-08-22T21:54:00.001-07:00

Formation light
Originally uploaded by elle3b

A wrestling match ensued at Vasquez Rocks today. It was between me and this rock formation. The light was changing fast. My idea and design was evident in the beginning, then I painted and lost it, then I worked some more and reinstated my initial idea.

The turmoil found marks in the dirt beneath my feet as I move back and forth to evaluate my decisions. When the session was finally done I idled back and touch up with little bits here and there almost comforting the painting as an opponent with delicate nuances and gentle words.

In the end it worked, maybe not 100%, but it worked and I will rest till the next time I am in the ring facing my own judgements. This painting thing is hard, much harder than most people know, but I crave it and won't really rest till the next time.

9" x 12" Plein Air Painting in Oils

Eastern European Roots

2010-08-20T16:44:00.001-07:00

Eastern European Roots
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Strange how the painting can bring a personality forth that you were not even aware of until it was happening. The creative process can have a life of it's own.

This was a quick 20 minute oil sketch. I think I was really warmed up by the time I got to this one and it sort of just fell off the brush this way.

5" x 7" Life Study in Oils

An Island Dream

2010-08-17T08:18:00.001-07:00

An Island Dream
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Painting from Life on a larger scale lately.
It has challenged me and I feel the struggle.
The space I feel with street painting has all been worked out, but here, figuring it out spontaneously, making those important decisions become
very frustrating sometimes.

I worked through this piece and found certain areas that worked for me better than others. I guess the sweetness comes from working through the hard stuff.

The best advise I have had, from my dear friend and mentor Rod is to keep painting, so that is what I shall do. Struggle through and hopefully improve as I go.

16" x 20" Life Study in Oil on Canvas

Vasquez Vision and View

2010-08-10T23:44:00.001-07:00

Vasquez Vision and View
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Today I painted at Vasquez Rocks, a beautiful natural park between Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita. I have been there many times over the years. This afternoon felt particularly peaceful with the gentle breeze and sweet smells and sounds of the desert.

I absolutely love painting outside where I feel the solitude of nature surrounding me. I found a sense of relief in the quiet where my minds can focus while the paints swim upon my canvas.

8" x 10" Plein Air Oil Painting on Panel

Abby's Fountain

2010-08-06T14:14:00.001-07:00

Abby's Fountain
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Yesterday I painted this young lady from life during our
Santa Clarita Artwalk. I worked on it again today, using the color notes I found yesterday, while wanting to refine and direct the painting towards a more finished yet spontaneous look.

I seem to hook into a mood of some sort, a reflective or introspective image. I suppose that is what I do a lot of the time... reflect.

16" x 20" Oil Painting on Canvas

Emerald, Onyx and Rubies

2010-08-02T18:39:00.001-07:00

Emerald, Onyx and Rubies
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Today's life study emphasized color and gesture.
Brilliant greens, ruby reds and with mane of Black Hair!

Have started to go up to a larger format now which is challenging, though it would seen to be a cinch because of the street painting I do, but it is quite challenging to go for an original live study concept in oils in this size.

I question myself all the time... am I improving at all, is there any discernable growth? Sometimes it is so hard to tell. Yet I keep working with no certainty of growth or sales or anything, just because I have to do it. How would I breath otherwise????

16" x 20" Life Study in Oils on Canvas

Life Study in Red

2010-08-01T14:55:00.001-07:00

Life Study in Red
Originally uploaded by elle3b

This was the last project I painted from a workshop I did last week with my friend and fellow painter, Christina Cooper. It is great to work with other artists, incorporating their insights and knowledge with your own.

We did various exercises all week long and this 16" x 20" Life Study was the culmination of the weeks work. Pushing myself to work a bit larger than usual and concentrating more on simplification of form.

My hope is that revisiting these principals will reinforce and affect my paintings. I wish I could work with that intensity every week, God knows how my work would improve.

I also was able to work from one of my favorite models. I think I relate to her brunette hair and firey spirit. Oh to be that young and beautiful again.

Emotions are a part of what I bring to the table as a painter, sculptor, street painter- Knowledge, technique, discipline, all of that is part of it too, but I know what strikes me in my heart is what is important in the piece and drives the underlying expression.

16" x 20" Life Study in Oils on Canvas

Persian Influences

2010-07-12T18:29:00.001-07:00

Persian Influences
Originally uploaded by elle3b

It was great to settle in and paint today after a few days break.
Sometimes it is good to refresh my approach and find my way back into the process with new insight. I feel there was success in the placement and general composition of the piece.
Persian music was playing during the session and the music always influences my direction.

I found this piece connecting me to the human landscape, a little distance between me and the subject matter, but a structure and design just as if I were painting plein air, interesting.

11" x 14" Life Study in Oils

A Prayer in Paint

2010-07-09T08:31:00.001-07:00

A Prayer in Paint
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Yesterday I visited a friend, mentor and fellow painter. He is one of my "Plein Air Papas. He along with his best friend Ernie have pretty much taught me most of what I know about plein air painting.

I have been especially blessed to know these guys, and the fact that they have let me hang out with them and learn from them about painting has been a special treasure to my life.

As life takes it's turn now, my friend is very ill. A few of us gathered in support of each other, wanting to soak up the time and honor this very special man.

He sat with his wife of 50 years, great grand children running about friends circled around them on this sweet summer day.

So many of my paintings are of Rod's field, his house, his barn, so many memories and conversations about light and composition. All the great teachers, their methods and insight. We talked about it all.

Yesterday I painted again, the words," A Prayer in Paint" came before the painting was painted. It is all I could think of.

8" x 10" Plein Air Painting in Oils

Apollo and the Continents- Street Painting

2010-06-29T20:37:00.001-07:00

Apollo and the Continents- Street Painting
Originally uploaded by elle3b

After Tiepolo 1752-1753

La Jolla Fine Arts Festival- Calle Color 2010

10' x 12' Street painting in Pastels

Crashed Out

2010-06-24T18:30:00.001-07:00

Crashed Out
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Sometimes when I paint I connect to something in the pose of the model.
Today the peacefulness of this pose was exactly what I needed. When I saw this sleeping young man I felt as if all the troubles in the world faded from my senses. I relaxed with him as I painted the serenity I found in his face. It was a cure for me this day.

8" x 10" Life Study in Oils

Hat Man Do

2010-06-21T19:10:00.001-07:00

Life Study- Hat Man
Originally uploaded by elle3b

A bit distracted today but this is it for this round.
A great looking model, but I just was not in the zone.
Wish I had had more time to to sink into it. Oh well.
Practice is what is important here, not just end results.

11" x 14" Life Study in Oils

Too Young

2010-06-19T13:16:00.001-07:00

Too Young (final)
Originally uploaded by elle3b

This painting is a beginning, a venture. As a child we know when things do not feel right when we are vulnerable or our world is at risk. Today thinking about so many things while painting going deeper beyond the surface. I reached back to a time when all I heard was... you are too young to understand, the truth is I understood more than they ever knew.

18" x 24" Pastel Painting on Paper

Turkish Delight

2010-06-14T21:05:00.001-07:00

Turkish Delight
Originally uploaded by elle3b

It amazes me that a certain model along with certain music while I am painting can create an entire story. The inspiration seeps into me and I begin to feel another world present. It comes through my hand creating a story of anticipation and exotic appeal from another time and place.

The painting was kept by my teacher to display at the Animation Institute. I felt happy about this, to have communicated something special through my pigments and imagination. Oh how the world of art with all it's struggles, it's pain and glory is so very worth it.

11" x 14" Life Study in Oils

Fiesta Skirt

2010-06-12T22:34:00.001-07:00

Fiesta Skirt
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Yesterday I had the opportunity to paint a model outdoors. It was great to be in this beautiful setting. I took some chances with this one, playing with paint and palette knife. Scraping mud and balancing between neutrals and colors. I love the juicy feel of the paint. It was great fun!

14" x 18" Oil on Panel

Piru Oranges

2010-06-12T22:33:00.001-07:00

Piru Oranges
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Neighborhood Works Project- Piru, CA
A single day project for the community of Piru. Many individuals... have worked for the Filmore and Piru Citrus growers for generations. They liked the image a lot.
This was my 1st attempt at a 3-D image. I got the effect, but wish I had had a little more time to review and refine. Major Learning curve, but was tickled to see the 3-D thing work.

Rich Color

2010-06-07T21:15:00.001-07:00

Rich Color
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Rich tones and exquisite reflected color brought this model to life.
I found her mood inviting to paint. Today is the beginning of my class in
Head and Figure Painting at the Animation Institute.
It is exciting for me to be in this class. I could study painting, drawing and sculpture the rest of my life and be happy! As a matter of fact I think I will!

9" x 12" Life Study in Oils on Panel

The VIrgin and Child: Exerpt

2010-06-01T09:26:00.001-07:00

The VIrgin and Child: Exerpt
Originally uploaded by elle3b

I Madonnari 2010

After Artist - Guilio Cesare Procaccini b. 1574- 1625

This is a closeup of the Madonna's Face. The exquisite sense of love is pouring from her expression.

8' x 8' Street Painting

The Virgin and Child with Infant St. John the Baptist & Attendant Angels

2010-06-01T09:24:00.001-07:00

The Virgin and Child with Infant St. John the Baptist & Attendant Angels
Originally uploaded by elle3b

I Madonnari 2010

Artist - Guilio Cesare Procaccini b. 1574- 1625

What struck me about this image is the sensitivity and empathy the is present between the Madonna, and the children. A sweetness and gentle sense, something caught in that moment between all of them.

The colors and movement in the piece are so fluid and compelling.
It was a beautiful piece to study.

8' x 8' Street Painting

Portrait of Wesley

2010-05-28T19:37:00.001-07:00

Wesley
Originally uploaded by elle3b

It is exciting to be back at painting people once again.
I will alternate between indoor and outdoor painting. Each lends itself to a different set of skills and challenges.

Excitement really started to happen when that nice dark background
stepped in to contrast the beautiful complexion of this young man.

It is wonderful to have this opportunity to paint. I often work along side other extraordinary painters, each of us working to get the best out of ourselves. Sometimes you win, sometimes not, but the comaradarie is wonderful!

9" x 12" Life Study in Oils on Panel

Desert Parade

2010-05-23T09:46:00.001-07:00

Desert Parade
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Hiking through the desert yesterday and was taken by the
incredible colors I saw in all the plant life. All the colors of the rainbow, it was spectacular and humbling.

This is the view I decided to paint
at Devil's Punch Bowl in the afternoon.

11" x 14" Plein Air Study
Oil on Panel

Sunlight n' Sage

2010-05-19T20:53:00.001-07:00

Sunlight n' Sage
Originally uploaded by elle3b

An intensely bright day today, the dry season has set in but the colors and brilliance of spring is still apparent.

This was the second painting I did, the first one I scraped off in dismay.
This one started out as a study of this brightly lite bush and the painting began to develop around it.

Sometimes painting just has it's own momentum, especially when painting from life in the outdoors while the wind is blowing, light is moving, and the heat begins to wear you down. So much is happening so much input. It is really amazing to get a painting down at all.

11" x 14" Plein Air Painting on Linen Panel

Bright Day Behind the Barn

2010-05-12T18:35:00.001-07:00

Bright Day Behind the Barn
Originally uploaded by elle3b

I started out early today, waiting for my painting buddies
to set up. While waiting I roamed around the grounds a little bit and voila, this beautiful scene appears. All the colors from the flowers and the soft shaded pink of the Barn, I could not resist.

Some pieces just sort of work from the very beginning. This was my lucky one today.

8" x 10" Plein Air Painting in Oils

A Study of Light

2010-05-10T19:28:00.001-07:00

A Study of Light
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Working on the last few paintings of Still Life subject matter has
really changed my typical pace in painting. I have slowed way down, not
working against any time constraint. No movement of sun nor living portrait.

A simple still life, where I could really concentrate on what the light was doing. I think it is good to change your pace...Keeping everything fresh, yet very controlled in what each color note has to offer.

I am moving forward in my thinking and now I will be having more time to really go deeper into my concepts and applications in painting.

11" x 14" Still Life Study in Oil on Panel

The Hang Player

2010-05-07T08:23:00.001-07:00

The Hang Player
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Quick Oil Sketch of a "Hang" Player at our 1st Thursday Artwalk.
This is a new instrument, only 10 years old made in Switzerland. The sound is awesome. He was performing only for a short time so this is what I got in a quick moment. Wish I had had more time to really get into his music, but his gesture while playing was most intriguing.

8"' x 10" Oil Sketch on Panel

Still Life Study

2010-04-30T20:12:00.001-07:00

Still Life Study
Originally uploaded by elle3b

The wind was blowing to hard and too cold so we painted indoors this week. Still life is not typical subject matter for me, however it is good to
shake things up a bit and try something to challenge yourself in another way.

Having gone to David Leffel's workshop a while back, I learned a lot about still life, though I was concentrating on Portraits at the time.I could hear his voice in my head while I was painting.

11""x 14" Still Life Study in Oils

Odyssey to Orange (California Poppy Reserve)

2010-04-24T13:18:00.001-07:00

Odyssey to Orange (California Poppy Reserve)
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Today after my painting class I met up with my painting compadres and ventured out to the glory of the California Poppy Reserve. There was new snow on the cool blue mountains, which lent itself beautifully as a background to these wonderful displays of brilliant orange flowers. The wind sweeping these colorful fields and the vastness of the land is a continual miracle to behold.

8" x 10" Plein Air Painting in Oils

The Calmady Children

2010-04-19T21:18:00.001-07:00

The Calamady Children
Originally uploaded by elle3b

Chalk It Up- Prescott Arizona
Featured Artist- Lorelle Miller
The Calmady Children
After SIr Thomas Lawarence, 1823
10'x10'

Jason

2010-04-12T16:18:00.001-07:00

Jason
Originally uploaded by elle3b

This piece started out at our Santa Clarita Artwalk and I finished it up in my studio. My goal is to really work towards excellence in my portrait painting. I know I have it in me to do very well in this area and I aim to push myself harder and really get this happening! I have loved faces ALWAYS and there is no excuse to do anything but the best I can. It is what I love.

11" x 14" Life Study
Oils on Panel