Eleanor, oil on linen, 20" x 16"

My portrait of Eleanor won Second Place in the Portrait Society of Atlanta Spring / Summer Exhibition.  The exhibition was held at the Mable House Arts Center in Mableton from June 1 through July 6, 2009.  It was jurored by Michael del Priore.

 Anabela, oil on linen, 16" x 14"

I just finished this painting of Anabela, a blend between a vignette and a half - length. It's oil on linen, 16" x 14". Anabela was an absolute joy to work with and a wonderful model.

I am currently working on several other portraits of little girls in white dresses.

Mia, oil on linen, 18" x 16"

Please join me for the Opening Receptions of two upcoming exhibitions.

Mia  is included in Observations
August 14 - October 2, 2009
Atlanta Fine Arts League
Third Annual National Juried Exhibition
Roswell Visual Arts Center Gallery
Located Inside Roswell Area Park
10495 Woodstock Road
Roswell, GA 30075
Opening Reception, Saturday, August 14, 7 - 9 PM

Dixie is include in the 22nd National Juried Art Exhibition
August 22 - September 28, 2009
South Cobb Arts Alliance
Mable House Arts Center
5239 Floyd Road
Mableton, GA 30126
Opening Reception, Saturday, August 22, 7 - 9 PM

Psyche and Beatrice, charcoal on paper, 16" x 21"

So far in 2009, my paintings and drawings have been accepted in eleven exhibitions, including three national juried exhibitions, three local juried exhibitions, and five group shows.  In the past few months,

Heather was include in First Annual Fine Art Juried Competition
The Artist Guild of Northwest Georgia
The Booth Art Academy

Mia was included in Rome Art Coterie's 7th National Juried Exhibition
Rome Area Council for the Arts Gallery
 
Tyler, Zoë, Bea, and Alexander were included in Contemplations
Atlanta Fine Arts League Members' Exhibition
Quinlan Visual Arts Center
 
Katherine was included in the Dogwood Show
Atlanta Artists Center
 
Psyche and Beatrice, John, and Heather were included in
The World of Art Juried Art Exhibition
The South Cobb Arts Alliance
Mabel House Art Center

As the always hectic school schedules resume, it's still possible to get a portrait of your child.  Most artists take Saturday appointments for sittings, and most can be flexible with either morning or afternoon times.  Choosing to come at a time that best works with your child's personality is key.  If your child is a morning person, schedule the appointment for the morning, etc.  This will help get the best possible results from the sitting.  The artist will get to know your child better and be better able to capture him or her more readily.   And for younger children, don't schedule the appointment in lieu of naptime.  You'll end up having to reschedule, either because your child's essence will be asleep or as a result of the meltdown. 

Be prepared.  Your child is about to be featured in a portrait that will last for hundreds of years.  Choose classic clothing, but something that fits your child's persona.  Think about the size of the portrait you would like, and consider whether you would like a full - length, half - length, head and shoulders, etc.  You don't have to decide for sure before the photo shoot.  However, having something in mind to start will help both you and the artist.

Ask questions.  Portrait artists are very delberate with their processes.  If you take time to understand the process, you will likely see its value and how it contributes to the portrait.  Or, you may find that it simply doesn't work for you and your family.  That's ok; there are other artists.  Many of the portrait artists around town know each other, and they participate in organizations  such as the Atlanta Fine Arts League.  If the artist's process doesn't work for you, the artist will likely agree and may even help refer you to another artist.