Grander Joy of Spirit

More progress, and more about rose petals and Devi Bhava

2011-11-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

"Amma's Devi Bhava in Kimberly", (still in progress), egg tempera on panel

After some consideration I decided to remove the shadow from Kimberly's left, in order to show the rose petal shower in an open, (as opposed to a shallow), space. I hope this will help me to create a feeling of the petals also going deeper into space by showing the petals smaller as they go back in space. At times I've also changed a petal entirely, in one instance three times, to get the feeling going that I want, and I feel I'm finally getting a rhythm going on this part now.

Having experienced Amma's Devi Bhava petal shower for myself, it is hard for me to describe the blessing feeling that it gives a person, but I can tell you that I wish I knew more about it's mysteries!

I had mentioned in a previous post that while Devi Bhava includes petals from ALL the flowers which are given to Amma during darshan, I chose to portray rose petals for Kimberly's Devi Bhava experience for several reasons. Kimberly is a quite a rare individual as a professional healer in her life. She performs many kinds of healing, beautifully so, across several healing modalities, and it is one of her practices to always have fresh roses in the treatment room where she does her work. A spiritual teacher common to both of us once told us that angels love to be present where there are flowers, but in particular where there are roses. Roses are also Amma's 'theme' flower. Yet, as I'm still adding rose petals to this painting, has anyone noticed there is just one flower petal that is a little different?

Amma's Devi Bhava in Kimberly ~ continued progress

2011-10-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

"Amma's Devi Bhava in Kimberly," in progress

Still on this, more petals are still to come, and the background is beginning to lighten and warm up. A few small areas have been removed (washed or sanded off) for revisions/additions, such as adding a petal or repositioning the green leaves at bottom right. Sometimes removing an area is easier than adding extra layers of paint, due to the translucency of egg tempera paint.

Mary's Inner Beauty in Kimberly

2011-08-13T01:48:00.000-07:00

"Mary's Inner Beauty in Kimberly", graphite on vellum trace © Mona Diane Conner

(click the image to see it larger)

Here is a study for my next panel painting for the Divine in Kimberly series, size still t.b.d.

"Amma's Devi Bhava in Kimberly" in progress

2011-08-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

egg tempera on panel in progress

I'm again in the midst of adding more petals to this painting which now has an official title: "Amma's Devi Bhava in Kimberly". Devi Bhava is a special evening darshan which celebrates the Divine Mother and the divine feminine aspects of God. Beginning with an Atma Puja for world peace and including the chanting of the 1000 names of the Divine Mother, and darshan from Amma as the Divine Mother, Devi Bhava concludes with Amma showering flower petals on everyone present as a final blessing. While the Devi Bhava flower petal ceremony traditionally includes flower petals of all kinds, I have chosen only rose petals for this painting because roses are not only Amma's theme flower, but also the flower that Kimberly loves most.

Although it's a bit long (approx. 8 minutes), I found on YouTube this sweet link about Amma's Devi Bhava. For those unfamiliar with Devi Bhava, the film shows only snippets, but perhaps it provides a glimpse for you of what this all night darshan encompasses: What is Devi Bhava?

Update and Scanned Detail from Kimberly With Roses

2011-06-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

Scanned detail from my egg tempera portrait in progress of Kimberly With Roses

Sorry not to have posted an update in a while, but I have resumed working on the upper half of this egg tempera portrait of Kimberly, and I thought it would be interesting, even though my scanner bed is too small to encompass this 19 1/2" x 15 1/4" work, to try a scan of a detail from the painting at this point. A scan shows you the brushwork and details better, and also the depth I am beginning to achieve with the painting as the layers are building. My digital camera has perhaps only captured a portion of this in previous posts, but you can also see a bit of progress with the painting itself.

More Petals and Fringe

2011-04-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

"Kimberly With Roses" in progress, egg tempera painting on panel (click image twice for a larger view)

Still adding more rose petals, and working on the gold fringe of her shawl, I'm also beginning to layer in a warmer tone over the background.

falling rose petals

2011-03-18T14:28:00.001-07:00

"Kimberly With Roses", 19 1/2" x 15 1/4", egg tempera panel in progress (click the image twice for a larger view)

I'm so sorry that my work to promote portraits in general has kept me absent so long from this blog, but here's another update. As you can see, I'm starting to add falling rose petals and working on the areas around the petals as I add them to the painting.

Please feel welcomed also to visit Mona Conner Portraits, where I feature my commissions.

progress on Kimberly With Roses

2011-01-24T14:17:00.001-08:00

"Kimberly With Roses" in progress

Here is what I'm working on; the current version is on top.

Spiritual Art For Your Gift-Giving Too

2010-12-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

"Niche in Aix en Provence," framed dimensions: 3 3/4" x 3/4", egg tempera on vellum, $350 on Etsy

"Madonna in the Leaves," framed dimensions: 4 3/4" x 6 1/8", egg tempera on vellum, $600 on Etsy

"White Madonna in Aix en Provence," 23" x 35 1/2", pastel on Wallis pastelboard,

© Mona Diane Conner 2010 (not currently available online)

A purchase link to each painting is provided if you click on the art.

In case a special gift is needed for your Christmas

2010-12-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

"Christmas Flowers," egg tempera painting © Mona Diane Conner 1985

"Grandmas's Cookie Tree," egg tempera painting, © Mona Diane Conner 1985

"Victorian Christmas Tree," egg tempera painting © Mona Diane Conner 1985

Christmas At Our House, A Family Memory Book

My special gallery series of spiritual portraits is in need of support, and if you need a special gift for Christmas, or just wish to help, it's the only reason I interrupt the flow here to let you know that I also have great art for sale online, and it's at this link: MonaDianeConner.Etsy.com.

Twenty-five years ago I created 33 paintings for a Christmas memory book for Harper Collins called Christmas At Our House. Above are a few of the select framed original paintings from this book which are posting for sale in my Etsy shop, along with some great miniature paintings and small works, including some of my Madonnas you've seen here and other items of interest.

I'm always adding new works of art for purchase in my Etsy shop via Paypal, so if anything looks interesting, please visit MonaDianeConner.Etsy.com to see what else is there, now or at anytime, and thanks for checking it out.

Progress Update 12: Kimberly With Roses

2010-11-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

"Kimberly With Roses" egg tempera on panel in progress (click the image twice for a larger view)

Due to several projects I must work on this Fall offline, it's been a while since my last post, but my work on "Kimberly with Roses" continues. I have laid down an initial underpainting in two layers on the background, added to the bottom of the painting, and have also decided to re-work several portions of the veil on the left side, to balance out the amount of decoration on the left and right sides of the veil. One advantage egg tempera has over acrylic and oil is that I can still either wash off or scrape off with my palette knife an area which is already dry to the touch and completely re-work it as you can see me doing here on the lower left side of the painting.

Miniature Show Preparation

2010-09-20T23:04:00.000-07:00

I'm currently preparing for a miniature competition, and welcome you to visit my miniature painting blog, The Ruby Slippers, if you'd like to see what I'm up to, (including my first self-portrait in miniature!) I'll continue here with my progress on "Kimberly with Roses" in about two weeks time, if not sooner...

Progress Update 11: Kimberly With Roses

2010-09-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

"Kimberly With Roses" egg tempera on panel in progress (click the image two times for a larger view)

I've been continuing my work on her veil's gold fringe, and on related areas in the forehead, face and neck, continuing to establish tonal layers.

Starting the gold fringe, applying for a grant, and an important word about my blog themes

2010-08-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

19 1/2" x 15 1/4" egg tempera on true gesso panel in progress

Here I'm starting the gold fringe, which will have further layers of paint applied once it is established.

Some of you are aware, and others may not be, that I run three active painting blogs, all of which are listed on my links (also a fourth blog, Windows of the Soul on miniature eye portraits is remaining online just as an intro to eye portraits in miniature). I truly appreciate your interest in my art no matter whether you just enjoy watching one of my blog themes, or all of them, but I thought it might be helpful just one time to explain why I prefer separating my art into separate themed blogs, and where the action will be for now.

With this spiritual portrait series in particular, which has continued for almost two years now, I am actually unfolding and at times discussing on-blog a personal theme through an ongoing body of work in portraiture for a gallery or museum show. So I feel it is more meaningful in the long run to develop this theme in it's own context, separately from Mona Conner Portraits which is more about portraits and portrait commissions in general, and separate from my miniature painting blog which is primarily about my work in miniature painting. I may, for example, get more into discussion of technical aspects of painting on Mona Conner Portraits, whereas here on Grander Joy of Spirit I'm really attempting to zero in on the spiritual aspects of the art and hopefully evoking responses from my viewers, too, on this level.

So far my spiritual portrait series has been done completely uncommissioned, and only with the cooperation of several interested friends who have willingly and kindly posed for me for this purpose. However, I am also quite open to the opportunity of creating a commissioned spiritual portrait if anyone desires one. I sometimes do a portrait in miniature, which may overlap with Mona Conner Portraits, and very much enjoy also the treasured theme of the Madonna and the Divine Feminine in my art, which at times I will also portray in miniature. Eventually you can expect men, too, to appear in spiritual portraits on Grander Joy of Spirit, so it is not only the Divine Feminine aspects which I'd like to explore!

And while I may need to spend time on Mona Conner portraits, to foster portrait commissions when sales of miniatures are not proceeding fast enough to cover costs, my single most important goal as an artist remains this spiritual portrait series of paintings on Grander Joy of Spirit. Right now I'm at work on an artist grant application, just to help me be able to continue with this particular body of work which is so very dear to my heart; so please keep my grant application and my efforts with this series in your prayers and wish me luck!

Update #9: Kimberly With Roses in Progress

2010-08-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

Kimberly With Roses in progress, 19 1/2" x 15 1/4", egg tempera on panel

Another Update: Kimberly With Roses in Progress

2010-08-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

19 1/2" x 15 1/4", detail of the egg tempera portrait in progress (click the image twice for a larger view)

Progress Update on "Kimberly With Roses"

2010-08-07T16:45:00.000-07:00

19 1/2" x 15 1/4", egg tempera (in progress) on true gesso panel (click the image twice for a larger view)

While it's being repaired ~ another detail view

2010-08-04T17:36:00.001-07:00

Detail from the arched panel painting

While it's going to my panel shop for a repair prior to the application of gold leaf, here's another detail of my other panel painting in progress, "The 'Mary' in Kimberly". I'll be so excited when this one is completed!

"Kimberly With Roses" progress update

2010-08-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

19 1/2" x 15 1/4", egg tempera (in progress) on true gesso panel

Here I have been working on the roses and the area immediately around them.

Progress on "Kimberly with Roses"

2010-07-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

19 1/2" x 15 1/4", egg tempera (in progress) on true gesso panel

Still laying in the first layer of paint on portions of this, since patterns take time, and I have devoted several painting sessions to this egg tempera portrait since my last progress report.

studio problem

2010-07-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

Just a note that until it is fixed, a practical problem in my studio is preventing me from working normal hours, but I hope to resume posting as soon as it improves.

Introducing "Mona Conner Portraits"

2010-07-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

I've recently started a new blog, "MONA CONNER PORTRAITS - Portraits Large and Small" which will sometimes include my spiritual paintings, but where the emphasis is just on portraits. It's my fourth blog!

Here at Grander Joy of Spirit, I've taken a break from my first Mary in Kimberly panel until I can have a repair completed to a few areas of the gesso before I continue to apply the gold leaf, but next I will be working on final touches for one of my pastels, and will resume posting too on my progress with the portrait of Kimberly with roses.

Amritanandamayi Ma's visit to NYC

2010-06-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

Only one week until Amma's darshan..........I can't wait!!!

The Sacred Art of Icon-writing

2010-06-10T18:24:00.001-07:00

My icon-writing in progress of Archangel Michael in the Russian Byzantine style offered at the Prosopon School of Iconology. Further illuminations will lighten the face and hands.

Since this blog is about spiritual and sacred art, I wanted to do at least one post about the sacred art of icon-writing. After painting the initial stages of only one icon, shown above, I am still strictly a beginner, and there is so much more to learn, but I was fortunate to spend my Saturdays for about a year's time at the New York Studio of the Prosopon School of Iconology. When my art sales improve, I also hope to resume icon-writing lessons.

I initially learned about the presence of Russian master icon painter Vladislav Andrejev in the U.S. through artist friends Suzanne Scherer and Pavel Ouporov. Later when I heard he had formed the Prosopon School, which included a New York Studio, I was thrilled to start lessons with one of Vladislav's sons, Dmitri Andrejev, and later with Tatiana Berestova. My reaction when I entered the icon studio for the very first time and saw all of the icons in progress lining the room, was to cry, because it is such a very wonderful and moving sight.

Icon-writing is done with egg tempera and gold leaf on gessoed icon panels which usually have a niched border and vary in shape. Partly because it is considered to be a spiritual practice, it is probably true that as many as 50% of icon-writers have no previous artistic training or background, even though artists also enjoy the craft aspects of this art form. Icons stand apart from other forms of spiritual art because they are created to serve as an interface or portal window between the spiritual and physical realms, and it is for this reason that classes at Prosopon give equal emphasis and time to teaching the spiritual and symbolic meaning of each part of the physical process involved in this sacred art.

To learn more about icon-writing, and to see wonderful pictures of icons and sacred paintings, please visit Prosopon School of Iconology . There are also some wonderful icons from around the world currently posting in the Facebook group Egg Tempera Painters

Progress update on the first "Mary in Kimberly" panel painting

2010-06-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

(click on the art in progress to view it larger; as previously explained, the red clay bole background will later be covered with gold leaf and bordered with the mother of pearl, a sample of which is included at the lower right)

At this time I am working on the veil, hands, and lower portions of the portrait. This post shows further work in egg tempera, on and around the hands.

Important Announcement About My Egg Tempera Workshop

2010-05-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

I will need to hear from five or more definite participants by June 10th in order to hold the opportunity of the private summer workshop in egg tempera in position for early August. To help you decide if you are considering attending, here is some additional information:

The location in Brooklyn, NY is within driving distance from most neighboring major cities and approx. 30 minutes from mid-Manhattan via subway. PLEASE NOTE: the dates have moved slightly to Tuesday through Thursday, August 3, 4, and 5. The cost is $300 for two full days of instruction 10 AM to 6PM with a one-hour lunch break, and $400 for three full days, excluding accommodations which are running approx. $200 and up per night, BUT only if booked now at the Holiday Inn Express and and at similar locations very near the venue in Brooklyn. The workshop fee also covers a gesso panel to paint on, and a few basics (like eggs!), but not all of your art materials, so please plan to bring paints and brushes with you, and a reasonable supply list will be provided to guide you on what you will need.

For those who wish for it, and because I have included the optional of three days instruction: if it is the group's desire to spend part or all of the additional day out on a field trip, it is also my personal delight to take you to one or more possible locations: The Bronx Zoo, the New York Aquarium at Coney Island, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, or a New York City Cathedral tour including St Patrick's Cathedral. I hear that an exciting new version of the musical "Promises, Promises" is returning to Broadway this summer, and there are many exciting ways to spend your evenings in the Big Apple during your stay.

Your $100 check holds your spot in the workshop, but I will need to at least receive your email responses by June 10th (please email mona@monadianeconner.com). Inquiries also welcomed.

A start on the veil

2010-05-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Now that the outline of it is clearer, I am working on the translucency of the veil. (click on the image to see it larger)

Preparing the first panel for gilding

2010-05-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

I've paused my work on this portrait to begin the gold-leafing for it's background which helps establish the outline of the veil. Later on I'll be adding mother-of-pearl as a border.

Later today: an update on my first panel painting

2010-05-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

I'm writing an article today about my work in miniature for the next issue of the Miniature Art Society of Florida newsletter, but I also have an update on my first "Mary in Kimberly" panel that I hope to post afterwards, so please stay tuned for the update, coming soon.

Further progress on the panel painting of Kimberly with roses

2010-04-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

(egg tempera painting on panel in progress. Beginning to lay in the flesh tones here.)

Kimberly with roses egg tempera on panel - beginning the veil

2010-04-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

I'm working from several photos I took, but this is my main reference picture

Detail showing my start on the veil

Kimberly with roses - Step 3

2010-04-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

Egg Tempera Workshop Dates

2010-04-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

materials used in painting with egg tempera include yolk of egg and powder pigments

For those of you interested in learning first-hand about painting with the medium of egg tempera, the dates set so far for my Egg Tempera Workshop this summer in Brooklyn, NY are Thursday - Friday, August 5 -6. Please email mona@monadianeconner.com for more information as it develops!

If there is enough interest for June too, I'll consider setting up a second workshop.

Step #2 of New Egg Tempera Panel

2010-04-08T14:06:00.001-07:00

If you missed my announcement, it's posted over on the right-hand side.

Step #1 of new egg tempera panel painting / Egg Tempera Workshop announcement

2010-04-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

egg tempera panel painting in progress, detail of a 20" x 15 3/4" rectangular birch gesso panel (click image to see it larger)

This post represents three days of preparation for the start of a new egg tempera panel painting (transferring my drawing and laying in portions of my underpainting.) The drawing is a bit hard to capture in a digital photo because it is composed with the light blue lines of transfer paper (see the drawing in my previous post for details), but I will be showing this painting too in it's ongoing stages of progress as I continue to complete the first panel painting.

Some of you who have followed my blog will recall that it is quite normal for the first several layers of egg tempera on panel to be raw in appearance, but if anyone has questions in general about egg tempera painting, I want to let you know that I am planning to try an in-person egg tempera workshop this summer if at least 10 people would like to attend. Dates, cost, and details to come when I know how many are interested, but it will take place in Brooklyn, NY.

If you'd like to participate in my workshop, please email me at: mona@monadianeconner.com, and please let me know also if you have a preference for doing it in June or in August.

New drawing for The 'Mary' in Kimberly series of portraits

2010-03-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

Preparatory drawing for a painting of Kimberly with roses

While I'm finishing up the backgrounds and finishing touches on some of my other spiritual portraits, and continuing my work on the first 'Mary' in Kimberly portrait panel, I'm starting something new. Still debating what size I want this one to be, and I'm picturing it in egg tempera.

father and son portrait in progress

2010-02-17T14:17:00.000-08:00

egg tempera portrait in progress, approximate size 17" x 15"

Although this is not an official part of my spiritual portrait series, another portrait I'm also currently working on is this one of a father with his first son. The subjects in this instance prefer to remain anonymous, and at this point, the initial layer of the grass is just blocked in, with more work to do on both the figures and background.

"The 'Mary' in Terry #2" with gold leaf

2010-02-08T14:34:00.000-08:00

"The 'Mary' in Terry #2," 25 1/2" x 19 1/2", pastel and 24 kt. gold leaf on La Carte pastelboard

I have minor details to fill in at the bottom of the image, but here is another detail view

"White Madonna in Aix-en-Provence"

2010-02-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

(detail view)

"White Madonna in Aix-en-Provence", 36" x 24", pastel on Wallis paper

I'm still awaiting restoration of some of my retouching and scanning software that is important to file size and color for posting, so please bear with me on my posts temporarily, but except for some final touches, I'm pleased to present my latest pastel! I'm also adding something special to one of the portraits you've seen in progress, and will be posting on that as soon as it's far enough along to show you.

Update

2010-01-20T21:26:00.000-08:00

My computer troubles were worse than I thought, and due to a hard drive crash, I am still getting things back into gear. Although I replaced the hard drive, got it home, and started reinstalling software, a new mystery sound is sending me back to the repair shop tomorrow.

I trust my persistence will pay off soon, but until I can post again, I'm hoping all is going well for you, and am wishing all of my readers a great beginning this year!

Happy New Year and computer problems

2010-01-02T18:16:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone!!

Computer problems have arisen this week, but I hope to resume posting very soon.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T19:13:00.000-08:00

Many thanks and warmest wishes to all of you who have followed my art journey on Grander Joy of Spirit in 2009. God bless and I'm wishing you much joy on Christmas and during holiday time! More to come soon!

My Visit with Mary Magdalene

2009-12-18T15:32:00.000-08:00

A mother and her two children in front of the reliquary

Newly renovated stained glass windows at St. Thomas Aquinas church

the French relic of Mary Magdalene positioned atop a limousine for the outdoor procession

both relic and priests were escorted by bagpipers in front...

...and a mariachi band behind them

worshippers carried religious banners and images through the streets of Brooklyn

after the outdoor procession one of the French priests assisted with the dedication service

as the Knights of Columbus, congregation, and guests looked on

and while a soloist led a gorgeous rendition of "Jerusalem" upstairs in the sanctuary...

...the mariachi band simultaneously celebrated at a coffee and cake reception downstairs

and Madonna and Child were placed in a position of honor during it all

It may not be everyone's tradition to venerate the relics of saints, and forgive me also if I miss aspects of it which are of special significance to you if it is your own religious tradition, but I was so taken with this joy-filled, reverent celebration over the first visit of a relic of Mary Magdalene to this country from southern France! It was so special for me in fact, that I have had to digest it for weeks before I could cull my photos of it's procession, just to try to share with you in pictures what it was like to be there in person in November when this relic came with several priests from Frejus-Toulon, France to St. Thomas Aquinas Church in my neighborhood.

If sometimes it is unfair in life, and it's not until after we are gone that someone sees how special we were; if it crosses cultures to try to answer just one celebration in our memory; if it's just centuries later, and it's Brooklyn, New York, then my visit with Mary Magdalene was huge in it's importance and its influence only on Mona Conner. If it was just me, I was joined by hundreds of others who paid respects to her as well. And if you were there, it was hard after just one day's visit to see the wonderful celebration come to an end and the relic packed for it's next location on it's tour around the U.S. It's not only Catholics or specific religions who are impacted by saints. They are still being created today, and they walk among us.

Aix en Provence Madonna & Child progress, Step 4

2009-12-07T11:06:00.000-08:00

36" x 24", pastel-in-progress of the corner niche ornamenting a building on the square in Aix-en-Provence

Aix en Provence Madonna & Child progress, Step 3

2009-12-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

36" x 24", pastel-in-progress on Wallis paper

White Madonna & Child Niche, Aix-en-Provence, progress

2009-12-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

36" x 24", further progress with my pastel on Wallis paper

I made some further progress on Wallis paper and I'm feeling better about it, but still exploring options.

White Madonna & Child Niche, Aix-en-Provence

2009-12-02T23:35:00.000-08:00

two views of the 36" x 24" pastel-in-progress on Wallis paper

Experimentation is an important aspect of being an artist. I've made a start on the white Madonna and Child on a pastel surface that is new to me, Wallis paper, and I'm struggling a bit to get used to it since I'm learning that it has a more abrasive, less smooth texture than La Carte, and it doesn't 'grab' the pastel in the same way. I also wound up showing more of the Madonna than I had plotted out, simply because it was such a large sheet.

In reading about these two pastel surfaces, I learned that Wallis paper has an abrasive made with white aluminum oxide, while La Carte is coated with finely ground vegetable flake and cork, giving it a more velvety feel to the touch.

If can locate some La Carte tomorrow, I may start another version, cropped as originally planned. I'll probably give both versions a whirl until I see what feels the most comfortable to me for this subject matter.

White Madonna & Child Niche, Aix-en-Provence

2009-11-24T19:55:00.000-08:00

photo © Mona Diane Conner 2008

I've made three drawings in my effort to start a new pastel of a beautiful white Madonna & Child niche statue that I photographed in Aix-en-Provence during my trip to France in 2008. It has taken three tries to decide what part of it I want to include for a large pastel painting. Sorry for an extraneous, uneven tone in my digital shots of my drawings, (strictly practical compositional sketches, rather than artworks themselves), but you can see how I started off wanting to show most of the niche structure at first, and then began to zero in more.

Since I also really like the idea of portraying part of the lamp, as in my photo, I am doing a fourth drawing for a miniature painting of this same scene (which will roll out on my miniature painting blog). My miniature version will include the lamp and give me an opportunity to show the entire structure of the niche that surrounds this statue. But for my pastel I want to dramatically zero in on the Madonna & Child itself, so the drawing at the top of the post shows you how it will be composed.

I had a search to locate a certain color of the pastel surface I wanted, only to get it home and discover that I got the color I want but the surface is defective. As a result, I may try doing this on a darker color than I would have liked just to get it started. With all this preliminary action going on, I'm asking Mary to please support my effort to paint the White Madonna & Child!

I was very charmed while in Aix-en-Provence to discover these niche statues of Mary and other saints which seem to adorn every building corner there, making it one reason that Aix-en-Provence was my favorite spot in Southern France. It's going to be a fun, too, painting more niches like the White Madonna & Child over a period of time.

The Difference Between Modeling Mary and the Mary Within

2009-11-05T17:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who visited here and commented on my progress with "The 'Mary' in Kimberly" while I was completing miniature paintings for several competitive shows. I do love painting large just as much as I love my work in miniature! Having given it my all during two key months when many of the miniature show deadlines overlap, it was important to rest and revitalize for a bit, but I've been looking forward to getting rolling again with my portrait series. I have two pastel portraits awaiting completion, and a new piece I'd like to begin, but first, here is an interesting comparison that I hope might stimulate some spiritual discussion:

Detail of my Madonna and Child drawing using Karen as a model

My drawing for a Madonna and Child painting using Karen as a model.

"The 'Mary' in Karen" miniature portrait in egg tempera

The first "Mary" portrait in my series---the one that I began this blog with---was "The 'Mary' in Karen" (above, the only miniature in this series). But as some of you know by now, I also love to paint Mary herself, and it was in that spirit that I used Karen as the model for Mary in the above Madonna and Child drawing, one that I did a while ago, but still plan to use as the basis for a painting.

So I've drawn Karen as Mary, and have also attempted to paint the 'Mary' within Karen, but in my mind, as well as in my creative intent, these are not the same thing. And I wonder, does it come across as I intend? Apart from the fact that in the Madonna and Child drawing I've taken some liberties with Karen's likeness and hair, and given it a Renaissance feeling, do you see and feel the difference between one effort and the other?

Update

2009-09-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

I'll be returning soon to my large portrait work, but September is quite a busy month for me as I prepare for several miniature shows during this period of time. So, until my next post, you might enjoy seeing what I'm working on in miniature, including a miniature portrait in progress at this link: The Ruby Slippers

"The 'Mary' in Kimberly," panel painting progress

2009-09-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

I'm overdue for a progress report on "The 'Mary' in Kimberly" egg tempera panel painting, (my computer keyboard wasn't working, but I'm back in action), so this update represents several painting sessions since I last posted on it. I began to under paint the veil and worked on various areas of the painting.

Alex Garcia's Portraits in Egg Tempera

2009-08-31T20:06:00.000-07:00

"El Boricua," by Alex Garcia (self-portrait), 6" x 8", egg tempera on panel

"Be Still," by Alex Garcia, (portrait of the artist's wife, Carmen)

20" x 16", egg tempera on panel

"Little Linda," by Alex Garcia, 8" x 6", egg tempera on panel (Alex's daughter)

"Little Puppet," by Alex Garcia, 8" x 6", egg tempera on panel (Alex's youngest son)

Alex's lovely family!

Generous artist and friend of mine, Alex Garcia, does so much for other artists, I'd like to thank him with a post, if it's just to show you how special his own art is. The example on top of this row of portraits shows how irresistibly Alex manages to get a spiritual quality in his portraits which is both iconic, and icon-like.

It's so inspiring to see how Alex does his egg tempera paintings. I recommend a visit to his website to see his step-by-step portrait of Carmen, his wife, and how beautifully he has also portrayed two of his children, shown here, as well as many others. I can't wait to see the finished portrait of of his oldest son, which is currently in step-by-step progress on his blog.

I believe it has been partly out of his respect and admiration for other egg tempera painters, such as Andrew Wyeth, and his willingness to take the time to study and to appreciate how others have worked with the medium that Alex has so finely tuned his own skills as a tempera painter. And it's easy to see also, from these family portraits, what a loving father and husband he is!

An Online Review of My Portrait Series

2009-08-28T12:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry for announcing this late because I've been out of town, but this week my spiritual portrait series has received a lovely review from Alex Garcia on his new website: "Artists I Like". To read it, please visit this link: Mona Diane Conner - Spiritual Beauty

Thank you Alex for your very kind words about this series which is so close to my heart!

Progress on "The 'Mary' in Terry #2," & "The 'Mary' in Unni"

2009-08-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

"The 'Mary' in Terry #2," (in progress) 19 1/2" x 15 1/2", pastel on La Carte pastel board

"The 'Mary' in Unni," 11 1/2" x 8 1/2", pencil drawing

(click images to see them larger)

Apart from her talent as an artist, fine art photographer, and musician, my friend Unni's wonderful spirit has been an inspiration to me. She has made an amazing recovery from major illness for the second time. In the summer of 2005, around the time I first began to dip into the idea of trying to make spiritual portraits, I met Unni at a religious art show where we were both participants called "Spirituality in the Arts" at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA.

When I showed Unni one of my first studies (the one which is also the masthead for this blog) and described my series to her, she was so enthusiastic about it that she posed for me right on the spot, and this drawing is based on her pose at the art show. I haven't forgotten how her enthusiasm has energized my effort with this series. Just wish I'd done it sooner for Unni's 'Mary' portrait, but at least this drawing is a start.

Unni credits her recovery from illness in part to the practice of a gentle flowing form of hatha yoga, which she now teaches. Please take a moment to read more about Unni, at her website: Unni's Healing Yoga

"The 'Mary' in Terry," #3, further progress

2009-08-16T23:46:00.000-07:00

"The 'Mary' in Terry #3", (more progress) blue and white pastel on colorfix pastel paper

I have a little more work on the dark blue robe and general fine-tuning, and I want to try something special for the background which entails a trip to the art store, but more soon on this limited color pastel. Next I'll resume my progress on "The 'Mary' in Terry #2".

"The 'Mary' in Terry," #3 in progress

2009-08-15T14:05:00.001-07:00

"The 'Mary' in Terry #3", blue and white pastel on colorfix pastel paper

Sorry for my absence here while I've been preparing for another miniature show. There are always lots of details to handle and wrap up when preparing to ship a show, but it also inspired me to bust out and try something different before I resume completion of "The 'Mary' in Terry #2". I'll post the final version of this one tomorrow.

Portrait of Lauren

2009-08-06T19:37:00.001-07:00

"Lauren at Twenty-two", 4 1/2" x 4", graphite drawing

My niece turned twenty-two today, and here is a drawing I made for her birthday! Happy Birthday Lauren!

The 'Mary' in Terry, pastel #2, step 2

2009-07-25T23:37:00.000-07:00

(pastel in progress on La Carte pastel board, 19 1/2" x 25 1/2")

My thanks to all of you who commented on my blog while I was taking a brief break!

Early Influences

2009-07-21T20:07:00.001-07:00

In my early life there was only one occasion when I got to stay up late in my jammies and watch two painters....when my Mom decided to sit down alongside my Grandma Conner and try to learn from watching her how to paint. I thought it was very exciting, their paintings thrilled me, and I will always remember it as a time that was an important influence upon my early life as a painter.

Money Matters

2009-07-16T10:11:00.000-07:00

Read this article: Finding Money For Your Dreams

I got sick on my 'vacation at home' and it slowed me down enough so that just when I needed some connecting information on the topic of artist grant applications, this excellent article caught my eye. Thanks Mira of Mira's List!

2009-07-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

Returning to blogging soon, but I'm in the midst of a two-week break for re-organizing, hosting several special guests who I'm really looking forward to seeing---some old friends and my Florida cousin are coming to town, and this week to enjoy the three days of festivities when Amma, my Indian guru is here in NYC, including darshan (she offers hugs to thousands throughout the three day period), pujas (religious ceremony), live music, chanting monks, clothing & jewelry bazaar, vegetarian Indian food, and Devi Bhava.

Attending Amma darshan is a fascinating, internationally flavored experience. No cameras are permitted, so I can't share it in photos, but to give you a few highlights, so far I sat next to a woman who flew in from Paris (where Amma also tours), watched darshan taking place while Hindus intermingled with people from many religions and cultures, and while Voices of Unity, a large choir from Unity Church in Manhattan simultaneously stood behind Amma singing some rousing gospel songs after the swamis did a round of bhajans (devotional music). I even saw Iggy Pop milling around.

If it sounds like something you'd like to try out, it costs nothing to attend, and Amma is probably coming to a town near you. Here's a link to the North American part of her annual world tour.

"The 'Mary' in Terry," pastel #2 in progress

2009-07-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

(detail)

"The 'Mary' in Terry #2" (in progress), 19 1/2" x 25 1/2", pastel on La Carte pastel board

"Mary in Kimberly" Panel Update

2009-07-02T13:11:00.001-07:00

My progress is somewhat gradual because I photograph this egg tempera painting after every 3-4 hours work, but over several sessions you can see what is happening. For this session I was working in the same (and a few additional) areas. I have further blending to do on the skin, particularly on the right side of the face, once the paint has set more.

Hoping to also post the start of my new pastel of Terry later tonight.

"Mary in Kimberly" panel update

2009-06-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

This session I worked further on her hair, beginning to define it's rhythms, and on blocking in some shadow in areas on the skin near the hair.

"Mary in Kimberly" egg tempera panel update

2009-06-16T16:35:00.001-07:00

In this session I worked on some subtle layering on the hair on top of her head, softening and shaping the eyebrows, and on giving the forehead more dimension.

A few more tips about working with egg tempera. If you try the suggestion in my video demo below about substituting gouache or watercolor, of the two, gouache is your best substitute option of the two, but I mentioned both if you don't have gouache on hand.

Choose a rigid support. The ideal surface for egg tempera is a rabbit-skin glue gessoed panel. (Acrylic gesso will not absorb as well or adhere the paint as well). Other surfaces I have used are Strathmore or Crescent rag illustration board (without gesso), something with a smooth tooth. I recommend this for beginners to try, but choose four-ply, not bristol, and avoid getting the board too wet to avoid warpage.

Apply the paint very thinly, and in layers. A common mistake most beginning egg tempera painters make is to apply the paint too thickly in one individual layer. Build your paint gradually and remember that the principle is translucency. You are building layers to create an illusion of a color, for example a layer of green, with a layer of vermillion on top would make a warm shadow on a face.

For any other questions that may arise I recommend this great online forum about egg tempera: Egg Tempera Forum

"How to Mix Egg Tempera Medium," my video demo

2009-06-14T02:40:00.000-07:00

I want to mention that my work from my recent post on miniature eye portraits has moved over to my newest blog, "Eye Portraits in Miniature," so please feel welcome to visit there to see further paintings by me on this topic in the future.

I hoped to post this video last weekend, but I went briefly out of town, so here, as promised, is my demonstration showing how I mix my medium for egg tempera painting, the medium I am using for my panel painting-in-progress of Kimberly, and which I have used for most of my paintings since my first introduction to it in 1976.

Obviously a demo like this can only scratch the surface, but I hope it may tempt you to try this wonderful medium! For more information on working with egg tempera I also highly recommend a visit to the Society of Tempera Painters website and it's informative discussion forum about the medium. Also, see my additional tips in the post above this one, and in the comments column.

Pencil drawing for the next pastel of Terry

2009-06-11T23:14:00.000-07:00

(In the process of transferring this onto the pastel board.)

For Terry

2009-06-10T16:35:00.000-07:00

I've started another pastel of Terry, and hope to post an update on it's progress later tonight or tomorrow; however I want to let everyone know that Terry's mother, Mary, passed away on Sunday. I send my love out to you, Terry, and express thanks to everyone who prayed for Terry, her Mom and family members during a tough time for the Sebastian family. I appreciate condolences on behalf of Terry in the comments column this week.

"Terry's Left Eye" miniature eye portrait

2009-06-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

"Terry's Left Eye", (actual size) 3/4", egg tempera on vellum

enlarged view of miniature eye portrait

Prayers continue for Terry's mom, Mary. Terry's prayer:

Dear God,

Thank you for Mary and the beautiful life you have given her and us by being a part of this wonderful family. Countless prayers have been sent on her behalf. My prayer for her today is that she has the courage to let go and focus on that part of her that will never die. That she see with her spiritual eyes that she is whole now. That she remembers part of her is a part of You; that she is able to love and accept herself unconditionally right now exactly where and how she is - cancer and all. Amen.

Peek at my progress on Terry's eye

2009-06-04T23:45:00.000-07:00

(enlargement of 3/4" diameter original in progress)

egg tempera on vellum

Miniature Eye Portraits of Terry and Kimberly

2009-06-01T23:35:00.001-07:00

sketch for Terry's left eye portrait

(shown larger - actual dimension is 3/4" diameter)

sketch for Kimberly's #1 left eye portrait (3/4" diameter)

sketch for Kimberly's #2 left eye portrait (3/4" diameter)

On my miniature blog this week I am painting miniature eye portraits of my friend, fellow artist and blogger Kathleen Coy and her husband Jason, (thanks Kathleen!!) so I thought it would also be fun to try some miniature eye portraits of several of the women I have been doing spiritual portraits of, especially because of how our eyes,---even just one eye,---are an expression of our spirit.

Above are three sketches I have prepared to paint. I'm trying two portraits of Kimberly's left eye, from two different photo references, because it's very interesting to see how much one eye can change with just a shift in the angle, lighting, or facial expression. See my posts on the Ruby Slippers for more information about the charming tradition of miniature eye portraits or "lover's eyes".

"The 'Mary' in Terry," and Terry's Prayer

2009-05-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

"The 'Mary' in Terry", 25 1/2" x 19 1/2", pastel on La Carte pastel board

(detail view) (click on the images to see them larger)

Terry's transition prayer for her mother, Mary Miller:

Dear God,

Over these past weeks my friend Terry has been taking care of her mother, Mary Miller, who has been very ill and will soon be making her transition. So I am putting out a heartfelt request at this time to please surround her and her family in love and light with your thoughts and prayers. It's fine if it's in your own words, but my suggestion is to use Terry's own words in the prayer above which she wrote for her mother. It's inspiring and joyful in how Terry views this transition time in her family's life.

I'm also aware that a number of you who follow this blog have parents who are seriously ill, and two that I know of are Liz Holm's Mom and Deb Kierce's Dad, so let's keep all of them in our prayers.

"The 'Mary' in Terry" in-progress, Step 5

2009-05-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

Just a bit more work remains to be done here on the skin tones and robe, and at this point in the portrait I will also add in the background color so that I can see any light and value adjustments that may be necessary on the figure.

Video Demo on Egg Tempera

2009-05-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much to everyone for your supportive comments about my website improvements! It's really helpful to receive some feedback on it.

I've mentioned it on my other blog, but will also be posting to both blogs in two weeks a brief 5 minute demo on how to mix the egg tempera medium I use for my panel painting. I am also scoping out the possibility of creating a more in-depth DVD instructional video, or series of videos on how to paint with egg tempera which would sell from my blogs and website. So, if anyone tuning in has an interest in additionally having a more in-depth DVD on painting with egg tempera, please let me know.

Passion Award

2009-05-20T22:02:00.000-07:00

First, just a word about my progress......I had hoped to wrap up my pastel of Terry last weekend, but I also really felt the need, after working on it over the past weeks, to wrap up my website expansion. It felt great to get my web work done, but as you might guess, I'm a bit tapped out, so have just been resting before resuming my progressive portrait posts.

Meanwhile, I want to thank Dean Grey for again honoring me with the Passion for Painting Award, and for recognizing my work on Grander Joy of Spirit with such kind words on his blog. I invite you to check out Dean's beautiful work. There are some surprising and exciting views of Chicago to see through his photographs, a pet portrait I love called "Velvet", beautiful still-lives, sketches and paintings. Apart from his technical skill as an artist, and passion for painting, Dean is also a very creative thinker, as even the name of his blog--Exploding Donut, and the story behind the name, reveals.

Website Expansion

2009-05-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

I'm posting an update on the pastel of Terry tomorrow in order to let you know first that behind the scenes over the past several weeks, website expansion has been my weekend project. There are approximately 25 newly posted images, including several additional portraits, such as the two posted here, and a retrospective of my career as an illustrator in the "Illustrations" and "Nature, Animals and Flowers" categories. Not even my family members have seen all of these images, so I hope it will be a source of enjoyment for friends, colleagues, and family as well as prospective clients, that the website is more rounded out now.

The topics I've been asked to paint as an illustrator in particular have been quite various, and if you've enjoyed my work as a portrait painter, you may also enjoy seeing this other side of my work when you have time to take another look at monadianeconner.com

The 'Mary' in Terry, in-progress, step 4

2009-05-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

Here you can see the area toward the bottom right and in the shadow area of the arm where I am blocking in the colors that will eventually blend a little more. It's moving along, so I anticipate adding another post on my progress tomorrow.

*P.S. on Wed. post: It turns out my modem is only functioning at 60% capacity, so the cable company is visiting me again tomorrow, plus am taking care of behind the scenes details. Hopefully I can fit another post in either later tomorrow or on Friday.

The 'Mary' in Terry, in-progress, step 3

2009-05-10T03:52:00.000-07:00

(click on image for a larger view)

Just adding some information here on my pastels, at Liz Holm's request. Although I started off with a small set of Rembrandts and Othello pastel pencils years ago, I avoid sets in general,

and favor building my palette gradually as I go. I use Sennelier and Schmincke for their rich colors and application. Senneliers get used up quickly because they are smaller sticks and very soft, but I feel they are worth it. I also treasure Diane Townsend pastels, which cost more (hand-rolled), but are also worth it. All of these brands can be purchased online.

In pastel pencils I've experimented with various brands, and it also depends on the texture of the surface you are working on, but my favorites for the La Carte surface are Cretacolor and Generals, with a few Conte's thrown in. (General's white charcoal pencil and black charcoal pencil are especially nice).

Safety procedures are very important with pastel. More about safety in another post.

The 'Mary' in Terry, (pastel-in-progress, step 2)

2009-05-07T03:24:00.000-07:00

A close-up view of the area I've been working on.

The 'Mary' in Terry (pastel-in-progress)

2009-05-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

(click on the image for a larger view)

25 1/2" x 19 1/2" pastel in progress on La Carte pastel paper

Panel Progress

2009-04-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

Panel Progress, "The 'Mary' in Kimberly"

2009-04-29T20:17:00.001-07:00

I'm working behind the scenes to enter two portraits in a competition, but here's a small progress report on my panel painting, working further here on the hands.

"Spirit of Aretha"

2009-04-27T20:02:00.000-07:00

"Spirit of Aretha," 4" x 4", egg tempera miniature portrait on Kelmscott vellum, (available from my website) (c) Mona Diane Conner 2009

My portrait of Aretha Franklin is posting on my miniature blog, but it shows the "Mary" in Aretha; it's her shining moment, so it's placed here too.

Interrupted internet

2009-04-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

Just a note that my internet connection went out this weekend, but I'm happy to be back with a new modem today. I'm preparing the post intended for the weekend for later today, and sorry for the slight delay.

Commissioned Portrait

2009-04-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

"Katie's Childhood Memories," 10" x 10," pastel and charcoal on toned gessoed paper

I have a small surprise coming up right before my panel update, and I'm working on the start of the pastel of Terry, but here is just one example of the commissioned portraits I do. I enjoy doing both commissioned and non-commissioned portraiture.

Mentors of My Art

2009-04-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

original art (c) Fred Wessel 2008

"Contemplating Fibonacci's Spiral," by Fred Wessel, 34" x 27", egg tempera with gold, silver, and palladium leaf

detail showing the red jewel in her hand in "Language of the Birds"

original art, (and detail of original art) (c) Scherer & Ouporov 2008

"Language of the Birds," by Suzanne Scherer & Pavel Ouporov, 24" x 18", egg tempera, semi-precious gems, and gold leaf on poplar panel

I wanted to include these examples of Fred's art, and Pasha & Suzanne's art, with my post on their opening, but it was a long post, and meanwhile I have been busy behind the scenes on three paintings myself. In each artist's life there are those who offer helpful information and encouragement at just the right time, which somehow becomes absorbed and translates itself uniquely into aspects of one's own artistic journey. Fred, Pasha, and Suzanne have played this roll in my life.

When Pasha & Suzanne lived in Brooklyn before moving to Florida, they shared advice on icon painting, and the spiritual symbolism in the applications of water gilding. They recommended lessons from a Russian master, Vladislav Andrejev, in whose icon writing studio I later studied for one year, and they also referred me to Pandora, makers of icon panels, who is still my valued supplier. I recently learned from Fred Wessel about a kind of Japanese silver leaf which is dyed pink. Can you see it in his painting at the top of this post? Now I'm thinking about trying out some of this pink silver leaf on one of my "Mary" series panels.

From both artists I've learned about the value and beauty of non-commissioned portraiture, and felt spiritually and artistically enriched by their art. Thank you Fred, Suzanne, and Pasha!

The 'Mary' in Kimberly, one more drawing with reference pictures

2009-04-20T17:12:00.001-07:00

I'm working on a larger version of this drawing, but I wanted to post it with it's reference photos to show how I'm putting this one together. I'll be doing a study of this pose from her head to her lap, and I'd like to later do a panel painting of the full figure including the rose petals on the floor.

I also have at least one other pose I'll be doing of her wearing all white, with pale pink rose petals, but next will be an update on my panel painting, and the first installment of the pastel of Terry.

Two More Great Openings

2009-04-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

Diane Savino (at left), curator and egg tempera artist, discussing her work at Tabla Rasa Gallery in Brooklyn

original art (c) Diane Savino 2009

Diane Savino's daughter, Brielle, was the inspiration for her egg tempera portrait, "Not Out of the Woods", one of her beautiful paintings on display at Tabla Rasa Gallery

Fred Wessel discussing his egg tempera portraits with patrons & friends at ACA Gallery in Manhattan

Pavel Ouporov & Suzanne Scherer share a smile with Diane Savino and friends at ACA Gallery

I'm working on two more drawings--- a pastel of Terry, and one more drawing of Kimberly, and hope to post progress on both soon, but I wanted to share a few photos from two more openings I've attended this month involving some of my egg tempera colleagues. On April 4th I attended the opening at ACA Gallery of "Layered Luminescence: The Art of Egg Tempera," featuring the work of Robert Vickrey, Fred Wessel, Suzanne Scherer & Pavel Ouporov, and Doug Safranek.

Robert Vickrey's great book, "New Techniques in Egg Tempera" gave me my first exposure to egg tempera painting in 1976. The opening was packed, and colleagues in attendance were husband/wife painting team, Suzanne Scherer and Pavel Ouporov, Fred Wessel, and Diane Savino.

It was great that Diane & her family came back to New York this weekend for her participation in the group show "Pioneer Women" at Tabla Rasa Gallery in Brooklyn, and afterward she visited with me in my studio to see some of my latest work. Diane curated a great group show that I participated in called "Egg Tempera: An Enduring Tradition" which travelled the east coast to various college and museum venues.

New Drawing & Art Opening at DFN Gallery

2009-04-16T22:14:00.000-07:00

new drawing for the 'Mary' in Kimberly series

(detail of drawing, scanned version)

Silhouettes surround "Smirk,"48" x 64", oil on linen, by Alyssa Monks at DFN Gallery opening in Manhattan

Alyssa Monks chatting with friends and patrons at the opening

I've been working on some more drawings of Kimberly, and a new one is posting here on top.

I also wanted to share with you a great art opening that I attended last week in Manhattan,---a dual show for Alyssa Monks and Dozier Bell. Dozier Bell was not present in person because she had another show opening simultaneously in Maine, but I was fascinated by her miniature drawings which are done in charcoal on mylar, so much so that I'm going to try out working on mylar too! A link to some of the drawings by Dozier that I enjoyed seeing at DFN are here.

I've followed the inspiring work of Alyssa Monks via her website, and have attended a few shows featuring her work, but this was my first opportunity to meet her in person. She was lovely to meet, and her new paintings are wonderful! Alyssa teaches a special course in 'flesh' painting, and some of her work involves self-portraiture. When seen firsthand her paintings are large and surprisingly loose. It was a real treat to enjoy the work of both Dozier and Alyssa at DFN, a great combination of very large and very tiny artwork which dramatically demonstrates how both formats can have great emotional impact.

"Mary in Amma in Kimberly" (final version)

2009-04-11T15:06:00.001-07:00

"Mary in Amma in Kimberly," 19 1/2" x 25 1/2", pastel on La Carte sanded pastel paper

(click on image for a larger view)

Congratulations Marcia & Harry!

2009-04-06T20:54:00.001-07:00

I painted this miniature study, "Tulip Garden at Giverny," which was posted on my miniature blog, The Ruby Slippers, and was purchased by my sister, Peggy, as a wedding gift for my Mom and her new husband Harry. Last year when my Mom and Peggy travelled to France with me, they gave me a ticket to see Giverny Gardens and to take photos, so this was a great idea come full circle. Thanks for thinking of it Peggy!

"Tulip Garden at Giverny," 1 1/4" x 3 1/4", egg tempera on Kelmscott vellum

During their honeymoon visit to NYC I had lunch with Mom & Harry at Asiate, on the 35th floor of NYC's Mandarin Oriental Hotel

This is the first photo I have of the happy couple, my Mom & her new husband Harry

L to R: my sister Peggy and 2 of her 4 sons, David & Daniel, with Harry. Since my brother is a qualified justice of the peace, he performed the ceremony.

Wedding

2009-04-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for your comments on my pastel portrait. I've really enjoyed working on it, and in answer to your questions, it's mostly done, but I'm adding a background.

My Mom is getting married again tomorrow (at age 83!), so I'll be away from blogging for just a few days. Back on Thurs. April 9!

"Mary in Amma in Kimberly" (more progress)

2009-04-04T00:16:00.000-07:00

(pastel on Sennelier La Carte pastel paper)

Mary in Amma in Kimberly (progress)

2009-04-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

Mary Herself

2009-04-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

"Mary Contemplating the Life of Christ," (in progress), 20" x 24," egg tempera

"The First Night," 11" x 14," egg tempera

"L'madone et L'Infant de Remy de Saint," 4 3/16" x 5 13/16", egg tempera miniature on vellum

"Avalon Madonna with Yellow Flowers," 1 7/8" x 2 5/8," egg tempera miniature on vellum

"Mary & Jesus, Aix en Provence Exterior Wall,"small miniature study,

1 1/4" x 1 1/2," egg tempera on vellum

More on the pastel tomorrow, but I realized that along with my portrait series where I try to show the "Mary" within each of us, I enjoy painting Mary herself, and because of this, I thought it would be meaningful to share with you the various ways in which I've attempted to portray her so far.

One of the special aspects of Mary was her life as the mother of Christ, and at the top of the post I have included a painting in progress. I've been working on this painting of Mary where in an introspective moment she is contemplating the future of Jesus's life, almost seeing it in advance. Behind Mary and Jesus in the background are scenes from the future life of Christ.

"Mary in Amma in Kimberly"

2009-03-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

my Indian wedding sari

I had some errands today, including a trip to the art store for a few new pastels and pastel pencils, so I'll try for adding another photo of my progress on the pastel of Kimberly later tonite, but I promised to talk a little about my decision on it's title. When we did the photo-shoot of Kimberly for the series of works I wanted to do of her, I had a number of white fabrics I used as veils, but I also tried putting my Indian wedding sari on her as another kind of Mary veil, and we wound up using this special sari in about 50% of the photographs I took. I love my Indian wedding sari, and it hangs in the doorway of my studio these days. I was told when I bought it in a small shop in the East Village that this particular kind of wedding sari is from the 1970's and is not made anymore, since the beads were sewn on by hand.

It felt apropos for Kimberly to wear it, because it was Kimberly who introduced me to Amritanandamayi Ma. In fact, Kimberly and her husband were honored to be married in 2003 with Amma performing the wedding ceremony.

This was one of the poses that to me is a portrait of both the 'Mary' in Kimberly and the 'Amma' in her also, and since I've explained how, for me, Amma is a kind of living manifestation of Mary, it feels like both in that way also. Hence the somewhat mystifying title of "Mary in Amma in Kimberly". It feels just right somehow.

I want to thank Kathleen Coy who yesterday was the third person to honor me with the "Passion for Painting" award. It's truly an honor each time it is passed, and since I've recently responded to this award, and will be responding to it again for my miniature blog, (on April 5 after my painting sale), I'll simply recommend that you check out Kathleen's beautiful dog portraits, paintings and photographs. Apart from appreciating Kathleen's creativity, I'm a little in love with her sweet dog Cloud too!

More on the pastel of Kimberly

2009-03-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

pastel in progress (detail view)

I'm still working on this, and may post again on it's further progress tonight. It's an Indian wedding sari that Kimberly is wearing here, and for several reasons I've been debating over what I wanted the name of this painting to be. To find out the name I chose, check back in tomorrow.

More pastel in progress ~ Kimberly

2009-03-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

pastel in progress (working right to left helps me avoid smudging, since I am left-handed)

*I'm also honored to receive an award, created by Kim Ratigan, which is being passed from artist to artist in honor of their passion for painting from Akiko Watanabe. The receiving artist is asked to acknowledge the artist who passed on the award (please check out Akiko's wonderful art by clicking on her name), name 7 loves, and pass it forward to 7 artists. (I received this same award for my Ruby Slippers blog too, from Deb Kierce this week, and will post in response to that on The Ruby Slippers following the end of my spring sale on April 5.)

7 loves: 1) water 2) the color viridian green 3) the color coral melon 4) Mary 5) Amritanandamayi Ma 6) Mother Meera 7) God

Most of the artists I'd like to acknowledge have received this award, but there are 3 I would like to pass it on to: my friend Bill Mundy, a great miniature portrait painter, and my friends

Wes and Rachelle Siegrist a very special husband and wife team of wildlife miniature painters.

Pastel in progress ~ Kimberly

2009-03-23T23:05:00.000-07:00

(pastel on van dyke brown Sennelier La Carte pastel paper)

P.S.

2009-03-20T13:45:00.001-07:00

Just a little postscript on my last post, since fellow artist, Todd Bonita, and I were talking about how his father-in-law, David Baker, who passed away very recently, and my father were both smokejumpers. My father only spent 2 or 3 summers smokejumping, during the summers of 1948 - 1950, but he was very proud of being a smokejumper. While Dad smokejumped, Mom worked in the ranger station as a clerk. Although Dad went on to study law and become a businessman, later in life he would often state that his favorite job was still smokejumping! He belonged to the National Smokejumpers Association and a few years ago they produced the book Smokejumpers, in which Dad recounted his experience in the 1950 Hell's Canyon Snake River fire.

Also want to say, thanks Peggy, for buying an early miniature, right before my Ruby Slippers blog sale!