Blue Night - original oil pastel portrait

This piece is one that I did mostly from a charcoal drawing, although I did begin working with the oil pastels while still at the drawing group.  Alas, there wasn't enough time before the model left, so I did have to spend more time working from the drawing.  It's on 8 x 8" Ampersand Pastelbord, one of my favorite surfaces.
I've been away for awhile, in London and Paris - was lucky to have seen the Gauguin show in London and the 'Degas at the Opera' show in Paris.  I loved that they showed Degas' work using essence - which I have rarely seen - and gave such an honest portrayal of the realities of the ballerinas' lives.  Not just pretty paintings, for sure!
Thanks so much for looking!

Bullrider - figurative oil rodeo painting

This is the painted version of my earlier Bullrider Sketch - maybe not exactly the same, but close.  Can you imagine actually doing this - riding a bull, I mean.  Those huge, ferocious animals - it's frightening enough even to watch!  There are so many exciting events at rodeos and there are also ranch rodeos, which demonstrate the skills of the American cowboy - click here to learn more.  This painting was done with a fairly wide bright bristle brush on 8 x 8" panel - thanks for stopping by!

On My Easel - Country Evening - original oil figurative painting in progress

I did this painting in a more colorful palette, but decided that a limited one might be better for an evening dance and I'm pretty happy with this choice for a change.   It's just black white, terra rosa and yellow ochre, plus a blue, which normally isn't part of my limited palette, but I just had to have it this time.  I asked a friend for a critique - this one or the full palette one?  "Oh, I like both of them".  Sigh.  Please don't be afraid to hurt my feelings - artists really, really want the truth!  So, if you have an opinion, don't be shy!  Will finish this one on the weekend and post it on my website, http://conniechadwell.com.  Thanks so much for looking!

Jive Happy - original acrylic figurative painting

More crazy jivers doing their thing on a 12 x 16" panel.  Usually I paint in oil, but sometimes acrylic is such fun and I find it really liberating.  Another great thing about acrylic is that it dries so fast - gotta love that!  Thanks for visiting my blog!