Three Nudes on Turquoise - original acrylic paintings of nudes

I started out thinking this would be easy.  But I just felt so rushed - which I actually love and makes one move the paintbrush around very quickly - so why am I complaining?  Must just be a bad habit I've fallen into.  It was a challenge, but a fun challenge!  I love some of the passages, which is always so rewarding for us artists.  Was involved in a conversation yesterday about passages we love when we paint and the very accomplished artist I was speaking with said that's why she keeps on painting.  I can identify with that!  The panel is 8 x 10".  Thanks for looking!

Two-Step Sweethearts - original acrylic figurative painting

I almost never use acrylic for a painting.  To me, it's mainly great to use in brush drawings, but using it today for this piece just reminds me of the good qualities of acrylic.  It dries really fast, which is enough to make me love it.  And I don't feel so constrained when I work with it - for instance, the fat over lean that's so crucial in oil painting.  I vow here and now to continue doing some of my stuff in acrylic.  (Fingers making "X" over heart.)  This painting is 7 x 5" - thanks for stopping by!

Nude on Chartreuse - original oil drawing of a nude

I really like working on the acrylic painted panel, especially on the chartreuse color.  The combination of black and chartreuse reminds me of a tap dance recital costume that I wore when I was a kid - the outfit was black satin trimmed with chartreuse feathers.  And I just love that color combination even today! This drawing is 10 x 8" - thanks for looking!

On My Easel - original oil pastel figurative in progress

I worked today on this drawing of the model on Strathmore 403 oil pastel paper - listed as pastel paper - but is originally for oil pastel and it is absolutely wonderful for this medium.  I love this model and the poses she takes.  It's 12 x 9" and the paper is a little more gray blue and darker, but if you read my blog, you know about my photographic limitations.  Thanks for visiting my blog.

Joanie - original charcoal portrait drawing

I was going to do this in oil paint, but when I realized I just wouldn't have time, it was charcoal to the rescue.  Could probably do a painting from this drawing, but am happy with the charcoal version.  I used vine charcoal and General's Peel n Sketch (I think I've called it Peel n Draw before) on Strathmore 400 Mixed Media paper.  This paper is really versatile - it's 140 lb. and has just the right amount of tooth, although maybe not as easy to erase as I'd like.  But then I'm pretty hard on paper and work and work it 'til it's worn out, so really, there's no paper for me - I should probably work on my technique!
I kind of dreaded doing the hands, especially when there's not much time, but think they worked out okay.  This drawing is about 11 x 8".  I hope to be able to do a painting of Joanie - maybe we can have her as a model again soon.  One can hope.
Thanks for stopping by!

Jive Scribble - original charcoal figurative drawing

Trying to capture the energy here - will probably end up with a little painting from this one.  I did the drawing on Strathmore 14 x 11" Mixed Media paper - actually more of a sketchbook, I think, and I really like using it.  Also used General's Peel n Sketch charcoal pencil.  Thanks for looking!

Doubting Sarah - original charcoal portrait drawing

She looked as if she didn't believe a word they were saying.  I could get busy and "finish" this piece, but I'm happy with it.  It captures her expression, which was one of amused doubt.  This drawing is about 8 x 6" on mixed media paper.  Thanks for looking!

Geisha on Aquamarine - original charcoal portrait drawing

The paper is actually a slightly warmer shade of aqua, but it's difficult to get it to display perfectly.  This drawing is on Fabriano Tiziano aquamarine, about 8 x 8".  I love different kinds, colors, brands, etc., of paper and have such fun learning the qualities of each when I use them for my drawings.  This one has a slight tooth, and the color - ahhhh the color - is so gorgeous! Thanks for stopping by!

Sketch for Tango Drama - original charcoal figurative drawing

I love these dramatic moments in tango - tango dancers always dance like they mean it.  And I'm convinced they do! This is drawn on 14 x 11" mixed media paper.  Thanks for stopping by!

Ink Folk Dancer - original figurative ink drawing

I was pleased with this one - not easy to draw when someone is dancing - they just go off and leave me working on three or four steps ago.  Funny thing - didn't realize I was drawing on the other side of a jive dancing ink couple that I enjoyed doing - something about her foot that I hadn't captured before, plus a turn in her torso.  I never finished the guy, though, and instead, will probably just use the girl dancer in another drawing or painting.  I love the way these dancers move in and out of my life.  Never know when I'll see them again, but they're always there, just waiting to dance for me.

Both drawings are from my mixed media sketchbook, about 5 x 8".  Thanks for looking!

On My Easel - Gallery Visit - original oil figurative painting in progress

Not finished with this one, but probably won't finish it 'til late weekend - maybe move the floor down, plus finish the model (who isn't a model,  but a girl I sketched).  It's on 10 x 10" canvas.  Thanks for stopping by!

Cello Practice - original oil pastel figurative drawing

This was a fun drawing to do, but I won't return to it to "finish" it - I love leaving things "unfinished". It's 14 x 11" on Pastelbord.  Thanks for looking!

Another Tango Kick - original figurative oil painting

Another little tango painting - these tango dancers are never far away from me.  Lots of brushwork here - it's 7 x 5" on panel.  Thanks for stopping by!

Girl in Blue - original oil portrait drawing

I just loved doing this one - I think I've found a new love.  But of course, I seem to find one every time I try something new.  I used a bright blue acrylic paint for the panel, then drew on it with oil paint. There's just something so fulfilling about having a good art day and I am really grateful for that.  On 7 x 5" panel.  Thanks for looking!
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Woman in a Chair with a Fan - original charcoal figurative sketch

This drawing is one that I hope to turn into a painting - just working out some details.  Actually, she looks a little sad - got to fix that.  Or maybe not.  It's on 14 x 17" Strathmore drawing paper.  Thanks for stopping by!

Three Apples - original graphite still life drawing

Now for a total departure.  This is a drawing I did about 20 years ago.  Most of my older drawings - hundreds of them - have ended up in the garbage because I had way too many.  I took photos on my iPhone and will work on paintings from them.  I did keep this one, though, even though it's a bit of a mess with a crease here and there - but the drawing itself is in good condition - because I enjoyed the dry wash technique.  I LOVE black and white drawings and spend more time at exhibitions with the prints and drawings than looking at the paintings.  Hope everyone's having a nice weekend - thanks for looking!  PS.  please check out my oil pastel blog here.

Seated in a Red Chair - original oil figurative painting

I love it when the model is on a break and takes a "pose" that's natural for her.  Then we can ask her to hold it while we paint - works out great for all of us!  This painting is on 8 x 8" canvas.  Thanks for looking!
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Formal #2 - original oil figurative sketch

This sketch is based on an earlier charcoal drawing of mine and I'm just fooling around with it here; playing with the idea that working on a pose over and over helps to understand it better, resulting in a  more successful painting in the end - we'll see.  Today's sketch is done on 8 x 8" canvas and it is SO absolutely not finished.   Another stream of consciousness thing.  Thanks for looking!
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New Pen, New Dancers - original figurative ink drawing

I have a new black Sharpie that doesn't come through the paper and I'm loving it!  Captured these dancers with it - this pen is a keeper!  It's smooth and the although the ink feels so free flowing, it doesn't make a mess.  Well, of course, no Sharpie I ever heard of, does, so this pen continues the grand tradition.  Still, it does have more of an ink feel that the feel of a marker.
This drawing is also an audition for the dancers on the page.  Some will get to stay with me, but as for others, they will have to go back for a few modifications.  See?  You thought I'd say 'drawing board'.  On 5.5 x 8" mixed media paper - thanks for stopping by!

Lime Twist - original oil figurative gesture drawing

Just for fun - I coated a panel with lime acrylic and drew on it with oil paint. I've readied more panels in aqua and lime acrylic for these nude gesture drawings.  So much fun!  This one is 10 x 8" - thanks for looking!

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!

Agnes - original oil portrait painting

I loved this quick little glance by the model, so I sketched the look in her eyes before it changed.  She was looking at something that was going on in the corner of the room.  I could do more - like the background - but I'm going to leave this a little more unfinished - I was just after her expression, anyway.  This painting is on 10 x 8"  linen.  Glad you stopped by!

Nude with a Fan - original charcoal drawing of a nude model

Although I spent my day working on some quick landscape studies, I still gravitate to figures, hence this nude that I did a few weeks ago.  My interest in this drawing is the joining of the arm to the back, then the darker lines farther down the arm. It's drawn with General's Peel and Sketch charcoal pencil on Strathmore Mixed Media paper, 8 x 4".   Hope everyone is having a great Labor Day weekend!

Blue Green - original oil pastel drawing of a nude model

More of my ongoing fascination here with this aqua-ish color and of course, my favorite subject - the nude.  I did this one on 6 x 8" mixed media paper, using Sennelier oil pastels.  They're yummy to work with!  Thank you for stopping by!
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Curly - original charcoal portrait drawing

I loved drawing her hair, which is a remarkable feature.  She isn't a regular model, so I didn't have much time - there I go again - anyway, much fun to draw.  This drawing is on mixed media 10 x 8" paper.  Thanks for stopping by!

On My Easel - Ballet Lover - original oil portrait in progress

So wet I couldn't work on it for a day or so - good amount to do, but will finish on the weekend.  It's on 8 x 8" canvas.  Usually, I wouldn't use regular canvas for this, rather panel or portrait canvas, but I like Michael's best stretched canvas, plus added more gesso.  I did this small piece in preparation for a larger painting.  Thanks for stopping by!

Portrait Mix - original mixed media portrait drawing

A pretty model and lots of different art supplies is endless fun.  First came the ink, then the Caran d'Ache wax crayon, then the watercolor sticks, next the colored pencil, and a little oil pastel on the tip of her nose.  It really looks pretty much like the model - at least I think so - and she liked it, so time well spent, even if the approach is a little unorthodox.   It's 5 1/2 x 5 1/2" on cold press watercolor paper.  Thanks so much for stopping by!

On My Easel - A Little Solace - original oil pastel figurative

Working on this - much to do - it's 11 x 14" - thanks for looking!

Red, White and Blue Jive - original mixed media figurative drawing

Just a fun drawing using a little of this, a little of that - specifically, ink, watercolor, colored pencil, oil pastel. Quick and a pleasure to do - no looking back. I loved her position, looking back at him, who seems to be in another world.  It's on 6 x 8" mixed media paper.  Thanks for stopping by!

Bronc Rider #2 - original figurative oil painting

This rider did really well at the pro rodeo here in Junction, Texas, last weekend.  I don't know how on earth they stay on - well they don't always - but they very often do.  Gorgeous horses and brave cowboys - a really great combination!  This painting is on 10 x 10" canvas.  Thanks for looking!

The Godmother - original oil pastel figurative painting

We hear a lot about godfathers, but not so much about godmothers, of whom I am one.  It's an awesome responsibility.  I loved the tender way this woman held her little godson as they were waiting to go into the church.  You can tell it was early in the spring, because not even a tiny baby would need a blanket in the triple digits we've been having this summer.
I was looking today at the forecast for the next couple of weeks.  It looks like it might cool down to 93,  which is pretty good when you're used to 102 degrees! 
This piece is on 7 x 5" Pastelbord.  Thanks for looking!

A Nude for Sunday - original oil painting of a nude model

This painting is on 6 x 6" Gessobord.  Thanks for stopping by!

Nudes on Aqua Paper - original charcoal sketches of nudes

The paper doesn't look aqua here, but it really is - Fabriano azure.  I love all the fabulous papers available and am always haunting art stores for colored papers for drawings.  This one is about 9 x 12".  Thanks for stopping by! SOLD

Songbird - original charcoal portrait sketch

I finished this sketch in the allotted time - I think it was 15 minutes - I should have gotten much farther along, but oh well.  If I noodle with it now, it will be ruined, for sure.  The model did a little singing for us and she was really good.  I like knowing more about the models and am so happy when they tell us what they do in their daily lives.  Helps make more of a connection between artist and model.  This charcoal drawing is on Strathmore 12 x 9" pastel 403 paper.  Thanks for looking!

Country Love - original oil figurative painting

Nothing like a little two-step romance on a Friday evening at the local dance hall.  I've had folks  from the Washington D.C. area, where I used to live, tell me how romantic the two-step looked to them.  Having grown up with that kind of dancing, I never thought about it, just took it for granted, but now I realize it is pretty sweet.  Who'd have thought a bunch of Texas cowboys could be tamed by songs like "Crazy Arms" or "Faded Love", but the music and the two-step work their magic every time.  This painting is on 8 x 8" Gessobord.  Thanks for looking!
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The Exit - original oil pastel figurative

I saw this woman coming out of a train station last winter and did a quick sketch that I must have added to my stack of drawings.  I came across it yesterday during my clean-a-thon.  In going through and throwing away old sketches and things that will never work, I've found a treasure trove of sketches than I absolutely can use.  Amazing how something that is so intense in the moment can just be forgotten.  That's why studio organization is such a good thing (I tell myself).  This piece is on 7 x 5" Pastelbord.  Thanks for looking!

Lilia on the Bed - original figurative oil painting

 I love painting these little 6 x 6" panels and have a few on my easel to finish in the next few days.  Thanks for looking! 

Summer - original miniature oil portrait painting

I love doing these quick 4 x 4" paintings - and it's good that they're quick, because it's tough to get young people to hold a pose for long.  Sometimes, I have to rely on my memory a LOT!  Good training, though.  I did this one today, so it's still very wet and pretty shiny, but needed something to post.  Thanks so much for stopping by!
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On My Easel - Wanna Dance - original charcoal figurative sketch

With this drawing, I was searching for the right casual approach by the woman.  Since I photographed this sketch, though, I have decided to do the painting with only her hand on his shoulder.  Will post the painting when I'm through.  It's fun to go through all the possibilities and work out the right approach.  This drawing is on 12 x 9" pastel paper.  Thanks for looking!

A Few Minutes with Steffi - original oil pastel portrait drawing

This quick drawing of Steffi was fun to do - of course, I always wish for more time.   It seems to work better, though, when I have to scramble to get the drawing done in a few minutes.  I did this on 9 x 12" oil pastel paper with Sennelier oil pastels.  Thanks for stopping by!

On My Easel - Another Torch Singer - original oil pastel figurative painting in progress

This painting is pretty well sketched in - now I want to bring it to a more "finished" state.  Figurative work attracts me so much because, I think, of the emotional content.  Of course, the technical aspects are first, but that special moment, that fleeting expression, always draws me in and I'm always watching for it.  This painting is on 12 x 9" Pastelbord.  Hoping to finish it tomorrow, but maybe not 'til later in the week - will post when it's done.  Thanks so much for looking!

Girl with Tablet - original oil pastel portrait

I just colored over the notan I did in the previous post and realized, too, that I had not included some shadows in the original.  Oh well, a learning process and a really great guide for further work.  Years ago, I took a portrait class in pastel in which we did something similar - the underpainting wasn't black and white, but color values instead.  This coming week, I'll be concentrating on that way of working.  Thanks for stopping by!

Dark and Light - original water-soluble pencil notan sketch

A little notan sketch - I guess it qualifies as notan - just trying to simplify and then maybe work in color.  It's drawn on 9 x 12" Yupo.  Thanks for stopping by!

Sketch for "Formal" - original charcoal figurative drawing

I came across a formal dress that might work in my figure drawings and decided to sketch the model in it.  Maybe this drawing is one that will end up as a painting - we'll see.  I'll post it if the painting works out.  My Able Assistant, Roger, is recovering from eyelid surgery and he isn't able to assist as much as usual, so I've been a little slow in getting new drawings/paintings done.  Amazing how one relies on one's helpers!  This drawing is about 16 x 14" - thanks for looking!

Shelly Reading - original oil figurative painting

Every now and then, I like to go really small like this 4 x 4" oil - can't noodle with it too much and can't have much detail.  Painted with a pretty big brush, it's on Ampersand Gessobord.  Thanks for looking!

Rapt Attention - original charcoal figurative drawing

I've done a few sketches lately of groups of people and this woman particularly interested me, so I singled her out for a drawing.  She was so interested in what the other two people at the gathering were saying that it was perfect for me.  She (unintentionally) held the pose for a long time and I was able to do a little sketch to work from when I got home.  She likes the drawing, too - always a good sign!  I used a Peel n Sketch charcoal pencil by General Pencil - one of my favorite drawing implements - on Strathmore sketch paper and is about 13 x 12.  Thanks for stopping by!

Nude Looking Down - original oil pastel nude

I did this one over an oil painting that just didn't make me happy - which is why this one is on Gessobord, instead of Pastelbord.  Done quickly - on autopilot - it's 7 x 5" - thanks for stopping by!

Nudes Over Nudes - original mixed media drawings of nudes

As I was taking the photo for this post, I laid the oil pastel drawing on top of the ink drawing and realized - hey I like this! - and since I'm always looking for a way to have my line drawings along with paintings, I think I've found it!  One of life's little happy accidents.  The bottom drawing is brown Sharpie ultra fine on 9 x 12" watercolor paper and the top is oil pastel on 8 x 6" mixed media paper.  Can't wait to combine this technique on one canvas.  Do y'all love making discoveries in your art unintentionally like this?  I'll bet it's a pretty usual art experience for artists.  Thanks for looking!

Country Evening - original figurative oil painting

Another evening of dancing Texas' favorite dance - the two step.   I paint endless images of this dance, and never tire of it.  And I love to play country music while I work.  Today I listened to Bob Wills, the great country musician who is remembered for his western swing music.  Waylon Jennings' song "Bob Wills Is Still The King" is absolutely right!  (I don't think the Bob Wills site has music, but it can be found many places on the internet.)   I used stretched portrait canvas for this - very smooth and so easy to work on.   It's 10 x 8" - thanks for stopping by!