Portraits and other figurative works

As I've stated previously,  I have painted and drawn many portraits throughout the years. One of the best things about my college (SCAD) experience was the specialized track in learning portraiture and figure painting.   I learned so much about the intricate and exponential tonal variations of human skin, the importance of accurate rendering as the basis for any successful portrait, the appropriate use of blurred vs. sharp edges, and so much more.  Portrait and figure painting is truly a lifelong endeavor, and I still have so much to learn.  I need to practice more. I need to draw more. One of the best things you can do to keep your skills sharp is to attend life drawing sessions and work from live models as practice. If you can afford it, take a portrait workshop with a top instructor.  I am also constantly studying the work and career of top figurative artists such as Amy Lind (a classmate of mine at SCAD), Jeremy Lipking, and Casey Baugh, to name a few. 


Here is a sampling of some of the portraits and figure paintings I have done over the years:

"Honeymoon in Bali."  Oil on linen.  2008

Portrait of Dr. Moye, retired president of Lanier Technical College.  Oil on canvas.  2009.

Self-Portrait.  Oil on canvas.  2006.

Oil on canvas.  2006.

"Weslin."  Oil on canvas.  2007.

Portrait of Wendell Starke.  Oil on linen.  2010.

"Alex."  Oil on canvas.  2007.

Linda Ellis's grandchildren.  Pastel on paper.  2007.

The Jackson Boys.  Acrylic on canvas.  48 x 60 inches. 2011.

Thank you for taking the time to come back to my little space here on the interweb! I hope you have enjoyed checking out some of my work through the years.  An artist's education is never really finished and I look forward to improving my skills in 2012, and completing several more portraits I have in progress.  For more information or any questions on my portrait process, feel free to email me! 

-Beth