Bright Eyed - SOLD

Spring is here!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend!  I found this cute little rabbit photo on Paint my Photo by Donna Klarenbach.   I made a  few additions to the photo but this little bunny reminds me of Spring.   

The Kingfisher - SOLD

I painted this 8" x 10" oil for a challenge on DPW by Brenda Ferguson. The challenge was to "Paint Your Bliss"  - turn up some music and just paint what makes you happy.  This was hard for me because I painted my bliss this week when I painted Reese and Jackson....I love painting children but I also love painting birds and I went outside, turned up my music and also had the birds singing in the background.  This came about from a photo reference provided by Dave Webb on Paint My Photo.  I had fun pushing paint around until I felt like it was completed.

A Little Body Language

Sometime I come across a picture that just makes me want to paint.  This was one of those - the body language here makes me laugh and I asked the mom of Reese (the little girl in the picture) if I could paint this.  I love painting children but I find that I have to remind myself that when painting portraits the goal is to produce a "likeness" not a photograph.  Rosalind Cuthbert states that the question of what makes a good likeness is impossible to answer.  " If ten painters gathered around a single sitter their differing styles might produce radically different images, each of which might also be a good likeness. " I also like what Chris Saper says in the book, Painting Beautiful Skin Tones with Color and Light.  She says "Think of a portrait as a painting that just happens to star a particular person.  Without the interpretation of the artist to simplify information and decide what is important for the viewer, there's no need for a painting at all.  It would be faster and easier just to take a nice photograph and be done with it."   So if any of you are struggling with portrait painting....remember these words and be kind to yourself. 

The Old Boat

Recently Daily Paintworks had a challenge to paint in a Mid-ism style. (The painting on this site entitled Beach Time was in response to that).  One of my friends from that site, Stanley Epperson told me he saw elements of Mid-ism in all of my paintings and he asked me if I had a conscious style.  I would like to think that I paint in a "Painterly" style.  Bob Rohm has a wonderful book entitled, The Painterly Approach.  In his book, Mr. Rohm states, "Drawing is a linear approach to creating a painting with an emphasis on the exactness of the subject contours and form.  The painterly approach is a shape and mass approach.  There are almost as many variations and combinations of these two as there are artists."  I want to paint with a painterly approach,  not create an exact copy of a photo or scene but I strive to create a painting that the viewer will respond to emotionally.

I have been developing my own style for awhile and today a friend came over to paint with me.  She is a wonderful artist and tends to paint in a very realistic style.  She asked me to help her paint in a more "loose, painterly manner".  We had a little art lesson and so much fun!  I had her use a black canvas and we both used acrylics.  We chose a very simple scene of an old boat docked on a beach.  The reference photo came from Alun Davies and Paint My Photo.  Her painting turned out great and very different from her usual style.  Mine is shown here.  This is an 8" x 10" on a canvas panel. 

I Had Rather Play Soccer - SOLD

This little girl has decided she is not a dancer but she had rather be playing soccer.  She is deep in thought about the dilemma.  I am submitting this to DPW for another addition to the challenge to mix and paint with radiant orchid.  I think I got a little closer this time. 

William and PePaw - SOLD

There is nothing sweeter than the love of a grandparent and grandchild.  As grandparents, we can spoil our grandchildren, we can lavish them with love and praise and anything they want.  And in return, they keep us young and centered and give us the chance to have "do overs".   We might have done something different as parents if we had the wisdom we now have years later.  More than anything they allow us to love deeply in a very unique way.  There is nothing better.

Butterflies are Free

I am a part of a painting group where photographers provide photos for artists to paint called "Paint My Photo".  I have met wonderful friends there and have used many of the photos for inspiration.  One of the photographers is named Rodney Campbell.  He also posts many wonderful photos on Morguefile.com.  The group had a challenge this month to paint a butterfly so I chose one of his photos. This is an 8" x 8" oil on linen panel and can be purchased for $50 on my gallery page at:

 http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/marcia-hodges/butterflies-are-free/213413

I'm Back - SOLD

I painted outside today.  The birds are back and my favorite are the hummingbirds and they told me this week to fill up their feeder.  This is a Eastern Bluebird.  The reference photo was provided by
Marcus Moller.  This is an original oil on a linen panel 8" x 10". 
 

Beach Time - SOLD

William Cook posted a very good challenge in DPW entitled the Mid-ism challenge.   This challenge is to find the midpoint between impressionism and expressionism. In addition, he suggested seeking inspiration by checking out the paintings of Julius Seyler.  This painting is my submission to the challenge.  I am not even near what Julius Seyler did but I learned so much!

I had to look up the definitions of expressionism and impressionism because I realized through this challenge I was unsure what the meaning for each included.  According to Wikipedia the definitions are below as they relate to art:


Expressionism was a modernist movement, initially in poetry and painting, originating in Germany at the beginning of the 20th century. Its typical trait is to present the world solely from a subjective perspective, distorting it radically for emotional effect in order to evoke moods or ideas.Expressionist artists sought to express meaning or emotional experience rather than physical reality.

Impressionism is a 19th-century art movement that originated with a group of Paris-based artists. Their independent exhibitions brought them to prominence during the 1870s and 1880s, in spite of harsh opposition from the conventional art community in France. The name of the style derives from the title of a Claude Monet work, Impression, soleil levant (Impression, Sunrise), which provoked the critic Louis Leroy to coin the term in a satirical review published in the Parisian newspaper Le Charivari.
Impressionist painting characteristics include relatively small, thin, yet visible brush strokes, open composition, emphasis on accurate depiction of light in its changing qualities (often accentuating the effects of the passage of time), ordinary subject matter, inclusion of movement as a crucial element of human perception and experience, and unusual visual angles.

Larry's Eagle - SOLD

Recently one of my friends asked me to paint something for him.  It is one of the four Eagles that reside on Denny Chimes,  a 115-foot tall campanile tower on the south side of The Quad at the University of Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.  The eagles are Art Deco in design and represent strength in the university as well as the guardians of the Chimes.   For me personally, I find realistic painting tedious and boring.  Over the years I have worked hard to paint in a "painterly" manner, more impressionistic and that is actually a greater challenge.  Therefore, when Larry asked for this I was quite hesitant.  However, I lost myself in this painting and really like the way it turned out. I appreciate his good idea.

I Smell Chocolate -SOLD

I saw the picture of this cute bunny by Carol McLaren Theologo and wanted to paint him as a reminder that Easter is right around the corner.  A fun time for little children to find Easter eggs and eat a lot of chocolate.

Granddaddy

Sometime there are people who come across your path in life who are so full of kindness, gentleness and goodness that you will never forget them........even when they are gone. 

Lizzie - SOLD

"

This is a painting of the daughter of an old time friend. It is so much fun to connect with old friends and to hear their life stories and see their children who are now grown and who have accomplished so much.  This beautiful young lady rides horses and the pictures I have seen of her inspire me.  I can tell she loves her horse and I can sense the relationship between the two in the pictures.  I hope I have captured that in my painting.

Paxton - SOLD

I love painting children.  I carry their pictures around with me, I study their little faces and I try to envision their little personalities.  They are so innocent, full of life and love and mischief and wonder and I try to portray those qualities in my portraits.  I am always honored when someone ask me to paint their little one.  This is Paxton. I have already painted his brother's portrait and now get the opportunity to paint his sweet little face. 

Valentine Bouquet

This is a challenge for Daily Paintworks to put down one color and then another with one stroke.  I am working this week out of town so my time is limited and I am living in a hotel so at night I tried this challenge with Acrylics.  I never paint with Acrylics so I am not sure of the way they work or the way I can create colors, however I like the way it turned out.  I now remember that the colors are very vivid in acrylics and the good thing is that they dry very quickly.  I learn by painting and I paint every chance I get.  Happy Valentines!

To purchase email me at paintingbythelake@gmail.com

Say Cheese

I got this reference photo of a little girl taking a picture of a bird on a Facebook artist reference photo site.  Unfortunately I got the name of the person who published it and I put it in a real safe place....so safe I cannot find it.  When I do I will post the name.  It is always helpful to have access to reference photos and there are several sites that provide these.  Some of my favorites are Morgue File,
WetCanvas and Artists Reference Photos on Facebook.  I got these ideas from Taryn Day.  She is a wonderful artist and has an ArtByte for purchase on the Daily Paintworks site.  In fact, there are several ArtBytes here or small videos you can purchase that cover several interesting topics that will provide teaching opportunities to push you along in your painting journey.  I study the art of others as often as I can but I have found the most beneficial thing I can do is to paint every chance I get.  I hope you enjoy this little girl and she makes you smile.

Tutu Cute

I love children and when I saw this reference photo from Bridgitte Seiber, I knew I had to paint it.  The little girls are all lined up in their first dance class.  I can just imagine the giggles, the activity and the personalities of these little future dancers. This is a 16" x 20" oil on linen .

This painting is available for $200

paintingbythelake.com

Broken Promises - SOLD

I belong to a group of photographers and artists who share their work.  One of the artists is a young man named Alex Lee Johnson from Wolverhampton, England and he is an amazing photographer.  Many of his photos have been used in PhotoVogue, a part of Vogue Magazine http://www.vogue.it/en/photovogue/Profilo/b7cfc2d4-cbee-434d-8200-baa2ea81fcaa/User.  His photos are very mystical.  I applaud his creativity, his energy and his uniqueness.  You can find more of his work on his facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/AlexLeeJohnsonPhotography

  I painted this from one of his photos.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat - SOLD

This painting was created from a photo reference provided by David Morgans.  During these cold evenings I have found myself in my  studio with music and heater going at full speed.  I am dreaming of warmer weather.  I saw three baby ducks swim by today and that is always a good sign that Spring is right around the corner.

An Apple a Day

I have never painted an apple but I wanted to give still life another try and this apple made himself available. 

Undaunted - SOLD

This little cardinal is undaunted by the snow falling.  I was in Chicago this weekend and wished I had his determination.  I am a southern girl at heart and love being in the sunshine. 

Pretty in Pink - SOLD

I have enjoyed having time off to paint in the afternoons.  Today I painted this little bird from a photo.  It is really hard to paint from photos as you have to remember to add "roundness" not to allow the painting to flatten out like the image in the photo.  This photo was supplied by Lori.



I hope everyone has a wonderful 2014 and this new year brings more love to your life, more joy, more peace and more wisdom.

Birds of a Feather

This painting is a 12" x 24" on gallery wrapped canvas.  The depth is 1 1/2 " and all sides are painted so the painting does not require a frame.  These little guys were created from photograph taken by DJHays.  She is a wonderful photographer and artist too.  I am one my way to the beach with some old friends of 25+ years.  I can see us sitting around,  talking and catching up as these friends are doing.  If you like this painting and would like to purchase it is available through my gallery at DPW

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/marcia-hodges/birds-of-a-feather/189062

The Champion - SOLD

War Eagle

Aubie and the Rose - SOLD

Someone asked me to paint this for an old friend in preparation for the National Championship game at the Rose Bowl.  Aubie is the mascot for Auburn University. 

The Old Barn - SOLD

My friends Cathi and Bill took me on an adventure in Oregon..actually we were working but it was the greatest trip for a Southern girl to travel through a winter wonderland of snow.  I felt like we were driving through a Christmas card.  Along the way we saw many old barns with beautiful snow covered mountains in the background.  Wanted to capture this for Cathi.

Sweet Olivia - SOLD

My young friend has two beautiful daughters and I am so honored to paint Olivia here.  I actually painted a watercolor of this exact photo several years ago and now have put it to oil.  What captivating eyes she has and her smile makes me smile. 

Fun in the Sun - SOLD

I think it keeps up centered to watch small children play - as adults we forget how to find fun in the simple things.  These beautiful girls are the grandchildren of one of my friends who lives near the ocean.  She once told me that her family takes every opportunity to create fun memories near the water. 

Docked - SOLD

  This is the challenge for DPW  - painting water...Oh My - this is very difficult. A great challenge in many ways.

This is a 8" x 10" oil on linen panel

Rowen - SOLD

I have some sweet young friends who have a beautiful little boy named Rowen.  Rowen is presently still living in Haiti and the hope and prayer is that he will soon be home with his family in January.  His smile is full of joy!

Dance Lessons - SOLD

  This is a beautiful little girl and a lovely model.  Her mom and family are very important to me and when I saw this little angel I had to paint her.  She looks like she is waiting so patiently for class to start and she is very intent on watching the teacher.   Such a sweet little ballerina in training.

This is a 8" x 10 " original oil. 

Don't Fence Me In -SOLD

This week's challenge was a Touchy Feely Challenge to try and paint texture.  This little smiling pig had some "fuzzy" little hairs that I tried to capture on his back  I loved the fact that he looks like he is smiling.  If a pig can smile surely we humans can smile a little more.

SMILE!

Marquise

I attended the Sarah Towery Carlisle Art Colony this past week as I have for the last eight years.  This year my instructor was Nancy Chaboun.   Nancy teaches at the Scottsdale Artists' School and is an accomplished painter.  I found her to be very informative and  very accessible to each artist, giving personal one on one instruction and assistance.  She possesses great skill in both still life painting and portrait painting and she combines her teaching with humor.  Some of the main "take aways" I received regarding portraits are:

1. The less values you have in a painting, the stronger the painting - this is the #1 problem in painting and the #1 asset.
2. We recognize people from a distance by the shape of their heads so insure that this is correct 
3. The eyes are balls so create the "roundness" when drawing the eyes
4.  Do not make the whites of the eyes "white" but a more muted color
5.  Ears are slightly redder because of the closeness of vessels to the surface
6.  The top of the ear catches light
7.  When painting hands you can follow the line of the arm to the first finger and the third finger to position the fingers on the hand.  She created the shape of the hand not each individual finger
8.  More comes forward and less moves back - therefore, if you want something to "come forward" in the painting then add more detail 
9.   White always cools
10.  Simplify! 

And......Make your darks darker ----she said this quite often to our class.  

You can find her lovely work at       http://nancychabounfineart.com

 

The Elephant - SOLD

Some of my Alabama Roll-Tide friends wrote to me after I posted the Tiger and requested I try an Elephant.  Those of you who know my husband know that I had to go out on the back deck to paint this.  I am so fortunate to have some wonderful friends who travel to exciting places and they are good photographers so I get some good reference photos.

The Tiger - SOLD

My husband loves Auburn and the mascot for Auburn is the Tiger.  He spends a lot of time watching football and during those games, I spend a lot of time painting.  This is a 16 " x 20" gallery wrapped original oil painting.  The reference photo I used came from Angeline Rijkeboer.   I plan on painting an Elephant next - in honor of Alabama fans. 

MaMa! - NFS

If you are a mother you might remember your children waking up (usually way too early) and calling you from their crib ---"MaMa!"   This little baby hummingbird is awake and hungry.   This one is dedicated to Allie --my daughter.

8" x 10" oil on linen

Contemplating Leaving - SOLD

I mentioned that I know the hummingbirds will be leaving soon and this is my interpretation of a little one contemplating the time to leave.  This is an 8" x 10" oil on linen.

Sweet - SOLD

  I love hummingbirds and I have a feeder outside my office window.  If it becomes empty, the hummingbirds will come to the window and "hover" there.  Truly!  They occasionally fight over their place at the feeder and this week I had to encourage two sparrows to leave!  I know they will be leaving soon and I will miss them. 

The Cat's Meow - SOLD

What a great rainy day for painting with the exception that I have moved outside to the deck - got rained on  - moved back inside to my art "corner" then outside again.....but a great day --- it is the Cat's Meow of a day...This painting is a 8" x  10" on linen painted with oils using brushes and a palette knife..I am headed to the Art Colony in a week to paint non stop for a week with the artist in residence, Nancy Chaboun and many of my artists friends from all over whom I meet with every year.  Can't wait - hope to have some new paintings completed. 

Changes in Latitude - SOLD

She might not have his full attention but at least he is there ----he he.....

Labor Day - SOLD

Beautiful Labor Day on Lake Martin!   I am so glad I have gotten a chance to be home long enough to paint.  I have been working out of town a lot and I have been committed to completing a portrait of a friend's child.  I finally finished that portrait today.  I have carried this child around with everywhere trying to "get to know him" before I could actually paint his portrait.  He has gone with me to California and he has kept me company while I have been on the treadmill and many airplanes.  Today he said, "OK - enough" so I took the opportunity to go outside on my deck and paint plein air.

A Table For Two - SOLD

8" x 10" oil painting on linen

My Grands - NFS

Can anything be better than grandchildren?

Summertime and The Living is Easy - SOLD

I love the beach and I recently had the opportunity to be on the beach with some wonderful friends ----the living was easy and I was so inspired to try and capture the moments.  This is an 8" x 10" oil painting on gallery canvas. The sides are  1 1/2" wide with the painting continued on the sides, therefore it does not need a frame unless you want to frame it.

Robin's Nest -Gifted

One of my friends asked for a painting to honor the memory of her friend.  She is in the process of furnishing a room in a shelter that will be called Robin's Nest.  I chose a robin who is singing. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

I am working in Long Island, New York this week and the day of my arrival I was very brave, took a train downtown and then a taxi to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art.  The effort was so worth the trouble.  There is no way to describe the paintings of great artists by photos online and especially with my poor photography skills per my iPhone but I wanted to share some of my favorites with you.  (This museum actually allows photos as long as no flash is used.)  The painting above is entitled "Arabs Crossing the Desert" by Jean Leon Cerome.  I am usually drawn to Impressionistic paintings but this one was so amazing that it caught my eye.  There were no visible brushstrokes and the painting actually looked "real".  The colors were vibrant and the detail was superb.  I hope you enjoy!

Madame Manet by Edourad Manet

Despite the seemingly rapid brushwork and the summary treatment of detail, this painting was preceded by at least two drawings and an oil sketch. Manet's Impressionist style was always founded on careful study and planning. This is Manet's last portrait of his wife; it was painted at Bellevue, a suburb of Paris, where they spent the summer of 1880.

Dancers Pink and Green by Edgar Degas

This painting was equally as lovely.  Degas used thick impasto to create a surface that had almost the same look as his pastel drawings. 

Comfortable Friends - SOLD

My friend Deb and I recently spent several days in Cancun to celebrate a momentous Birthday and we tried not to whine and compare ourselves to the skinny little girls in teeny bikinis.  One day we saw these three lady friends and we were so proud of them because they were completely comfortable with themselves.  They became our inspiration.



Thanks for visiting!

Poppin Peacock

The Daily Paintwork challenge this week was to take a photograph that had a subject that blended with the background and make the subject "pop".  I decided to paint the subject without the background. So this is my "Poppin Peacock".