Art class with Casey Baugh

I am in Woodstock Georgia this week taking a portrait class with Casey Baugh.  I have loved the teaching style of this young man.  His work is amazing and his philosophy of painting is like none I have every known.  He changes EVERYTHING that I have previously learned and I think I have always known in my heart that the way to a great painting is to listen to your "gut" not rules.  He gives wonderful advice about the most important things to remember and of course, number 1 on his list is what you find on most ---Value - Value - Value.....get that right and everything else will follow.  We are painting from models in the studio and he dedicates individual time to each student.  There are some amazing artists painting with me.   Casey told us he is taking time off from teaching for the next couple of years to dedicate time to his painting.  I am so glad to have gotten in to this class.

Little White Church

This weekend my husband and I traveled back in time. He had the privilege of conducting the funeral of a long time friend, Jack Pettus. We have known Jack and his family for over 35 years. We first met when my husband, Audie was assigned as the Pastor to Jack's little church in an area we would call "the country". We had both grown up as "city slickers" and we were amazed at the way a little town can remain simple, laid back, family focused and where church is the center of the community. Audie asked me on the way to the church what I remembered most about Jack.....that was so easy....I usually saw Jack every year at the United Methodist Church annual conference. Jack always threw his arms around me and told me he loved me and how he thought I was beautiful. Wow ----that would make anyone feel great and it sure worked for me! I told Audie that Jack and I had a special relationship. Well during the funeral everyone had a chance to share memories of Jack. Guess what? EVERY single person from young adults to big, strong, manly men to older (even older than me) individuals said the same thing! Jack always hugged everyone and told them he loved them and they were special. The stories were amazing how that simple act had actually changed some lives and helped some feel special when nothing else did. This was not just a recent event..these acts of kindness from Jack spanned at least 35 years that I know of. I cannot get this legacy off my mind. Jack knew a secret - love is the most important gift anyone can give to another person.

20" x 24" on stretched canvas - acrylic  $200 + $12 shipping and handling 
You can purchase here:
 http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/marcia-hodges/little-white-church/372531

Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay. -SOLD

I have had a couple of requests for Pelicans.. this guy has been on my radar for a while now.  I found a reference photo by Robyn Lovelock - she is a wonderful photographer and artist and she freely shares her photography with other artists.  I used the colorful beak and breast to help me create the background color.  

Touchdown - SOLD

This is a swan splashing around in the lake.  I entitled it "Touchdown".  I spend so much time on airplanes and experiencing touchdowns that I had that on my mind when I painted this one for the weekly challenge to paint "splashing".  I was actually unsure if swans could fly but guess what?  Swans that are seen around marshes, lakes and ponds can actually fly only 60 days after hatching.
This is painted on 6" x 6" board.  I really like the way the paint lays on these boards and I really cannot get an adequate picture but the painting is always so much better "in person".

Little Red Haired Angel

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."  Hebrews 13:2

I want to start a series of paintings of angels.  I had a beautiful friend pose for me a while back to help me create the paintings and I am just now settling in to get started.    This little girl's sweet face inspired me so I wanted her to be my first.    Next month I will be studying with Casey Baugh.  Baugh's work can be described as narrative impressionistic realism. His series and exhibits are thematic and he uses his art to narrate.  I find his style so appealing and consider him one of my favorite artists.   His work can be found at  http://www.caseybaughfineart.com

I am very excited to be a part of his class and wanted to get a headstart on some portraits prior to class.

Little Beach Beauty - SOLD

 I love, love watching children, especially at the beach.  This little girl happens to be the granddaughter of a new friend who asked me to paint this for her from a photo she had.  I loved the finished product (can you say that if you are the artist?).  Anyway,  I feel blessed that it turned out so well and I loved it so that I made cards from it and send those out with my paintings that are sold.  There are a couple of things I like - the little muffin top that is over her diaper, the hat (of course), her pose and the way she is looking out at the ocean.  This week I am submitting this to the "Shadow Challenge".  Shadows are tricky to paint.  The large hat cast a shadow on her upper body in a nice way.  I would love to be at the beach with this little beauty.

Easter Morning - SOLD

Eastern Morning is coming!  I saw this cross today on the way to church and it brought back so many memories of decorating the cross for Easter morning.  Each family would bring colorful flowers and "decorate" the cross in preparation for the celebration of Easter.  Seeing this cross today gave me a reminder of what is really important in life.....God, Love, Friends, Family, Forgiveness, Acceptance, Prayer, Joy, Expectation.........Happy Easter!

Chocolate Bunny Rabbit - SOLD

When I was about 7 years old I got a beautiful chocolate bunny rabbit for Easter.  She was in a colorful box and she had a pink ribbon on her neck.  I could not wait to show her to my grandmother.  Unfortunately I had her in the car and I was not careful about keeping the box out of the sunshine.   When we arrived at my grandmother's house I was so sad to see a puddle of chocolate with a pink ribbon floating in it.  Enjoy your chocolate bunny rabbits this Easter!

Easter Bunny - SOLD

My favorite time of year - Easter.  Color, children hiding easter eggs, the Golden Egg and the Empty Tomb.  Happy Easter!

Wild One - SOLD

  My painting time is very limited these days.  I was happy to see the challenge for a sunflower on the Daily Paintworks challenge.  I did not have to "think about" what I really wanted to paint this week.  I just got out my paint and took the challenge.  If this one does not find another home, I have the perfect place in my own new home.  I moved to Helena Alabama about a month ago and I am loving being 10 minutes away from my grandkids and only 25 minutes from an airport!  I also have a new office/art studio and a wonderful back patio to paint on those lovely sunny days.  The challenge was to paint a sunflower......this is a wild one....This is a 12" x 12" on gallery wrapped canvas....sides painted, no need for a frame.

Just a Rooster in Paradise -SOLD

I have been traveling every week with my job with very little time to paint but I am always taking photos and trying to keep my file of potential paintings full.  I recently spent several days in Key West.  It is a beautiful place full of color, artists, street entertainers and a lot of color.  Roosters walk around freely and they have the most unusual colors.  I took several pictures and had plans to paint one of these guys.  This week the Daily Paintworks challenge was to paint a painting using your non dominant hand........this is really hard but I like the results.  Let me know what you think of this loose interpretation of a Key West rooster.

Be Mine

I totally missed Valentine painting but found this cute little chihuahua  from Lee Hunter and could not resist.  I have been away from my paints too long.  I have been traveling with my job and have moved close to my grandkids.  A wonderful, wonderful thing, however I was out of town working so I left one home and returned to a new one!  My wonderful "girls" helped my husband and set up my new home.  As stressful as this was I think I came out great!

This little guy is painted on a 6" x 6" art board

Relaxation Station- SOLD

This week the challenge on DPW is to paint a place where you can relax.  I can always relax at the beach, at the lake, actually where any water is nearby.  There is something so calming about being near water.  This is 6" x 6" oil on board.

Future Seahawk - SOLD

Recently I was asked to paint a young boy who is a big Seahawks fan.  I found a wonderful photo by Suzanne Wallick on Paint my Photo.  The young boy had on a green shirt so I made a couple of changes and gave him a Seahawks jersey with the year of his birth on the back.  His aunt had this commissioned for him -----maybe a prediction for the future........

A Mugg of Pugs - SOLD

This was a commissioned portrait of 4 pugs, Bo, Sissy, Ziggy and Oscar.  Oscar is no longer living but is a very important part of the life story of this family so it was fitting that he was included in the painting.  I took separate photos of each dog and tried to come up with a composition that reflected their personalities.  It was fun to paint this little family.

Ross

 c

I told you about this sweet family yesterday who are such an inspiration in the midst of such a hard life experience.  The two children, Ross and Meredith have been diagnosed with MPSIII Type A - Sanfilippo Syndrome.  You can find out more about this syndrome on their blog at http://www.rossandmeredith.org and there is also the ability to donate on the site  to research or to the family.  Please consider this if you are looking for a way to make a difference in someone's life. 

Meredith

This little sweet family's story has touched me so deeply. I am amazed and inspired by their life and their faith and their example of love. I learned about them through a friend and took the opportunity to educate myself on a Syndrome I had never heard of, Sanfilippo Syndrome. Please consider visiting their blog at http://www.rossandmeredith.org
or their facebook page Love Ross & Meredith
There is the opportunity to donate to research for the cure for Sanfilippo Sydrome and the opportunity to donate to a fund for their children as well. They inspire me to love a little more. Their story reminds me to be thankful for the health of my own grandchildren.  And the possibility of a cure for this syndrome is so close!  I want health for these children as well and the others who suffer with this terrible syndrome.

I painted the portraits of Ross and Meredith for their parents and have Meredith here.   I will post Ross' portrait tomorrow.  

 I like to thank Natalie Norris of Natalie Norris Photography for the lovely reference photo for Meredith. Please visit her facebook page. She is a very talented photographer.

Sunday Morning

As part of my own attempt to "play it forward" I give away a painting from my Facebook page, Marcia Hodges, Artist.  This is a 6" x 6" original oil on board.  The photo reference came from Rodney Campbell.  I love Rodney's work so if you are looking for something wonderful to paint or if you would like to purchase one of his excellent photographs you can visit his site here:

http://rodney-campbell.artistwebsites.com/

This particular give away I posted two paintings that the winner can choose from.  I will post the second one tomorrow.  If you would like to like my FB page and share the picture you find there then your name will be included in the drawing.  I then announce the winner of the painting on my Facebook page by 6:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday, January 14

Ballerina Girls - Sold

This past weekend I packed and packed in preparation to move.  My sweet granddaughter is helping me with my plans for decorating when we move in to our new house.  When I showed her the new bedding for my guest room she suggested ballerinas for the wall.  I have bunk beds in the other room which will be used by all four boys when they visit so this room will be where Whitney sleeps, therefore ballerinas it is!

Cousins - SOLD

This was a another commissioned piece for a Christmas present.  I think this is one of my favorite paintings of all time.  The photo was not very clear that I worked from but the body language came through and the relationship of these three touched my heart.  The mother of the little girl, Mavvy, said these three cousins are truly best friends.  They were looking through a fence at a donkey (he did not make it into the painting.) 

Hannah - SOLD

I love the way this little girl just loves life and it shows on her face.  I was so honored to be asked to paint this as a gift.  The mother of this little girl was graduating from Nursing School and her good friend wanted to surprise her with a painting of her favorite photo of her child.  What a thoughtful friend and wonderful friendship and I am thankful to be a part of this surprise.

Topper - NFS

The challenge this week from Daily Paintworks was to paint a Furry Friend.  I am just in the "thinking" stage of getting a new dog so I have cute puppies on my mind and so does my sweetheart granddaughter Whitney.  This week while working I met a friend with the cutest little dog and when she showed me the picture of him curled up on the couch I thought it would be a great photo to complete the challenge.

Enjoying the View - SOLD

This little hummer enjoying the view received the most votes by my Facebook friends.

Make Mine Pink - SOLD

This little bird was part of my experiment to paint the same hummingbird four ways and review the comments from my Facebook friends as to which one appealed to them more.  The results were interesting.  This one came in as a close second with Sittin Pretty that I posted previously. 

Sittin' Pretty - SOLD

Last week I painted the same hummingbird in four different ways.  I loved the little guy and I asked for opinions from my facebook friends of which one they liked the best.  This guy tied with another more colorful version that I will post tomorrow.  This gallery wrapped canvas is 6" x 6" with 1 1/2" sides that are painted. 

I'm Coming Back - SOLD

I love this little fellow.  I found this reference on Morguefile and I loved it so much this is the second time I have painted him in a different version.  These warm days make me look forward to the hummingbirds coming back.  This is painted on a 6" x 6" gallery wrapped canvas so the sides are 1 1/2" deep and painted and therefore the painting does not need a frame. 

Goldie - SOLD

I love the site Paint My Photo. The site is a place where photographers supply photos for artists to paint.  I so appreciate the talented photographers on the site.  It takes an artist to capture lovely photographs, especially photos that tell a story and it is such a gift to be on the receiving end of such talent. I found the reference photo, Goldfinch on Hydreagea on the site by Cynthia Roudebush.  I was drawn to this little bird who looks like she is contemplating the colors in the hydrangrea. The color of her feathers and the colors in the plant compliment each other so well.   I painted this on a 6" x 6" gallery wrapped canvas and it can be purchased at http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/marcia-hodges/goldie/294144

Red - SOLD

I a I have really enjoying having time off to spend time  painting.   I lose myself in the process and find myself surprised so many times.  For instance, when a painting looks "simple" it is usually harder.  Trying to tell a story without overdoing it is always the goal.  Dianne Whitelaw, a wonderful teacher I studied with this fall told our class that  "the camera records - the eyes select".  The artist wants to give enough information that the observer can complete the message of the painting without the artist giving every little detail. 

Love Birds - SOLD

Two little cardinals

SANTA! - SOLD

For those of you who believe in Santa - I said I would never ever paint on burlap again but Santa just showed up here and I love the way he appeared.  I love the texture and the fact that I found the painting painting itself.  I really am going to be good!  He showed up!

Beautiful Kate- SOLD

It is always a gift to me when a friend ask me to paint for them.  This is a beautiful little girl and I so loved painting her.  My friend is a long time friend from high school and she is the grandmother to this little angel.  What a wonderful journey life is to bring people into our lives that bless us across the years. 

Robinette - SOLD

I have had fun painting these little birds this week. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Best Friends - SOLD

I painted these two little friends once before from a reference photo provided by Ro Lovelock.  The first time I painted these fellows it was on burlap so I wanted to try again on canvas and the result is so different.  This is a 6" x 6" gallery wrapped canvas that has 1 1/2" sides that are painted so it requires no frame.  These two remind me of the way best friends stick together.

Snuggling Swallows - SOLD

Three little swallows snuggling.



Reference photo from Paint My Photo - Dottie Best

Hummin' - SOLD

I love hummingbirds.  They are gone away now to wherever it is that hummingbirds go in the winter.  I have the feeder cleaned and put away until next year but I miss them.  This week was cold outside but the sun was shining brightly on the deck and I missed my little friends.  I painted this in their honor and this little guy is bringing a "prize" to me.  Maggie and Madeline Wertz are two friends I met "accidentally" and Maggie has purchased this painting and will be coming to visit.  Madeline, her daughter is a wonderful young artist.  See a picture of her and her work here.   I love seeing young people who love art and understand the meaning and joy it brings to our lives. 

Just Hanging Out - SOLD

This cute little robin's reference photo came from Michabel and found in Morguefile.   I am painting a series of little birds and find them so full of personality, color and fun.  These are all 6" x 6" oils on panel board.  I love the way the paint lays on these boards, however it seems you must be very decisive about your strokes because they show up very dominate.

Hangin' On - SOLD

This little bluebird is perched on the side of a tree.  He looks like he is trying to decide what his next move will be.  Aren't we all?



Thanks to Janett Ellington Horton for the lovely reference photo.

Day Dreaming - SOLD

I have been painting birds this week from some photos provided by some wonderful photographers.  The reference photo for this redbird came from Rodney Campbell.  I love cardinals and have a wonderful friend who says that they are reminders that God is near.  

Sexy Apple -SOLD

The challenge last week was to paint "something in a bowl".  I loved the photo of this apple by Cheri Homaee.  The apple is sitting on some light material that looks very soft and just plain ole sexy - therefore the name.  This is an 8" x 10" oil on stretched canvas.  

Sisters - SOLD

A photo taken by Elaine Cross inspired me.  I love these two little sisters.

Lost in the Dance- SOLD

I have ballet on my mind.  My sweet granddaughter, Whitney is taking ballet and she is so dedicated at anything she is a part of.  This particular ballerina is dedicated and totally lost in the dance.  The reference photo came from a photo by Bronwyn Chelius.

Bronwyn contributes to a site entitled, Paint My Photo.  Paint My Photo is a site where photographers and artists meet and the photographers graciously allow you to paint their photos.  There are some amazing photographers there and I am so appreciative of their sharing.

A Good Day

When I attend a week long art colony I find that I cannot paint anything of any value while there.  I come home with a lot of reference paintings but nothing I would really like.  This time was an exception, I painted a Fall scene for the challenge painting on Daily Paintworks.  The colors of Fall are beautiful and taking a walk on a cool morning is the best! 

Art Colony with Dawn Whitelaw

Every year for the past 9 years I have attended The Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Gallery at Children's Harbor on beautiful Lake Martin.  This year I took a class with Dawn Whitelaw.  Dawn is a wonderful portrait and plein air artists in addition to being an excellent teacher.  She is one of the few teachers who will give you constructive criticism and will allow you to try to correct your errors in your painting and then guide you again and again until you understand and "get it".  The first day she completed a seascape demo and then allowed us to chose our subject and paint independently.  She then spent time at each student's easel for one on one instruction.  Several things she said were noteworthy if you would like to improve your portraits:

1.  The camera records, the eyes select - it is not necessary to tell everything.
2.  Turn form with color not light and dark- doing this without a lot of value change.
3.  When making the slight indention at the smile line on a child use a different color not a darker color .  A darker color here will make the subject look older.
4,  Pull large shapes together
5.  The highlight is NOT white

She is an expert at color mixing.  She uses a limited palette of Titanium White, Cad Yellow Medium, Pyrol Red, Ultramarine Blue that she purchases from Blue Ridge Paints (if anyone is interested in purchasing these - email me and I can provide the address.)

The next to last day she provided a portrait demo and because our model did not show up on that day, I was the model!  If you would like to see more of her work go to http://www.dawnwhitelaw.com/ 

Walkin' In the Light

This weekend I spent time with my grandchildren.  Weston (7 years old) wanted me to see some of his new paintings and when I told him that he was very talented he said, "I learned from a great artist, Mimi ---YOU!"  Whitney (7 years old) waited on me at lunch and brought my plate and drink to me and periodically came up to me with spontaneous hugs for no reason at all.   Those hugs made feel so loved and special.  Landon and Miller (both 3 years old) were playing outside and pretending it was time to go bed in their make believe house.  I watched as they both folded their little hands and bowed their heads to pray before bedtime.  Charlie (3 years old) saw that my outdoor "yard art" butterfly was broken and he said, "My Mommas can fix that for you and I will help them."  I realized again how little people walk in the Light.  Sometimes it is Light that we adults do not even see. It is Light filled with wonder, love, acceptance and kindness.   My grands reminded me that I want to walk in  that Light and share it with someone the way they do so effortlessly.

The reference photo came from JulesinKY on morguefile.  Check out her photos.  

It's Cold - SOLD

My husband and I woke up last weekend and spontaneously decided to go to the beach.  That is one of the best parts of getting older and having all your kids grown with kids of their own, you can just do whatever you want to do!  I spent most of the day and part of the next day on the beach watching.  I saw this little girl taking her time warming up to the water.  She was so cute - all dressed up in her cute little bathing suit complete with hair bow and she was excited to be here.  Her Mom and Dad were close by but they did not make it into my painting.

8" x 10" original oil on stretched canvas

A Tiger Named Auburn - SOLD

Those who know me well know that my husband is a huge Auburn fan so last week when I painted the elephant I had to hide out on my deck to paint.  This week he was very happy with my painting.

An Elephant Named Bama

It is football season again.  I know nothing about football so I spend my Saturdays painting.  I have alot of friends who love elephants and who they stand for but my husband is not one of those people so I have been hiding out on the downstairs deck painting this guy.  I like him.  The painting is one of my larger pieces 24" x 30" and is oil on stretched canvas.  He can be purchased from my website at paintingbythelake.com

Price $250

Little Dreamer

I have always loved the picture of the daughter of my young friend walking along the water's edge at the beach.  She looks like she is really experiencing the joy of walking in the water and the beach. She also reminds me of dreaming ----good things----not a care in the world.  I love the wonderful way children remind us to enjoy each moment and continue to dream........

I actually painted this same picture several years (2010) ago and can definitely see a change for the good and improvement in my painting style.  After years of studying with different wonderful artists, many visits to art galleries and painting, painting and painting, I think those things have paid off.  At least I am more content with my style.  Recently, my husband gave me a book to read entitled, " Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell.  A common theme that permeates the book is that greatness requires enormous time.  He considers that the key to success in any field is simply practicing a specific task over and over - he suggest the 10,000 hour rule.  That translates to 20 hours a week for 10 years.   I have several hours to go :)

My Blankey - SOLD

All my grands have a favorite blanket they like to wrap up in.   In fact, I have one too!