Up close and beautiful

click on image to enlarge

I often make use of Internet technology to give clients a preview of their portraits. This means that I shoot a digital image of my paintings, edit the image on my computer, then shoot an email to the client with images of their portrait. One of the cool things about digital that I appreciate is the ability to have fun with seeing the amazing detail of a painting, whether it's my own work or that of another artist I admire. When you're looking at a work up close (like 300% normal size!), you really get a feel for all the knowledge that goes into each brushstroke. It's like eavesdropping in on a private conversation. You can see the intricate details that went into the eyes and mouth of Carter (shown in previous post).

One note of caution, though: never proof your portrait this way! Portraits are meant to be viewed from a distance, not under a magnifying glass. However, viewing up close allows one to see the little details that make up the whole, just as we view one's attire, for instance. Enjoy!

A visit with film producer George Escobar

I had lunch today with a good friend who is also a very good up and coming film producer. He is George Escobar (in the center of the picture at right), founder and Executive Director of Advent Film Group, and independent film production and distribution group that is moving to make a difference in culture by creating wholesome films and training filmmakers for these films. Their first feature-length film, Come What May, has received strong reviews, and they're already working on their next three films.

My friendship with George began when he attended my painting class about five years ago. Instantly I saw that I had someone extraordinarily talented to work with, and was very excited to have such a talented student to work with, both for his benefit, and mine, as I took it as a challenge, and I love challenges (just ask my kids what happens when they say such and such "just can't be done."). Assuming he'd been at this for a lifetime, I asked, "So, George, who are some of the people you've studied with?" His reply- "Um, this is my first class." Not his first class with me, but his first class ever. Well, George has a large appetite for learning, second only to his desire for excellence. We have since visited museums, talked film, swung hammers, squeeze in breakfasts and lunches when we can get away from our busy schedules, and of course, we talk shop every time. He has invited me to be a part of the production design for his next film, and I am up for another challenge. I've got a bit 0' studyin' to do, George says. The roles are reversed for the time being- I'm the student and he's the teacher. Okay, George, give it to me.