Coming back to art late in life....and LOVING IT!

Thanks to Patris Miller, owner of Patris Studio and Art Gallery, I have at least one chance a week to paint portraits from life.  I don't always get a chance to talk with the models or learn the name of each, so I'll just have to call this lady "Hat Lady".  I hope she will forgive me.  I do remember, however, that this was her first experience at modeling for artists.  Patris has a knack for persuading folks in the neighborhood to pose, which is lucky for me since she often finds some wonderful faces to paint, as in this case.  

Lately I've been doing a lot of portrait and figure studies.  Most have been from life, but sometimes, as in this case, I just have the urge to paint and I dive into photo archives for a model.  This is from a vintage B&W photo c 1890.   I was surprised at how contemporary the young lady appeared when color was added.  (Well, I guess beautiful young women don't really change from generation to generation, but you know what I mean!)

I find that a connection to the subject matter is an absolutely essential element of a successful painting.  That includes any painting type from landscapes to still life, and it is especially true for portraits.  Minnie spoke to me from the moment I first saw her.