I've been busy finalizing my show that opens this Friday for Sandpoint's ArtWalk. My tasks this week include varnishing and framing paintings, and that least favorite but necessary chore... paperwork.
So, while I'm away from my paints and brushes for a few days, I thought I'd share some recent figure drawings from Open Studio.
You can contact me if you're interested in either of these, framed or unframed.
(left) "Torso Study, Arms Up" 18"x12"
Charcoal and Chalk on Grey Paper
©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
(below) "Hand Shadows" 18"x12" Charcoal and Chalk on Grey Paper
©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
Our Artists' Salon Open Studio is still meeting most Monday evenings to sketch from a live model. These are a couple of the quick studies from our last session. Our model was a petite and muscular young woman who seemed very comfortable in her skin.
I find that a big piece of soft willow charcoal and white chalk applied on grey or colored paper is the perfect medium for these somewhat Impressionistic figure studies. If you'd like to see how this technique works, take a look at my charcoal demo on YouTube.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Figure Studies
Monday, July 27, 2009
"Afternoon Greens" Daily Painting and a PaintOut!
Original miniature oil painting
3.5"x2.5"
©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
At left is a small color study I did Saturday at a yearly PaintOut I sponsor at my place.
We've had storms trying to move in for several days. Interesting clouds and wind were a big feature on Saturday!
(left)
Bonners Ferry artist Dorothy Smith.
(right)
Bob Bissett
painted our old bunkhouse.
Bob's wife, Loi, enjoyed the evening light (left).(right)
Newcomer Kelly painted her very first plein air landscape.
For several years I've invited the local artist group for a PaintOut and potluck in July at our little farm out here.
I did this again two days ago on Saturday. We all had a lot of fun painting together and then sharing a meal.
Dalas Klein (left) put on quite a show as he painted one of his lovely oils. His audience enjoyed the demo, I think! Several from our art group showed up at this mini event, along with the young painters, including Dalas' 10-year-old granddaughter who painted a whimsical piece at Grandpa's side.
Monday, July 20, 2009
"Cherry on Granite" Miniature Daily Painting
Original miniature oil painting, 3"x3"
Unframed with free mini display easel
©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
Fresh cherries are a treat I really enjoy in July. Doing these little studies is my way of remembering the delight of their luscious taste. That way I (and you!) can enjoy them again and again, even when they're not in season in my yard or at the market.
I'm experimenting more with using thicker paint. This tiny piece was painted first with a palette knife, with some added detail using a brush.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Challenge for July; Self-Portraits...Mine is with Legos!
For this month's subject, member Michael Naples chose for us to all paint a self-portrait.
Since I've done a number of these works through the years, I wanted to challenge myself to create something a little different. 
A couple of ideas suggested themselves to my mind, but my "little friends" insisted on helping again this month. They've appeared in all my Challenge paintings so far and wanted to make this one fun too. I hope you enjoy this whimsical piece!
(left)
"Make Me Beautiful, Rembrandt!"
Original unframed Oil on board, 6"x8"
©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
The rest of my Challenge Group participants painted their self-portraits without any legos, but maybe they aren't as attached to them as we are at my house! I love all these paintings, don't you?
(far left)
"Self Portrait"
Oil on board 6"x6"
©2009 Michael Naples
(left)
"Self Portrait Loathing"
Oil on board 12"x12"
©2009 Robin Cheers
(left)
"Self-Portrait with Steve's Shirt"
Oil on canvas
14"x11"
©2009 Silvina Day
(right)
"Self Portrait"
Pastel
10"x8"
©2009 Mike Beeman
(bottom row, left) "Making Up Her Own Story" Oil on canvas 24"x20" ©2009 Marie Fox
(bottom row, right) "ME ala Schmid" Oil on canvas 10"x8" 2009 Vicki Ross
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
"Pink Sundown" Landscape Daily Painting
A study of rosy sky, blue mountains, green trees and a pink reflecting stream.
©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
SOLD
This small sunset study is another one using the new alkyd oils from Gamblin.
I'm getting the hang of handling them and like them now, especially that they dry quickly.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
"Summer Clouds" Miniature Daily Painting
Original tiny oil painting 2.25"x3.25"
Unframed with free mini display easel
©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
Gamblin Oil Colors sent me some new paint to try out and tell them what I think about it. It's a new line of fast-drying oils they're developing. The paint handles a little differently than other alkyd oils I've used but I think I could get used to it. This little study is one of the first pieces I did while experimenting with the new paints.
Monday, July 6, 2009
"Pedicure in Pink and Ink" Whimsical Daily Painting
Original commissioned oil painting, 5"x7"
©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
A month ago, my Facebook friend Marsha told me she couldn't get my May Challenge painting out of her mind. And, by the way, our July Challenge is coming up next week!
Marsha loved the concept and the little Lego helper and wanted me to paint something similar, with a twist, just for her.
Marsha has a special homemade tattoo on her great toe that got there at a high school slumber party. She's had it for over 40 years and has grown quite attached to it, even though she's not sure if it is a pineapple or a flower.
She and I both had a lot of fun planning this piece to show off that unique body art. When the painting was finished, we posted it on Facebook for a naming contest. Close runners-up for the title were "Pinkin' it Up", "Piggie Party", "This Little Piggie Got a Tattoo" and "Pampered Piggie". BB's suggestion of "Pedicure in Pink and Ink" got the most votes and it IS the perfect name for this piece!
Friday, July 3, 2009
"Wispy Show" Miniature Daily Painting
"Sunset Burst" Miniature Oil
©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
SOLD
"Wispy Show" Miniature Oil
©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
SOLD
"Evening Visitor" Oil, 5"x5"
©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
SOLD
"Restful Moment" Oil, 7"x5"©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
SOLD
"Sunset at River's Edge" Oil, 5"x7"©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
SOLD
"Black Suede Heels" Oil, 5"x7"©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
SOLD
"Pointe Shoes on Black Satin" Oil, 7"x5"©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
SOLD
"Tender Hands" Oil, 4"x6"©2009 Diana Moses Botkin
SOLD
