Paintings by Three Artists

What a busy summer it's been! It's amazing how the time has flown by every day, working on chores and ideas. Even though I've had little finished work to display here at this blog, I'm pleased I've been able to get paintings ready for a show this summer.

It's a privilege to exhibit my work with two other outstanding artists, Dana Aldis and Aaron Cordell Johnson. The reception is this Friday evening from 4 to 7, at the Valley Art Center in the charming town of Clarkston, Washington, not far from Spokane. Show will hang through the month of August. Info and some pictures are on the facebook event page.

A Page From an Old Sketchbook

(right) "Kitty"
pencil on paper, 10.5"x8"
©1971 Diana Moses Botkin

I've been remembering a dear friend who passed away a few days ago. I'm so thankful for the gift of her kindness and friendship and support of my work through the years and am especially grateful to have been back in the touch the last few years through the modern miracle of technology. Who would've thought, decades ago, that there would be such conveniences for communication as the internet and facebook?

Although I didn't posses a camera when I lived in Kitty's house, I do have this drawing from one of my old sketchbooks from that time of my life. This is Kitty, decked out for a social gathering, stalwart and sturdy. Every time I make bread or pie crust or cornbread or pour honey from a jar or visit a fabric store, I think of her with fond remembrance and gratefulness. I'm so glad I'll see her again in the sweet by and by.

Portrait Oil Sketches

(left) 
"Hopeful"
Oil 6.5"x5"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Here are a couple of studies, from sessions this past winter at Geatches in Oklahoma City. Both of these lovely young ladies were patient models with fun hair for portrait oil sketches.

These two pieces are the last I have to show you from my stay in OKC. The one plein air painting I did there looks terrible, so I'm debating its destiny. 

I also have some other work from my winter travels, which is not quite ready for prime time. Some of it I'm trying to decide if I should do anything more, or simply call it done. A few others I've worked on and have likely ruined. Trying times.

(left) 
"Translucent"
Oil 9"x9"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Charcoal Figure Studies

It was so good to be able to attend sessions with live models during my travels this winter. Those brave souls who pose for us to study are part of the process of learning and growing as an artist.

It's not an easy job, holding still long enough for a drawing to be made. And the models who return to the same pose after breaks I especially admire.

All I can say is, they are either able to rise above the pain of being in the same position for long periods of time, or they are especially blessed with super powers of rest.

Here are a few more charcoal and chalk drawings to share with you, from sessions at Geatches.




(above left) 
"Steady"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 17.75"x11"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin


(second sketch at left) 
"At Ease"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 17.75"x12"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

(third sketch at left) 
"Back Forms"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 17.75"x12"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin


(bottom sketch at left) 
"Form Lights"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 12x17.75"
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Studies from OCU Art Social Evenings

Mike Wimmer's monthly Art Social evenings at Oklahoma City University are always a treat and I was fortunate to be able to participate this past January and February.

(left) "Girl in Purple Robe"
Charcoal, chalk, and pastel on grey paper 15"x11" 
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Mike offers attending artists the opportunity to draw from live costumed models and in the company of live musicians during the evening. The small girl in the study at left sat for us in January with a contented smile, composed and still, like a little princess.

During the February session, we were treated to live cello music by maestro cellist John DeVore while we drew this lovely young woman with the dark hair and eyes.

(left) "Night Eyes"
Charcoal, chalk, and pastel on Canson paper 12"x16" 
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Also while in Oklahoma City, I was able to attend Rick Berry's opening at OCU's Norick Art Center. Berry's expressive figurative paintings were an amazing sight to behold, and getting to talk to the artist about his astonishing work was a treasured gift.

Winter Figure Studies

It was good to be in places this winter where I could get drawing time at live model sessions. Here are a few sketches from Geatches in Oklahoma City.

(left)
"Reclining Highlights"
Charcoal and chalk on grey paper 12"x17" ©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

I have more new drawings which I'll post soon. There are paintings started too, and one or two studies fit to show, as is.

(left)
"At Ease"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 11"x17" ©2016 Diana Moses Botkin

Please check back here at this blog in the coming days to see more of what I've been doing lately. 
 
(left) "Unruffled"
Charcoal and chalk on cotton paper 15"x11" 
©2016 Diana Moses Botkin