Jul
14
2009
I have a new neighbor and I'm so excited about it. It's this beautiful horse whose name is Richie. He is a Rocky Mountain Horse that is known for being even tempered and good natured. Sometimes in the morning when I leave for work, he's standing there waiting for me to say "good morning Richie". I know you think I'm crazy, talking to a horse at 6:30 in the morning but he is so adorable. I have a great view of him from my studio, so sometimes I take a break and watch him. If the sun hits him just right, I grab my camera and head outside to take pictures (I have several already). This particular painting is from one of my first shots where he was running towards me. I tried to capture the movement but this is my first attempt at this so . . .
10 x 8
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2009
I have my car loaded up and ready to deliver my paintings to the Capitol Arts for my show "Petals and Poses" that I'm sharing with fellow artists Faye Christian Phillips and Susan Lackey. The opening reception is Friday, July 17th from 5-7 pm at the Capitol Arts, 416 East Main Street, Bowling Green, Kentucky. We would love to see you and there's a "Concert in the Park" that night starting at 7-7:30.
no comments | posted in figurative
Jul
4
2009
7 x 5
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2009
This is one of the ballerinas that I have painted for our Petals & Poses show at the Capitol Arts this month. I wanted my focus to be the light. I have worked on it more since this picture was taken so it's better now (hopefully). I have five ballerina paintings so far. Our model was in this beautiful white costume with a scarf that attached to her hair with a dramatic drape that wrapped around her arms. What caught my eye was the light filtering through the costume and scarf.
Blog Anniversary
My Blog is now a year old and I feel that I have made good friends all over the world via the blog experience. I've even met one of my Blog Friends--Paz of Paz's New York Minute when I was in New York last February. I've received a lot of positive feedback and comments, not even one negative experience. I've branched out into Facebook now, who knows what the next year will bring. A big "Thank You" to all of you that visit and leave your lovely comments.
no comments | posted in figurative
Jun
29
2009
I've been working on several figurative pieces and I hope a little "Chi" is conveyed in this painting. As usual I'm looking for smart witty names--any suggestions?
7 x 5
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2009
no comments | posted in figurative
Mar
21
2009
It has been a while since I have pushed myself with quick sketches and when you see these you will know that I need A LOT OF PRACTICE! My wonderful artist friend Marian Pacsuta was kind enough to invite me and a few others to her studio to paint from life. We did several quick studies (actually all of them were quick to me) with the model changing poses every 5 minutes, then 10 minutes building up to 30 minutes. My ongoing goals are to work on my drawing skills, my light dark patterns, improve my values and I would like to loosen up a little with my brush strokes.
We have vowed to paint together more often (goal is once a month minimum) -- from life -- either by hiring a model or plein air (painting outside). I'm looking forward to a fun Spring and Summer!
below--5 minute sketch
10 minute sketch
10 minute sketch
20 minute sketch
30 minute sketch
no comments | posted in figurative
Oct
31
2008
16 x 20
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2008
My niece is a photographer and she took this picture of three little girls that are sisters. I fell in love with it and asked her if I could paint it. I have to admit that I’ve never painted such little legs (middle baby sister) with such cute little pink toe nails!!! Any suggestions on names for this one? I know you can come up with something better than mine (Three Sisters).
20 comments | posted in figurative
Jun
15
2008
As a new “blogger”, I would love to share some of my works of art. My medium of choice is oils and I paint all subjects but I specialize in figurative and portraits. Your comments are welcome!
This is a profile that I did, I think the lavenders in the background compliment her–9×12.
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2008
This young man looks so grown up in his jacket–12×16. I wanted an old world feel for this painting.
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2008
Our beautiful ballerina–20×24.
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2008
This still life is a favorite of mine for two reasons, the first is because I love donuts and the second is because the cup in the painting is just like my Grandmother’s cups–10×12. I have a soft spot for anything that reminds me of her. Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2008
4 comments | posted in figurative, portrait and still life
