Oct
20
2009
This is a study from life of Emily, she dressed a little "retro" for us. She was an excellent model and needless to say she got lots of oooooohhhhhhs and ahhhhhhhhhhs. I spent about 3 - 3 1/2 hours on this study. I'm still concentrating on watching my edges.
no comments | posted in portrait and still life
Oct
14
2009
I've always wanted to know what it feels like to be the "model" and now I know. We have a group of artists that get together from time to time and paint each other or our spouses, our children, etc. My friends said that I did a good job modeling and didn't move too much but they didn't ooooohhhhhhh and aaaaaaahhhhh over my beauty, guess I'm more of a character model. My friend Angela painted this and I think she captured a good likeness--maybe a little younger but that's good!
no comments | posted in portrait and still life
Oct
6
2009
As I was going to work this morning, I noticed the sunrise and had to pull over, get my camera out of the trunk and take pictures of the golden sky. What a glorious sight! It was the prettiest part of the day, especially since it rained all day.
We had a wonderful model last night, she had the best outfit on, black pants and lace up patent leather boots. What a perfect figurative painting! But I took a teeny tiny canvas to paint on, don't ask me why but I've learned a lesson here--always take a larger canvas than you think you will ever use!!! So I had to force myself to paint her lovely face, life is rough (lol).
no comments | posted in portrait and still life
Aug
2
2009
I'm back from vacation all rested, sunburnt and rejuvinated from my trip to the beach! My husband and I took a motorcycle trip to South Carolina--Folly Beach--and I just disconnected for the week. I did manage to sneak in a trip to Savannah GA and Charleston, SC while relaxing. While in Charleston, I spent the day visiting several Galleries on "Gallery Row" admiring the beautiful pieces of art on display there. Such a treat and a reminder that I need to PAINT MORE! I'm still attending my Monday Night sessions in Franklin TN, although I did miss a few while working on the shows. Here are my four latest paintings of models from life.
The first painting below is from 2 weeks ago. I've just finished a 6 week drawing class with Dawn Whitelaw and Erin Jones and tried to incorporate what I learned in the class. I'm trying to spend more time in the designing stage instead of diving right in but when you only have 3 hours it's very hard to wait.
On the model below, I tried to capture the weight of her beautiful thick hair in this study.
This model had great hair and lovely lips!
I like to think of this model as my Greek Goddess. She has the perfect profile.
Once again, I value your opinion and your visit to my blog!
no comments | posted in portrait and still life
Jun
21
2009
I haven't been a very attentive blogger lately but time hasn't allowed it. I've been painting ballerinas lately in anticipation of my next show with Faye Christian Phillips at the Capitol Arts. This post contains an onion still life that is part of my show at The Gallery at 916. Onions are very interesting to paint; lots of thin layers and colors.
Since it's Father's Day, I went to see my Dad early this morning then my hubby and I went on a little motorcycle ride. It's a beautiful, hot, humid, sunny day in Southern Kentucky and I recharge my batteries by riding (as the passenger of course) and looking at farm land, cows, horses, goats, hay bales, corn crops etc. etc. I'm a country girl at heart, what can I say!
10 x 8
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2009
no comments | posted in portrait and still life
Jun
7
2009
10 x 8
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2009
I've been focusing on still life paintings from life. This painting is all about the "orange". I tried to pay special attention to light and edges.
no comments | posted in portrait and still life
Jun
4
2009
You're invited to The Gallery at 916 on June 5th from 5-8 pm for the Opening Reception and Gallery Hop. Featured artists are Bill Guffey and Rhonda Hartis Smith (yours truly). The name of the Exhibit is "Sizzling Summer" and I hope to see you there.
Doesn't this look delish?
16 x 8
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2009
no comments | posted in portrait and still life
May
23
2009
I've been diligently painting for my show at The Gallery at 916 opening on June 5th. I'll be sharing the spotlight with Bill Guffy, a very talented artist, check out his site via my link. I've been painting a series of "martini" drinks. Personally I don't care for the taste, but they look so cool. This is my Apple Martini and I adore the greens. The glass and the liquid was a challenge to paint and I'm still tweaking them. This is one of four for this series.
16 x 8
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2009
no comments | posted in portrait and still life
Apr
14
2009
I'm gearing up for my show in June and I'm painting from life. I don't think I'm finished with this one yet, I still need to put highlights on them. Tonight I'm painting pears! Any suggestions on a title for my lemons?
8x10
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2009
no comments | posted in portrait and still life
Mar
11
2009
I've been working on some 6x6 paintings for my friends with new additions to their families. The fabric below and a teddy bear were my inspirations for this painting. The nursery is decorated in greens and browns and the fabrics are fabulous!!! Fabrics always inspire me, I love to look at the colors and how they coordinate together. I never ever get tired of going into a fabric store--I can't help it. Now fabrics are inspiring me in my art.
One thing that has been a constant in my family from generation to generation is sewing. I have a quilt square framed and hanging in my home from a quilt that was made by my Great-Grandmother!
Some of my earliest memories are of my Grandmother Mazie piecing quilts and making sure that she added just a little red to every quilt since that was her favorite color.
My mother quilted also and made doll clothes for me when I was a girl.
All of my Aunts quilt and sew and many of my Cousins.
I also sew and I have pieced a few quilts and for years I sewed custom window treatments and accessories. I eventually chose oil painting over sewing since there are only so many hours in a day.
Well I have two sons so I guess the family tradition ended with me -- unless I have Grand-daughters some day. . .
Guess what!!! I need a title for the painting below--any suggestions?
My inspiration (above).
6x6
Rhonda Hartis Smith © 2009
no comments | posted in portrait and still life
This is a study from life of Emily, she dressed a little "retro" for us. She was an excellent model and needless to say she got lots of oooooohhhhhhs and ahhhhhhhhhhs. I spent about 3 - 3 1/2 hours on this study. I'm still concentrating on watching my edges.
I've always wanted to know what it feels like to be the "model" and now I know. We have a group of artists that get together from time to time and paint each other or our spouses, our children, etc. My friends said that I did a good job modeling and didn't move too much but they didn't ooooohhhhhhh and aaaaaaahhhhh over my beauty, guess I'm more of a character model. My friend Angela painted this and I think she captured a good likeness--maybe a little younger but that's good!
As I was going to work this morning, I noticed the sunrise and had to pull over, get my camera out of the trunk and take pictures of the golden sky. What a glorious sight! It was the prettiest part of the day, especially since it rained all day.
On the model below, I tried to capture the weight of her beautiful thick hair in this study.
This model had great hair and lovely lips!
I like to think of this model as my Greek Goddess. She has the perfect profile.
Once again, I value your opinion and your visit to my blog!
10 x 8
10 x 8 
16 x 8
8x10
My inspiration (above).
