Circus, Circus

Before the Show, 22 x 28, oil on canvas, by Heather Dixon

The kids have joined the circus! Here is my recent painting of my children in this year's Halloween costumes. As usual we did our annual photo shoot but this year I wanted to do a painting as well. I liked the opportunity that a painting offered me to be completely whimsical. (There was not a pony at the actual photo shoot) I had so much fun with this painting that I may have to paint one based on their Halloween costumes every year!

Breakfast at Trumans

Breakfast at Trumans 14 x 18 oil on canvas by Heather Dixon

In October I had the opportunity to attend a plein air event at Big Cedar Lodge with over 100 other artists. I finished the above painting in my studio after returning. I enjoyed painting outdoors in the Ozarks but I still gravitated, as usual, toward figurative subjects. Truman's bakery, where I ate a number of meals, provided me with an intriguing opportunity for a painting. I feel compelled to paint more of these types of figurative paintings depicting slices of life. I have recently heard this genre referred to as "conversational figurative" which I think is a pretty appropriate description.

Art In The Square 2011

Reading, 28 x 34 framed, oil on canvas by Heather Dixon

It is time for "Art In The Square" at Utica Square this Saturday, October 1st! I will be set up in front of Petty's again this year. Above is my annual "Utica" figurative painting in honor of the event. Avery was my model. He did not mind so much given all he was required to do was read a good book. (Voyage of the Dawn Treader)

I am showing many landscapes this year that are painted on copper plates (my new favorite painting surface) I will show examples of this technique in a later post. Come by and see the artists this weekend and be sure to stop by and say hello!

Head and Shoulders Portrait

Oliver Dixon 14 x 20 Oil on Canvas

I just finished this portrait of Oliver this week. It is a head and shoulders size portrait and is 14 x 20 inches. (unframed) I worked from photo references for most of this painting, however, I did get him to pose for me for some of the finish work. He can sit surprisingly still for a 4 year old even if it is only for a short while!

Figurative Painting on a Small Canvas

Playtime 11 x 14 Oil on canvas board

I have been painting figurative oils on a small scale the last few months. This is very different then painting the large canvases upon which I paint portraits. It has been a fun exercise. Above is on of my favorite paintings that has resulted from this new endeavour. It is of Oliver playing with a favorite toy on the sofa. A benefit of smaller paintings is they fit just about anywhere. This one will be making an appearance at my husbands office. Who said you can't have original oil paintings in your cubical?

Portrait of Alex

Alex 24x 30 Oil on canvas

I just finished a portrait of my niece, Alex. She wanted to be painted with her hunting bow. We went to Chandler Park for the initial photo shoot to determine the composition. The monochromatic colors of both her surroundings and wardrobe lent itself to a limited pallet. Texture became a very important element of the overall composition. I really enjoyed working with a more limited pallet and will definitely do so again.

Avery Painting

Avery 12 x 12, oil on canvas

Here is a painting of Avery I completed over the Holidays. It is only 12 inches square in size. It is fun to do these head and shoulder studies from time to time. It will probably end up hung in his room as he does not have a portrait displayed in there yet. (Clara has The Young Artist portrait in her room.) I am working on a larger piece that includes all three children but focuses on Oliver. (That one will likely end Oliver's in his room.)

Happy New Years to you and yours!