Flapper in a Pink Cloche Hat - sold

Oil on canvas, 10"x8"

There's something springlike about this flapper girl, She's winsome and fetching, long-necked with wide eyes peeking out from under the brim of a cloche hat. I'm pleased to have created a sense of form and very light-filled shadows on her face mostly with delicate shifts in color and tone. There's an Easter vibe...maybe it's the pretty matching pink of her hat and ruffled blouse combined with the pale blue of the background. The pink in her outfit might be displaying a bit more as a lilac shade than it really is. It's a sort of orchid pink, which teeters on the verge of lavender but isn't...and the background is a pale grayish blue.

I enjoy creating these girls from bygone eras, the style of the times adds such a feeling of character. They seem to arrive with their own lives and stories.

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Portrait of Renée Perle in Black - sold

Oil on canvas, 10"x8"

This is a portrait of Renée Perle, inspired by a black and white photo taken by Jacques-Henri Lartigue circa 1930. She was an early muse of his, possibly even something of an obsession during their two year affair. Renée Perle was a model for the couturier Doeuillet at the time of their meeting, remarkable for her exotic beauty and avant-garde style. He shot Renée in countless moods, here in la mode Parisienne. I love her dramatic and distinctive look. 

This is the second portrait that I've done of Renée. My first painting captured her in a St. Tropez look which you can see here.

Portrait of Lucy - sold

Oil on canvas, 10"x8"

This is a portrait of Lucille Ball as a young blonde starlet in the early days of her career. I've always loved Lucy! An amazing woman of enormous talent and perseverance, she was 40 years old when she created, produced and starred in I Love Lucy, the pioneering television show that made her a household name. Even before achieving her iconic redhead look, when she was just another beautiful girl in Hollywood, there was something unique and original about her.

Portrait of a Pensive Flapper - sold

Oil on canvas, 10"x8"

This a portrait of a young woman sporting a version of the Eton Crop, an androgynous hairstyle that gained popularity in the 1920s. Cropped or bobbed hair was a startling departure from the uniformly long hair and elaborate hairdos that women had worn throughout history and a major statement for a rebellious generation. While no doubt many of these women were just following a trend, I like to think of those who were genuinely hoping to break free of gender restrictions and have the same opportunities for self determination and expression as men. I painted this girl in vivid colors to match her bold dreams.

Portrait of a Redheaded Flapper - sold

Oil on canvas, 10"x8"

This is a portrait of a lovely redhead flapper girl. She manages the rare feat of being sweet and sultry at the same time. From her finger waved hair and Cupid's Bow lips to her pretty ruffled blouse, she looks elegantly vintage and ready for high tea. As I painted her she seemed so charming and fresh that I used a spring green background to complement her peachy tones.

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Portrait Study of a Young Woman - sold

Oil on Canvas, 12"x9"

In this study I wanted to work on a classic portrait while exploring cool skin tones and loose brushwork. I found some lovely violets and blues in this portrait of a beautiful dark haired girl with almost translucent skin. The result is a portrait in a contemporary realist style with a lively surface quality and casual elegance.

Blue Moon - sold

Oil on Canvas, 10"x8"

This painting was inspired by loss and memories, grief and ultimately joy. It's a portrait of fragility and strength. In studying faces I have found that there is an odd power in openness and vulnerability. It can connect us to the essence of our humanity. 

Portrait of a Glamour Girl - sold

Oil on canvas, 10"x8"

Some things never go out of style. A certain sleek elegance was achieved in the the early 20th century that's simply timeless. She is not any particular person, but my evocation of the glamour girl of that era, beautiful, classic and charming. 

Flapper in a Cloche Hat - sold

Oil on gessoboard panel, 8"x6"

There is a certain intensity to this girl. She's a bit fierce. This may be a result of the slickness of the board surface that results in the paint strokes keeping a certain edge. This makes for a bold look that's a bit different from my work on canvas. I'm not sure I have complete control of the paint on this surface yet but I like some of the accidental results.