Janine part one

Janine in progress-- oil on canvas, 12" x 16"

 I have started another portrait for my nonprofit, Healing Hearst Thru Art. I enjoy the work, because as a commemorative portrait, working solely from three to four photos, these portraits present their own unique challenges. Unlike working from life, in these portraits, you must bridge any "gaps" instinctively, rather than visually, like with a live model. This is somewhat nerve-wracking when you are like me, used to relying on the visual itself to guide me, rather than making "guesstimates". So, for that reason alone, this work is very unique and challenging.

This will be a modified diptych in a way when it is done. Her brother Mark will be painted in a complimentary, paired setting so that the two portraits can be paired into one frame, or hung side by side as a complement. I am very much looking forward to working out this unique two part portrait piece for their Mom and family ❤️

Old Stone cottage and wildflowers

 "Old stone cottage and wildflowers" by Hilary J. England, oil on canvas, 8" x 11"

Lest you think I have moved to some remote place, I have not!  I was working very diligently on my new art project outreach, "Healing Hearts Thru Art", and getting that all set up.  It's a project to gift bereaved parents with a free gift of a 12" x 16" commemorative portrait of their child who has passed on. That took a lot of work getting it all set up, and even though it's up and running, it still needs lots of attention, plus I did 4 portraits in a month along with other work, so I have been a bit swamped.  The URL for that community outreach ministry is www.HealingHeartsThruArt.org , should you or someone you know who would like more information about our project.

In the midst of this, I found a little quiet time the other day to do a little plein air work locally.  I found a little decrepit stone cottage, on the edge of the cemetery on the outskirts of town, and it was just lovely.  All of the purple flowers and other wildflowers were all in bloom on it -- sweet peas, other flowers I don't even know (I will have to look them up) all over it.  The saggin doors and window frame, faded and bleached from the sun and weather -- it was just lovely and sad all at the same time.

So, now that Summer is here,  I look forward to more outdoor painting, and just lots more work in general!

~Enjoy!