"Laurie and Mable the Boston Terrier" (oil on stretched linen; 14" x 11") sold

sold

"Laurie and Mable the Boston Terrier" was commissioned by my favorite client Patricia. Laurie, her administrative assistant, is going to be thrilled to receive the double portrait with her beloved Boston Terrier!

"Ben and Leslie" (oil on stretched linen; 20" x 16") sold

sold

The handsome groom Ben commissioned me to paint a wedding portrait for his wife Leslie as the first anniversary gift. He was also gallant, insisting that he didn't care about how he looked and that Leslie should look beautiful. I did care about how he looked too. I did my darned best despite the less than desirable reference photo. He was a pleasure to work with. I hope Leslie loves his thoughtful gift and wish them a long, happy marriage!

Reference photo

"Engagement" (oil on stretched linen; 20" x 16") sold

sold

"Engagement" was commissioned by Sean for his fiancee. They are getting married next week and the portrait is going to be offered to his bride as the surprise gift on the day after the big day. How cool is that! I got the commission three weeks ago; it was a rush job to get it done in two weeks. From start to finish, Sean was the ideal client; I bet he will be the ideal husband too!

The English ivies in the background were in the reference photo and Sean asked me to include them for their symbolism of faith, fidelity, and longevity. I noticed two vague birch trees in the far right corner, which I thought echoed the subjects, so I suggested them. All in all, I am pleased with how the portrait turned out. My hearty congratulations to the couple!

"Carter and Daddy" (oil on stretched linen; 8" x 10") sold

sold

"Carter and Daddy" is for Jessica.  Carter (yes it is a boy!) was two at his birthday party with the circus theme. I love the affectionate gaze of the father toward his son.

"Viola Solo" (oil on stretched canvas; 14" x 18") sold

sold

Aldwin is a high-school senior and talented musician who plays the viola, guitar and piano and also sings in the school choir.  As I was listening to his solo performance of Max Bruch's "Romanze for Viola" during the winter concert of the Washington Metropolitan Youth Orchestra at the beautiful auditorium of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, I was impressed by his poised mastery of his instrument.

"Baby Ava" (oil on linen; 14" x 11") sold

sold

"Baby Ava" is for Michelle.  Ava was 5-months old when she was christened in her beautiful dress.  Her pink bunny has been with her for the last five years and Michelle wanted it to be part of her first portrait.  I've included step-by-step photos that I shared with my Facebook fans.  If you are not already one, please like my Facebook page!

Step-by-step photo I: I started the opaque layers first with the blue. background.

Step-by-step photo II: The bunny and dress are the next to be blocked in.

Step-by-step photo III: Time to tackle the face, hands, and feet.

Step-by-step photo IV: After the third session.

Step-by-step photo V: After Michelle's feedback, I worked on the areas she pointed out. More back and forth, additional adjustments were made for the final portrait.

Collage of My July Paintings

Collage of My July 2014 Paintings

How do you like the collage of my July paintings?  I am impressed if I may say so, considering I was gone for more than two weeks.  Which is your favorite painting?

"Molly and Ellie" (oil on linen; 11" x 14") sold

sold

"Molly and Ellie" is for Lauren, for whom I have already done three commissions.  Thank you, Lauren, for your trust!  These darling girls are the children of her friend.  I am sure she will be happy to receive such a thoughtful gift.

"Emilia and George" (oil on linen; 11" x 14") sold

sold

"Emilia and George" is for Brittany, who commissioned me to paint the portrait of her friends. What a special gift it will be!  The painting was ready for publication yesterday for Valentine's Day, but I waited for Brittany's critique. She loves it!

Emilia and George live in New York City.  He is funny; she is witty and outgoing.  They are both very intelligent, but at the same time, totally opposite.  He has a son; they have an adorable ballerina girl together.

Belated Happy Valentine's Day to Emilia and George!

"A Life Led and A Life Beginning" (oil on linen; 12" x 9") sold

sold

"A Life Led and A Life Beginning" is for Liz.  I was excited and honored to paint this special double portrait as the first commission painting of 2014.  The painting portrays Liz's 90-year-old father-in-law and his 10-month-old great granddaughter.  

Curtis was born in Virginia as one of 12 children.  He has been a minister of God for 62 years. He has been married to his wife, Alma, for 62 years.  Together they had two children: Liz's husband and a daughter, Wendy.  Wendy's son is the proud daddy of Emma. 

Curtis is a quiet soul who loves the Lord and has lived his life for others.  He loves his family and has always tried to see the best in all.  He has been ill with Alzheimer's for several years. He sometimes recognizes his family and other times he doesn't, but still can quote scripture and preach his sermons from years ago.

Emma maybe the only 4th generation he will ever meet, so this portrait is very special to Liz's family.  She wished that I capture Curtis's gentle, kind eyes and soul and the sweetness and innocence of little Emma.  The title of the painting was her inspiration.  I did my uttermost to fulfill her wish.

"Moose" (oil on linen; 8" x 6") sold

sold

"Moose" is for Holly, who found me on the Internet.  There are many competent pet portrait artists out there, but she chose me!  I am honored.  Moose is a one-year-old St. Bernard and belongs to Holly's daughter, for whom the painting was painted.

I have been dying to paint a St. Bernard, so I was thrilled at the opportunity.  According to Holly, Moose is a well-behaved, laid-back puppy.  To my question of whether he drools massively like Beethoven in the namesake movie, she said: "Not yet, but it's coming!"

By the way, it is not too late to order pet portraits for Christmas.  Please send your pet's pictures to kimstenbergart@gmail.com.  A separate page on my blog, "Pet Portrait Orders", will answer all the questions you may have about ordering a pet portrait.  Thanks!