Book Recommendation: Renaissance Faces

National Gallery et al. Renaissance Faces: Van Eyck to Titian. 2008.

This fabulous book delves into the processes and procedures behind the portraits we know and love. It has several good essays recounting the interactions between models and artists in the renaissance; the problems and rewards have not changed in centuries. One of the best illustrations compares two artworks--one sketch of Charles V Hapsburg as he truly was, against a painting of him politely idealized by Titian. The difference is startling, and the text delves into the practice of idealizing the sitter. This is a great book, not only for the pleasure of looking at the interesting faces, but also for the careful research done by the authors.

Scenes from Alameda

Fog over the City, 10 x 20 inches, pastel.

This painting was done during the Frank Bette Plein Air Paintout in Alameda this July. This is one of two favorites that I did during the event. This one has the impressionist shimmer I have been working on lately, especially in the foreground water and wetland.

Barn Paintings

Jessie's Barn, Reflected, 10 x 10 inches, oil.

Turner Road Barn, with Clouds, 10 x 10 inches, oil.

Here are two paintings that I have done recently of Lodi Barns. One is done on site and the other is not.
PS Sorry for the quiet time on the blog. Life has been busy lately, and daily tasks neglected.