A Family Tree Commission

My final commission for 2013 was a 50th Anniversary Family Tree, done in watercolor and pen & ink. A traditional design for today's modern family, this commission was very well received by the golden couple.  It was nice to end the year off with such a love filled piece of art.  I wish you much love, good health and happiness in the new year.

Most sincerely,
Christine

Family Tree by Hannon Art Works 2013

A Crucifix Restoration

With a missing arm and several old repairs, this crucifix was in need of a full restoration.  After a cleaning and stabilizing of the crumbling plaster, I went to work resculpting the arm.  Once the initial build was dry, a long process of removal began, as I sanded down the arm and sculpted in the muscles.  Final tweaking was done, then all repaired areas were primed.  The painting was done in two steps.  First was to cover the primed areas with a base color that closely matched the aged and mottled finish of the original painted areas.  Next was the blending of the old and new paint through a series of glazes.  Finally the figure, INRI plate and the wooded cross were varnished with three coats of matte finish to help reduce the imperfections in the old finish and to preserve the piece for many years to come.  It arrived safe and sound in Detroit this week, to much happiness of the man who commissioned the work of this family heirloom.

A Salon Finish

Completed back in October, I am just getting around to posting the step by step images of this Lusterstone finish layered in platinum and bronze mica resins. Designed to hide the occasional dye spills, this durable finish softly reflects the light and creates movement on the accent wall.  Moss Salon, an elegant way to be pampered, is located on North Main Street in Providence, RI.

Reflections of Old Glory

I was lucky enough to take a still life painting class with my friend, Linnea Leeming, at the Providence Art Club.  She sets up beautiful still life arrangements and I spent 5 weeks cursing the fact that I told her I wanted to do an American flag... I thought it would be challenging, but challenging was way to nice a word! If you look close, you can see me in the reflections too.  I just finished the stars today and framing it up to deliver to Celebrations Gallery in the morning.

Reflections of Old Glory - 11x14 - Acrylic on Mounted Canvas

An Adventure in Daily Painting

Rain Rain Go Away!

After all the rain we had mid-week, picking a subject to paint was easy.  The actual painting took a bit longer.  This image was from a friend's photo of her daughter.  I loved the lighting in the photo, but the composition needed some tweaking to make a stronger painting.  I am looking forward to painting more children in this small format.  It makes a great gift for the holidays, so consider commissioning one of your child.

Enjoy your weekend!
Christine

An Adventure in Daily Painting

Today's Project...

A quick watercolor of my niece Emma at the beach.  It is my first watercolor portrait, so I learned a lot. It took about 3 hours and I have included the photo I worked from... I can't wait to give it to her mom tomorrow.

Have a lovely Sunday.
Christine

Emma - Watercolor - 9x12

Original Photo

Step by Step Tree Mural

A happy place...

Ten hours in a school nurse's office allowed me to paint this large tree with a cardinal, the school mascot, and a friendly beehive, the reason why many students end up in the nurses office.  The bunny and robin's nest were added just because they were cute.  In a space where a lot of important things must be stored, I hope this gift to our parish school will help make a student's time with the nurse less stressful.

Cherub Foyer - Step by Step Mural

Finished today...

15 feet high, 25 hours to complete onsite (3 hours to prep in the studio) and one very surprised homeowner who had NO IDEA her partner commissioned me to do the mural, which represents her 2 sons and his one son.  The surprise was a team effort with the painters & carpenter, who played along for several weeks to set up the timing.  Since the home was empty of furnishings and being completely remodeled, there was no need for her to be around in the morning, and by telling the her that the exterminators had to bomb the home, we were able to keep her out for a day and a half.  It was enough time for me to paint the sky, clouds and finish one cherub and draw out the other two.  She loved it, as she is crazy about cherubs, and only requested that I keep with a gold and brown palette, rather than a pastel palette.  Some glaze and tweaking of the first cherub, and we were able to create a dramatic entrance that would flow with the rest of the new home.  A large, heavily framed mirror, hall table and Italianate wall sconce will be installed shortly to complete the composition.

Have a safe and joyous holiday weekend.  God Bless the U.S.A.

Christine

Howard's Chowder Shack - Step by Step Mural

This project took two days and included three 4x8 panels of rough plywood, which helped with the "shack" look of the place.  I painted the whole thing freehand, which is unusual for me since I like to transfer my designs onto the mural for accuracy. Due to the casualness of the place, being a little off actually fit better.  Can't wait for them to open this weekend - chowders, clam cakes, hot wieners, fish & chips, pastas, lobster rolls and salads, Del's and ice cream.  My son Kyle will be working there too, so make sure you say hi.  Howard's Chowder Shack, Rt 101 in North Scituate, RI.