Painting the Figure From Life in Under 4 Hours

This past Sunday I spent the entire day in the beautiful Sage Gallery with 12 other artists painting a model from life. We started around 10:30 with this lovely ballet pose and wrapped up the day at 4:00. There's nothing more engaging to me than the moments when I am completely absorbed in the painting or drawing process. I loved the color and light enveloping the model and the composition was just right. I will add a few final touches in the studio, but this is a completed oil on 40"x 30" hand stretched canvas painting. I like the freshness and clean look of this piece. Now it's time to get back to the studio and schedule the next veterans for the 18th portrait for my "Portraits of American Veterans Project".

Al Weber the First Marine Veteran I've Painted

Al stopped by my studio a few weeks ago to see the progress on his portrait. I was so happy to see him that I just had to get a picture of him with his portrait. Al is very quiet about his commendations received during his two tours of duty in Vietnam with the 1st Recon Battalion Charlie Company. My Dad was the First Sergeant of 1st Recon Battalion Bravo Company during his first tour of duty in 1965-66.... Enough said.

Keep checking my blog and I'll post the painting of Al with all of his 7 medals placed on the left of the painting. I am honored to paint Al's portrait and represent the commendations that he no longer has, but will be present on his completed portrait.

Portrait Painting Demonstartion at the Northland Area Art League

March Meeting…Jeanine Hill-Soldner

Join artist Jeanine Hill-Soldner as she demonstrates her unique portrait painting technique, where the likeness of the individual is captured from life in one sitting. Jeanine will work from a live model in oils, while discussing her choice of colors, mediums and the placement of the individual models features on canvas. Ms. Hill-Soldner holds a Masters of Art in Art Ed. and began painting lessons at age 15 in an artists’ studio. She has received many awards and more than 100 juried exhibits in museums and galleries around the US, with many press articles and an Artist Profile featured on PBS nationwide. Her studio is located in the lower level of the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake where she paints every day and teaches classes and workshops. Her contact info www.soldnerfineart.com jeanine@soldnerfineart.com 224-522-4068

Portrait Painting Demo from Live Model

I love painting from life with a real person posing or just being still for a short time. My process and technique are my own. Over time and many years of focused attention in my studio in front of the easel, with brush in hand and palette nearby, my unique process has been evolving as an artist. I don't think there is an easy way to arrive at your own mark, your style that sets you apart from others. I have consistently kept my focus and have not been shy of the hard work and dedication that is required to continually move forward. It's a wonderful life to have a studio where I am able to continue working and inviting people to pose for me and experience the wonders of portraiture.
My son Alex kindly posed for this painting in oils. The gallery is located in the Dole Mansion the building that houses my studio, Soldner Fine Art Studio. The art on the gallery is by artists and teachers , Amber Larsen and Johanna Gullick. My paintings and drawings can be seen on the walls in the background behind me, and to my right. If you're visiting Crystal Lake please take time to stop by the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, come by my studio and I'll show you the galleries and Dole Mansion.