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.

Artist Talk with Jeanine Hill-Soldner at Algoqnuin Library

I am on the left and Frances Mai Ling is on the right as we discuss our collaborative process at the Artist Talk at the Sage Gallery in November 2010.

In addition to my "Portraits of American Veterans" exhibit I will present and Artist Talk in which I will discuss the inspiration that compelled me to develop the Portrait project. Frances Mai Ling and a number of the Veterans whose portraits are represented will be in attendance. I look forward to sharing my work and the stories about the Veterans. My painting process and basic technical information will also be discussed. This promises to be a wonderful community building program with art as the catalyst that starts and continues the dialogue about how military service and those who have served can help us understand how to find peace.
Join me on Sunday February 20 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm for an afternoon of fascinating and friendly conversation.

Portraits of American Veterans: A Visual Dialogue" Exhibit at Algonquin Library

When: Exhibition dates: January 3 – February 28

Artist Talk: Sunday February 20, 2011

Time: 2:00 – 3:30

Where: Algonquin Area Public Library

2600 Harnish Drive

Algonquin, IL

Library Hours: Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p. m.

Friday & Saturday- 9:00 a. m. – 5:00 p. m.

Sunday –1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p. m.

Information: 847-458-6060

Details: Description: The public is invited to an afternoon of art and discussions with the artist Jeanine Hill-Soldner as she presents insightful views, and inspiration for her groundbreaking art exhibit "Portraits of American Veterans: A Continuing Dialogue" on exhibit in the Algonquin Area Public Library on Harnish Drive. Some of the Veterans who are represented in the paintings will be on hand to share their stories. The Portraits will be on display in the library on Harnish Drive during January and February 2011.

Registration is required, call the library for details.

Life Drawing Workshop in My Studio

I will be hosting a Life Drawing Workshop in my studio on Saturday January 8, 10 am - 2 pm. Pictured above is Lee Radtke drawing my son Alex posing in his fencing uniform, this was a lot of fun because it was so different from what we normally draw with the Valley Art Club. Molly will be the model on January 8, she will pose nude for 2 short poses and then a very long pose. This will be an excellent time for working on a finished drawing or painting. Coffee and snacks will be available with a lunch break of 30 minutes so bring a lunch and drink. My studio is located in the Garden level of the Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake. I have plenty of space and tables, chairs and easels available.