In navigating around my new site I had to call Denise for help and of course she has the right info so here goes......the second post!
Having painted most of my life there is little that I can't do. And that has presented a huge problem. Where's my voice? What's my voice? Finally, I am finding my niche and let me tell you, the feeling is awesome. It's like 'growing up'. I am a portrait, people, and pet painter! The first portrait I painted was in oil of my daughter who was 16 at the time......she is now approaching a significant birthday!!!

It won an Honorable Mention ribbon at a show and since, I have won many ribbons for my people and animal portraits. I love the feeling of capturing expressions and likeness. It is such a thrilling challenge. I do paint from photographs but never project them on a canvass. I create free hand.
I'll be taking you through my process of painting...from start to finish. The whole experience will be an invaluable learning tool for me. Cory will be the subject of my next portrait. He is my 6 year old grandson and asked me a few weeks ago, "Grandma Rita, Where is my painting?" He is the only one of my six grandchildren I have not painted. Shame on me! It will be a 16X20 oil. The challenge is on!