My newest work! It is a portrait of 2 of our Carmelite Friars at our Catholic Church, St Therese in Alhambra California. Father Robert Barcelos is only 32 years old. Father David Guzman will be celebrating his first year anniversary this January! As I am going towards religious themes in my art, I wanted to paint the beautiful ministry of the Carmelites which is "Contemplative Prayer". We have a small Eucharistic Chapel at St Therese and many visit it. I often see the Fathers in quiet and deep prayer... It gave me such a feeling of peace to see them in prayer! They are one of the few Catholic orders that still wear the habits of many thousand years ago. Their robes remain unchanged and each piece has a particular meaning. Visually, they are very inspiring and I wanted to capture that essence! I have painted in the style of the Dutch Masters who are my favorite artists. They usually painted their subjects in an interior setting. I think it gives a very warm and intimate feel. My most favorite artist is Jan Vermeer. I was surprised to learn that many of his canvases were very small, under 20x20! My painting is medium, 24x 30 and in oil. It took about 3 months to complete this painting, but I usually work 3 or 4 other paintings at the same time. That is because I work wet on dry and thin layers of paint rather than ala prima! This painting... I am Happy to say, "Made it in to the California Art Club Spring Showing And Critique." It is viewed in an auditorium by art critiques and award winning artists as well as fellow artists. A nice way for some excellent exposure! SO... I am happy with that as an emerging artist! It will be on February 27, 2011. I will be writing more on this later!
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