Painting of Mom

I am posting this Portrait of my mother Katherine Lapiana on the occasion of what would have been her 103rd  Birthday.  I painted this 16 X 20 oil during the summer of 2014. The painting was done from a colored pencil drawing which was fading since it was not done on acid free paper in hopes that I could preserve the image.  I changed the background to give a better contrast with her hair which was a beautiful shade of grey.  I am very pleased with my results despite the fact that it was only my second Portrait. I learned a lot about the colors seen in the human face and skin.  Portraiture is always a challenge to produce a reasonable, recognizeable likeness.

The painting is part of my personal collection.
(Copyright 2014 - Sunset Studio-Joe Lapiana)

Fun at Cranes Beach Ipswich, MA

With 74 record breaking inches of Snow this winter and heavy snow still falling here in Westford and Lowell looking out my studio window at Western Avenuethis painting that I did at the end of last summer (2014) at Cranes Beach in Ipswich helps to remind me that Summer will return in just 4 months. I like the way  that my first painting with multiple people turned out pretty good and will practice painting people more.this painting is available at my studio.  ( copyright 2014 Sunset Studio -Joe Lapiana)

Catching Up from Sunset Studio 326

Finally I am trying to update my blog.....I have been working and producing paintings but not posting on this blog.  I apologize and am beginning to think that all the time on social media is a distraction from the painting process even though I recognize the value of posting work for PR and Marketing purposes. I am desperately trying again to both paint and  keep up with this blog!

Tea Time

On a cold winter day one thinks of the warm mornings when breakfast on the patio is a real treat.  This 9 X 12 oil on canvas board reminds me of those times. The pleasures of tea or coffee on those mornings is special.  With this painting I have caught up again with my blog posts..........I look forward to posting a few new works that I am currently working on.

Flowers in a Red Vase

This piece is an 8 X 10 oil on canvas and is more impressionistic than many of my art pieces.  Always trying new things and learning with each piece produced.....making art is a fascinating journey.

Abstract #1

This piece was done with a technique called webbing in an abstract format.  What do you see in this piece?
Doing any kind of an abstract piece is a departure from my usual subjects.  I like to experiment with new approaches to art but it doesn't come easily for me as more of a traditionalist when it comes to subject matter.

Winter Blue

As frequent visitors to my bird feeder I am always excited to see either a blue jay or cardinal.  The blue jay always announces himself by a rather loud voice or call.  Being larger than most winter birds at the feeder they are often bullies to the smaller birds and can empty a feeder in short order.  They are some of the colors that to me say spring will soon be here. This painting is also available through my studio.