Small Works for the Holidays

 "Hillside", 8 x 8, Oil on Linen, Mounted on Panel, (c) Lesley Powell

Everybody else is doing it, so I decided to throw my hat in the ring too.  And what is "it"?  The annual Small Works for the Holidays project, of course~!  In the past I've held a "Small Gems" sale, and so I guess I am returning to my roots.

I'm offering a group of paintings that are sized and priced ideally for gift giving.  Whether it is a gift to yourself, or to somebody else, there is nothing like original art to add warmth to the home and the holidays.  Prices are below--if you'd like to purchase or get more information, just contact me through my website by clicking here.

"Sunset Magic", 8 x 8, Oil on Canvas, Mounted on Panel, (c) Lesley Powell

Here's the scoop on each of these paintings.  The top painting, "Hillside" was painted on location in Provence this past summer.  I can almost feel the hot, arid earth when I look at this one.  Lots of palette knife work--and I didn't event touch it up when I got home!  (Price: $325)

The next painting, "Sunset Magic", was also painted on location in Provence.  You have to be quick when you paint a sunset, because the colors change so fast.  I did this one a couple of years ago, and I have held it as a study to work from in the studio.  But I have finally decided to offer it to a new home. (Price: $295)

"After Corot", 5.5 x 9, Oil on Paper, (c) Lesley Powell

The next painting is a "master copy"-- painted from studying masterpieces of one of my favorite painters, Camille Corot.  This process is a time-honored way of learning.  The idea is not to reproduce a copy, but to interpret the master's work and to learn his thought process.  I learned a great deal from this project, and these one has informed some of my ongoing work. (Matted to 12.5 x 15.75, Price $300)

"Top of the Village", 7 x 10, Oil on Linen, Mounted on Panel, (c) Lesley Powell

Last but not least is "Top of the Village", which depicts the village of Gordes, in the heart of Provence.  This one was also painted entirely on location.  Those perched villages can be a challenge to paint, but a FUN challenge!  I love the cubist vibe that the buildings create as they tumble down the slope. (Price $350).

Thanks for taking a look at these, and do feel free to reach me here for any further information.  Enjoy!

Look in the Mirror

Self-Portrait    Lesley Powell, 2022

The self-portrait is a time-honored rite of passage for artists.  I have always shied away from attempting my own self-portrait, but recently I plunged in and took the challenge.  Wow.  A challenge indeed, and I now that I have undertaken it, I fear that I am addicted.

"Octagonal Self-Portrait"

Edward Vuillard,  1890

For me, the magic lays somewhere between a perfect likeness and a total abstraction.  And it's hard to find just the right balance.  I have always loved the octagonal self-portrait by Vuillard (just above).  It's a series of simple shapes, not much information within each shape, but the red beard and the shape of the head leave not doubt who this is.  The abstraction is more exciting to me than the faithful likeness seen in the Vuillard self-portrait below.  Interestingly, these were painted just a year or so apart.

Edward Vuillard

Self-Portrait, 1888

A contemporary painter who paints stunning self-portraits is Catherine Kehoe.  I could look at any of Kehoe's self-portraits for hours, and never grow tired of it. The planes in the face are so simple, and yet so deadly accurate.  The color relationships tell the whole story.  Here's a favorite:

Catherine Kehoe

Oil on Panel

I'm learning a lot by studying the work of others in this genre.  My own self-portraits pictured in this post are still in flux.  On some, the paint is still wet.  As I look at them, I continue to make changes.  I foresee lots of fun taking this project to the next level.  Stay tuned--meanwhile, check out the latest effort in process below!