"Rebecca" by Li Mahalik

Oil on Linen, 12"x12"

Portrait has never been my favorite subject matter. In open studio it has been a hit or miss for me, mainly because I didn't know certain process that could make it less of a struggle. A few days ago, I learned that, like painting a still life or a landscape, value defines. Shades and shadows sculpt light to make things look 3D on a flat surface. They define the contour of a face as well as a landscape. 

I look forward to doing more portraits in the future. It will be a challenge!

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Thank you for viewing!

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"Dorothy" by Li Mahalik

Oil on gessoed Masonite, 12"x12"

My Sweet Dorothy

At six in the morn,

Her garage door swung squeakily open.

Out came Dorothy in her pink robe

Dashing, but not hurriedly.

She picked up the newspaper

from the driveway,

Which would later sprawl all over

Her 1960's living room,

Advertisements on top.

The sky was just turning pink. 

She looked up with her graying eyes.

Oh, gee! It's chilly today, 

She said.

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I spent too much time painting Dorothy. After extra 5 or six hours of work after she posted for my friends and me, I didn't know if it got any better. But I would say it probably did because I found not much I wanted to do over. But I think I learned a lot about temperature and hope it sticks. 

Dorothy is my 89 year old neighbor. She is kind, wise, healthy and tough. We became good friends over the last dozen years. She is like a mother to me, whom I lost when I was 10. 

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Please email me if you would like, or visit my web site or blog for more paintings.

Thank you!

"Caroline" By Li Mahalik

Oil on Gessoed Masonite Panel, 11"x14"

I meant to paint this lady abstractly but ended up painting her this way. The intent, though, freed me up from being too careful like I often do when I paint real objects. 

If you're interested in this painting, please email me. Or visit my blog to see my more recent work. My website contains works in the last few years. Thank you so much for looking.