Kim Blair Artist

Cole's portrait in pastel by Kim Blair

Cole

(14"x11" wax pastel on gessoed w.c. paper)

Sometimes the universe just drops one in your lap... via Facebook.

That's how I acquired the reference photo Cole, a fellow artist, snapped of his 16 day beard growth. The elongated distortion of this selfie speaks volumes! I'd say it sums up Cole's rebel attitude regarding his beard.

(Thanks Cole for giving me permission to use your photo.)

Regarding your album... I've got you covered.

;0)

*If you received this blog post via email subscription the video will not be visible in your email. Please go directly to my art blog by clicking on the following link for kimblairartist.blogspot.com in order to view the short 2 minute video of the creation of this portrait.

Justine's portrait in pastel by Kim Blair

Justine

(14"x11" wax pastel on gessoed w.c. paper)

Justine caught my eye this past January.

My "artist eye" is always scanning my surroundings when shopping, looking for a possible portrait model. I have learned (as I mentioned in a previous post) that inspiration must be acted upon as soon as possible. So, when I turned around to check out a sweater hanging on a mannequin and my eye went past the sweater and spotted Justine I knew instantly that she would be fun to paint.

Her long blue hair is what initially caught my attention, then her eyes came into focus!

Justine Orkusz is a professional makeup artist and manager at MAC cosmetics. She has worked for this brand for five years, but has been doing makeup for ten years total.

The images she posts on http://www.instragram.com/makeupbyjustinerose showcase her creative talent with makeup. It's intriguing to see how transformative makeup can be when applied by a professional!

It's no surprise that Justine loves freelancing and doing theatrical makeup.

Evelyn's portrait in pastel by Kim Blair

Evelyn

(14"x11" wax pastel on gessoed w.c. paper)

One afternoon, last fall, I was talking to my friend Francine during a function we attended at the Highland's Golf Club and mentioned that I would like to paint her daughter's portrait. Not too long after we spoke I received a lovely selfie reference photo of Evelyn which I filed away until last month.

It was a delight to paint Evelyn!

:0)

One of the reasons I like working with pastel is the textural tones you can achieve when bits of the paper/underpainting peek through the work. In Evelyn's portrait you can see the warm terracotta of the underpainting peeking through the background and skin adding another tonal dimension to the work.

Golda's portrait in pastel by Kim Blair

Golda

(14"x11" wax pastel on gessoed w.c. paper)

I saw Golda while shopping a few months ago.

Her braids and beautiful skin caught my eye. Past experience taught me that if I see/meet someone I feel drawn to paint I should not hesitate to ask permission to photograph them at that exact moment in order to capture the essence that inspired me. Golda agreed to allow me to photograph her, paint her portrait and post the painting on social media.

Thanks Golda for being open to the experience!

"A portrait painting is the artist's expressive interpretation of the sitter, capturing a single moment in time."

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Rebecca's portrait in pastel by Kim Blair

Rebecca

(14"x11" pastel on gessoed w.c. paper)

Rebecca works at one of my favourite gluten free bakeries here in Edmonton, Celebrate Gluten Free.

Her smiling face is just one of the many friendly staff who may greet you when you visit this special bakery.

One day, when I was at CGF picking up my bread order (along with other delicious treats), Rebecca came to the counter to assist me and I was immediately inspired to ask her if I could paint her portrait... lucky for me she said yes.

Rebecca mentioned she is interested in studying Culinary Arts, which ties in nicely with her experience working at Celebrate Gluten Free.

I have to confess that I absolutely love CGF's carrot cake and it has become a tradition for my birthday cake!

Next time you stop by CGF to sample some scrumptious baking say hi to Rebecca for me.

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Johanne's portrait by Kim Blair

Johanne Yakula

(14"x11" pastel on gessoed w.c. paper)

Johanne is passionate about history and old houses!

Since 1994 she has owned and operated her own business "From Times Past", a design and decorating source for owners of heritage homes. Through her business, which is now home based, Johanne is still involved in antiques as a certified appraiser with CPPAG. She continues to share her extensive historical knowledge about design, preservation of heritage homes, history and art as a guest speaker.

I had the pleasure of hearing Johanne lecture about art history through the University of Alberta Faculty of Extension and enjoyed the way she wove interesting tidbits of information about the various artists we were studying into her lectures.

Johanne's first book, "Historical Interiors of Alberta - A Guide to Preserving and Decorating Your Heritage Home" published in 2012, is an informative read and includes numerous photo references.

A bit of fun!

45 Portraits by Kim Blair

(45 portraits completed for exhibition)

(my pastels... well used)

Okay, so here is my excuse for not posting since November... I wanted to complete the 45 portraits I have been working on for my exhibition in Edmonton this April.

The final portrait for the show was completed last week. Yippee!

I will post the exhibition information closer to the date

Next on my to do list... create 45 videos (one for each portrait) of the process shots I took as I worked on each painting. These short 2 minute portrait videos have been a hit on my blog which is why, as promised, there will be one for each portrait in the April exhibition.

In the mean time you will start to see some new portraits on my blog.

Suzanne's portrait in pastel by Kim Blair

Suzanne Allard

(14"x11" pastel on gessoed w.c. paper)

I've known my good friend Suzanne for over 30 years!

It's amazing how time flies. When I first came to Alberta Suzanne and I shared a townhouse for a couple of years. Now we make sure to schedule time to get together for tea ever month or so in order to catch up, share ideas, and dreams.

It feels so easy to talk with Suzanne because she enjoys listening as well as sharing, which makes our conversations a joy!

I painted her portrait to celebrate her birthday which falls on the 17th of this month.

Happy Birthday Suzanne !

Her creative spirit and love of design are two essential ingredients for her profession as an Interior Designer.

If you are looking for an interior designer who will actively listen to your needs, whether residential or commercial, I would highly recommend you contact my good friend Suzanne:

Her website is: 'Suzanne Allard Licensed Interior Design'

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Sisters...by Kim Blair

Zoe with her portrait

Mya with her portrait

I thought you might like to see these two talented sisters, Zoe and Mya, holding their portraits.

Although I am not posting regularly at the moment I am painting... for an upcoming portrait exhibition scheduled for early next spring. Of course I will keep you posted on the details closer to the event, but for now I wanted you to know why my blog posts have been sporadic.

There are a few more people I promised to paint for the blog over the next few months so stay tuned.

:0)

The upcoming portrait exhibition will consist of 45 portraits (26 painted so far) plus a 'surprise' element to be displayed next to each portrait.

Don't you love surprises!

;)

Zoe with a bit of Frida... by Kim Blair

Zoe

(14"x11" pastel on gessoed 300 lb. w.c. paper)

Zoe is a talented young dancer who enjoys expressing herself through ballet, tap and jazz classes.

My friend Christine, who commissioned this portrait, inspired Zoe's interest in Frida Kahlo... which is why I added the flowers in her hair and changed her hoodie into a peasant style blouse with a bit of colourful trim.

Zoe and Mya, who was my previous blog post, are sisters. Both girls now have a pastel portrait of themselves... gifts from our mutual friend Christine.

Thanks Christine!

A smile to brighten your day...

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Day of the Dead... by Kim Blair

Mya

(14"x11" pastel on gessoed 300 lb. w.c. paper)

Halloween is that special day of the year when we get to express ourselves by creating a unique look. Mya enjoys The Day of the Dead theme and chose it as her costume for Halloween last fall. My friend Christine commissioned me to paint Mya in her favourite costume as a surprise gift ... so of course I said yes! The photo Christine sent instantly inspired me.

You can tell 'M' has a theatrical spirit by the way she portrays the drama of her costume. This mighty little spirit enjoys swimming, Taekwondo, and plays the Ukulele!

Looks like 'M' has inspired this chalk artist...

:0)

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Double Double...by Kim Blair

Jacquie with her portrait

John with his portrait

Jacquie and John agreed to pose with their portraits so I could snap a few photos. John commented that the reference photo used to create his portrait was taken when his beard was 'a bit more groomed' than it is now... 5 months later.

Next time you are at the 'The Old Strathcona Market' here in Edmonton stop by their pottery booth Aven-Hill Pottery and say hi!