Ferdinand's portrait in pastels... by Kim Blair

Ferdinand

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

Ferdinand has been playing guitar for a number of years now, adding vocals a couple of years ago.

He is a dedicated musician and practices every evening, which is a real treat for me! It warms my heart knowing he is doing something that brings him so much joy, while creating a transition from his busy work day.

Music is important to Ferdinad. He finds playing guitar and singing a therapeutic and enriching experience.

Sometimes, sharing our joy with others, who appreciate creativity, is important too.
;)

Happy Birthday later this week Ferdinand! 🎂

*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.

(It may take a couple of seconds for it to load once you press play...)

Seeing Double... by Kim Blair

Gord x 2

Gord's wife, Lois, secretly purchased Gord's pastel portrait last fall so that she could have it framed as  a Christmas gift for Gord. 

On Christmas morning Gord was delighted to unwrap his smiling face, and I was delighted to receive this photo of the him holding his portrait!

Thanks Gord, for being such a good sport. It was so much fun painting your smiling face.

Carlton's portrait in pastels by Kim Blair

Carlton

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

This handsome man works in the creative field of design, both as an interior designer and fashion stylist. I remember seeing some pics of a photo session from a few years ago of my niece, Tracy, where Carlton select her outfits and styled her look...stunning results! 

Carlton has a sophisticated style that brings out the personality of the model.

Although I think quite a bit of his creative talent is innate, he mentioned that he enjoys perusing various interior design, travel, and fashion blogs for a bit of inspiration. But his big love is reading design and non-fiction books when he finds time to relax from the hustle and bustle of living in Toronto.

You never know which magazine you'll see Carlton, or one of his clients on the cover of...  

A special note to my subscribers:

*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.

Konnie's portrait in pastels by Kim Blair

Konnie

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

Living in Vernon, Konnie has a multitude of outdoor opportunities, and she takes advantage of as many of them as possible. Although she says she enjoys winter, I have a sneaking suspicion that she might enjoy the other three seasons a little bit more. Photos of her kayaking have popped up a few times on facebook, and she says how much she enjoys cycling on the new Rail Trail that runs along the lakes from Vernon to Kelowna.

Being creative is also on her list of fun things to do, and over the years I have been the lucky recipient of Konnie's hand made gift cards. Add a hot cup of coffee and a good book, and in Konnie's own words, you have the secret..."Live simple and life is good."

I vote Konnie to be the 'Poster Woman' for how to appreciate and enjoy life in Vernon.

A special note to my subscribers:

*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.

Two of my Portrait Models, by Kim Blair

Laura

Tim

My friends, Laura and Tim, surprised me with these fun photos of each of them holding a colour printout of their portrait. What a hoot... they are such good sports.

Thanks you two!
:0)


Stay tuned for more pastel portraits...

L.'s pastel portrait by Kim Blair

L.

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

Been there, done that... but not as good, I have to admit.

I bet most us have been in L.'s shoes when we were young girls. We watched our mothers apply their makeup, and secretly, (or not so secretly) we wished we could try our hand at it too. Sometimes we received a 'pretend' makeup kit as a gift... but usually everything in that kit was fake. Do you remember that glossy, plastic, red lipstick that did nothing? Such a disappointment...

Well, L. had better luck than most of us... she was given the opportunity to do her own hair and makeup...just for fun.

Add a bit, or a lot, of hair product, and Voila...you have created expressive hair.  Free access to gold, shimmering eye shadow, black mascara, pink blush and some deep pink lipstick and you have your evening look done!

I am in awe of her ability to apply all these products...at the tender age of 6.

Happy Holidays everyone!

(Posting will resume in January)

Looks like L.'s cute little face inspired this chalk artist.

A special note to my subscribers:

*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.

Brooke's portrait by Kim Blair

Brooke

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

Brooke is an Expressive Arts Practitioner, whom I met while we were both taking some courses in the expressive arts a few years ago.

She is an artist who works with various groups of people to process their joys and pains through art. Currently she is working with youth in government care and people with developmental disabilities.

The theatre is one of her many interests, and I know that she has worked both on the stage and behind the scenes... making her a multi-talented artist!

Brooke's beloved ginger cat, 'Byron' was unable to make the photo shoot for this book pose... but I found a willing, cute, 'almost' pure ginger, to fill in for him.

;)

A special note to my subscribers:

*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.