Custom Painting Giveaway

As a Thank You to all of my readers and followers on my Facebook page, I am having a giveaway!  Enter to win below via Rafflecopter.  The winner will receive one 8" x 10" oil pastel painted from your photograph.

The drawing will be held Thursday, January 15th.  Here are a few examples of my oil pastel paintings...

 

I'm excited to start the New Year, since most of 2013 I took time off from painting (except for a few commissions).  I rested during my pregnancy and after my son was born in October.  After a few months to adjust to life with two children, I am ready to get painting again!  Here's to a productive 2014 full of art, travel, and happiness!

Thank you for reading,

Bethany

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Texas Ranch

"Texas Ranch"
oil pastel on paper
12" x 16"
commission

Another holiday commission to share!  The family ranch in Texas, painted from their photograph (see below).

reference picture

I took out some of the smaller details, like the pool railing and table to keep it simple.  I liked the colors that came out in the final painting.  The loose quality in the trees is my favorite part of the painting.  See the progression from a pastel sketch, to alcohol wash, to the oil pastel:

Thank you for reading!  

Bethany

Two Shepherds

"Niko and Raynas"
oil pastel on paper
11" x 14"
commission

Here is another holiday commission.  These sweet German Shepherds are service animals and love to help people!  

This was a surprise gift for their Daddy.  They work together at the Army hospital and retirement homes.  What a special brother-sister team they make!

I was especially honored to paint these incredible animals.  The colors came naturally and just seem to pop out of the photograph for me!

Thank you for reading!

Bethany

Lake View

"Lake View"
oil pastel on board
12" x 16"
commission

One of the holiday commissions I can share now.  Three sisters wanted to give Mom a painting of her favorite lake view.  This was fun working on, and they were really open to my interpretation!  

I would love to wake up to this view in my back yard every morning.

Thanks for reading!

Bethany

Costa Rica Commission

"Costa Rica"

acrylic on canvas

14" x 18" 

commission

A recent commission I finished based on the client's image.  A gift for their friends who just returned from a Costa Rica honeymoon...a great wedding gift!

This painting is a prime example of how great photos make for great paintings.  Not all photos make for lovely paintings, and this is why I don't accept all commission requests.  I always want to be sure that I can create a successful painting.

Thank you for reading!
Bethany

Just off the Easel: Late Afternoon Ride

"Late Afternoon Ride"
24" x 30"
acrylic on canvas
commission

It's challenging to work from a black and white image, but a great practice and very freeing.  Definitely takes me longer to create, though!  Honored to be able to paint this boy and his Grandpa. Now the boy is grown and will have a reminder of time spent on his grandparents' farm.

reference photo

Thank you for reading!

Bethany

Wedding Church Commission

Going to the Chapel
11" x 14"
oil pastel on Pastelbord
commission

A bride-to-be commissioned this painting of the church where they will get married in October.  We added some fall color to the trees, since she took the photo in mid-summer.  This is her wedding gift for the groom (though once she received it, she couldn't wait to show him!).  The church is a historic site located in Stratford, Connecticut.

For more information on commissions, see my Etsy shop or message me at bethany@bethanybryantart.com ! My schedule is filling up for the holiday season, currently into November.  

Thank you for reading!

Bethany

Beach Boys Commission

A recent commission painted in oil pastels from a client's photo...

Beach Boys
9" x 12"
oil pastel on paper
commission

progress picture sent to client

reference photo from client

For information and more examples of the types of commissions I paint, see the Custom Portrait and Custom Landscape sections of my Etsy shop.

Thanks for reading!

Bethany

Commission progress and decisions

Quick post with an update on the commission study. Still deciding on colors for grasses!  This study doesn't have to be perfect, just a roadmap for the larger 24" x 30" painting. The study is 16" x 20" acrylic on canvas.

current snapshot
reworked grasses, background, upper right

8/7/2012

 Here are some of the stages of the painting so far:

8/6/2012

getting paint onto canvas
deciding on colors
8/4/2012

lay out image in vine charcoal
starting with red canvas
8/4/2012

WIP: Commission using black and white photo

This is a study for a 24" x 30" commission.  We only have a black and white photo as reference.  It is liberating to choose any colors, but at the same time challenging!

commission study
16" x 20"
acrylic on canvas

reference  photo

I have to resolve a few areas before we proceed with the larger painting.  I have to change some colors and define the upper right area above the fence.  I need to go back in all over and refine a little bit, add a little more detail to the faces, horse, and the fence.  

Stay tuned for more progress on this piece! Thanks for reading.

Bethany

Just off the Easel: Bouncing Baby Boy

Here's a recent commission.  This is the second grandchild of hers that I have been fortunate enough to paint!    

"Baby Nathanael"
oil pastel on paper
8" x 10"
commission

I have another recent commission to share soon, and I am busy working on a larger acrylic commission painting.

For more information on having a custom painting done, see the Commissions tab of this site and my Custom Landscapes and Custom Portraits sections on Etsy.  Now is the time to get on my schedule for the holidays!

Stay tuned and thanks for reading,
Bethany 

Father's Day Commission

Father's Day
18" x 24"
oil pastel on Pastelbord

I was recently asked to create a painting of a Father on the beach with three young boys.  There weren't any photos to use for reference.  She couldn't find anyone to take on the painting, and this was such an important project. One of the boys passed away and this painting would be a special reminder of him.  I knew I had to help.

Here are some images to show the process:

reference image purchased from iStockphoto

sketch of idea for the figures

the small sketch sent to client for approval

laying down the underpainting in Nupastel

after painting the Nupastel with alcohol

first layers of oil pastel
(and reference sketch)

close to being finished

finished!

I am so thankful to be a part of this tribute to a Father and his sons.   Happy Father's Day.

Thank you for reading!

Bethany

Beautiful Baby Boy

I can finally share this baby portrait commission.  It was being delivered to his Mommy this weekend in Chicago!

oil pastel on paper
8" x 10"
commission

Thanks for reading!
Bethany