Ben and I took a day trip to Lake Frierson here in Arkansas. I painted (this) while he did some fishing. After a while, he called me over to ‘look at something’. When I got to the bank, he got down on one knee, pulled out a little white box and popped -the question-. What a moment. This painting is filled with so much emotion, just like that day; very fitting.
Little 9×7″ pretty lady in high detail. I started this one a little differently, by starting with a pthalo blue under-painting and featuring the primary colors.
I absolutely loved this project.
For this project we did a full photoshoot. From those photos, the family selected a favorite (which was actually my favorite too) for the portrait. The eyes are captivating.. and huge!
Hand Painted Bracelet of Downtown Paragould
The new MOCA Arkansas had a unique fundraiser to benefit the contemporary art museum that will soon be located in Paragould, hopefully downtown. They asked local artists to paint wooden bracelets to be auctioned off at a private viewing of their collection. There was also a small contest for best bracelet.
I wanted to do something that would represent Paragould and my miniature paintings, of course the downtown landscape came to mind.
Seersucker and Linen was a unique event featuring big hats, croquet, Bourbon punch and the auction of our bracelets. I have to say a lot of work went into all the bracelets features. Jim Porterfield, an artist from Jonesboro’s bracelet was a particular standout.
I was honored to win the bracelet contest and $100 – thanks MOCA!
For more pics, click the link below.
I am proud to announce my newest painting, Bathing Beauty. Oil on 16″x20″ stretched canvas.
Bathing Beauty by Mandy Maxwell
This painting felt like a great accomplishment to complete. I worked with a very limited and specific color palette of complimentary colors, plus white. It was quite an experience and I think the result turned out even better than the photograph.
Original photograph taken by me with my friend Jen modeling. We had her in my bathtub with with flower petals and limbs with giant thorn clusters (not in this picture, however).
Base drawing of Bathing Beauty
I have got to force myself into the habit of blogging more.
This was painted for my wonderful Mother for Christmas 2013. It is me and her from a photograph she loves. It is now hanging in the entry way of her house in a beautiful white frame.
The faces were fun and … that lacy shadow.. was fun to paint!
Finished this new watercolor painting last night. It is inspired by the canoeing trips we have taken down the Buffalo River here in Arkansas. It is 8×10 and already has a home in our newly-redecorated bathroom. I really like how it turned out (much better in person) and plan on doing more paintings inspired by our travels in the future.
These unique rock formations are massive (can you spot the 3 kids playing on the rocks?). Floating by these gorgeous old walls is an experience unlike any other.
Ms Mini watercolor for my aunt for Christmas. Thought I’d share a few photos.
