Wedding Portrait Painting

I have become somewhat fixated lately with painting romanticized Polaroid snapshots.  Perhaps it has to do with the sense of nostalgia one feels when seeing a Polaroid picture.  I know I used to love playing with my Polaroid camera. The instant gratification received and the cool look of the images was priceless.   These dreamy childhood memories are now sparking my creativity ~ the latest of which is painted portraits.

Inspiration for my first portrait painting came from a "Save the date" engagement picture.  The bride is our good friends daughter, therefore we are quite fond of this cute couple.
 

I wanted to create a keepsake for the bride and groom to commemorate their special occasion, and thought a Polaroid painting would be perfect.

For my process, I taped off a square in the center of a piece of 5x4 inch acid free, cold press paper, then drew their portrait and painted it with acrylics.  After removing the tape I painted the edges white and coated the entire piece with a gloss varnish to seal and  protect my work.
 

 Although I didn't include their names and wedding date, I think prints from a custom Polaroid painting would make unique "Save the date" cards, or fun thank you cards.

 

I hope the couple is pleased with the outcome of their painted Polaroid Portrait!

If you'd like to have an image made into a Portrait, visit my shop here.   If you have any ideas for more Polaroid portraits and want to share them with me, please feel free!

In my Studio

Working on another surf inspired Polaroid painting.

The Inspiration:

 The original photo taken last week shows my husband heading out into the early morning surf.  I love the bright reflection of sunlight off of his arm and surfboard!

  

The Painting:

The photo inspired painting in process.   I am working with acrylics on a piece of 4 x 5 inch cold press paper in which I taped off a square before painting so the finished work resembles a Polaroid.

 

A close up view of my work as I try to recreate the reflective quality of sunlight.  Hoping to have this painting finished today and listed in my shop tomorrow.

Please, don't be afraid to leave a friendly critique - on my painting, not my husband :)

Autumn Surf

 Last week I brought my camera along for an early morning bike ride/surf check with my husband.  Autumn along our coast is delightful, especially when the sun is just peaking up over the horizon and the beach is relatively quiet.  As my husband surfed I was able to capture a couple of nice photos which proved to be inspirational for a new Polaroid painting series.

AUTUMN SURF POLAROID PAINTINGS

 The peaceful nature of this man captured my attention as he fished patiently along the shore.  I love the way the early morning sunlight reflected off the water and the fisherman.

After deciding this same spot was as good as any, my husband headed out to join a few surfers already in the water.

 The photo that inspired this painting was too perfect not to paint.  As they look off into the distance for an incoming swell it seems as if they're saluting the sun, or a naval ship that can often be seen along our horizon.

Meanwhile, more surfers peddled along the boardwalk with surfboards in tow, checking out different surf breaks before paddling out themselves.

Other surfers, who were out in the water much earlier, called it a day and headed back home. You have to admit, not a bad way to start the day - whether you're a fisherman, a surfer, or just a girl happy to catch it all on film!

If you'd like more information on these paintings,  please click here

New Surf Paintings

Inspired by photo's taken during the recent Hurricane swell.

 Painted with acrylics onto 4x5 inch acid free, cold press paper, and made to look like a series of Polaroid pictures.

 Surf Check Polaroid Painting

The surf along the east coast of Virginia is usually not much to talk about, therefore whenever we get a hurricane swell the air hums with excitement. With the recent surge of hurricanes I was able to capture a few good images of local surfers. These images inspired my new collection of Polaroid surf paintings. This of which is the first I've finished and have listed in my shop. Be sure to check back as more paintings will be coming - and hopefully, more good surf!
Have a great weekend.