Ava

Cranford, NJ

A live portrait demo of this young girl, Ava, was completed at the Artist Framer in Cranford NJ, during a week’s plein air event sponsored by this Gallery. I happened to meet Ava while painting with Tony Conner at Sperry Park, and she came over, quite excitedly, with her Mom to watch us producing our works. Ava was such an exuberant persona, with her incredible hair, that I asked her Mom if she might sit for my scheduled demo. Mom agreed (after checking me out with the gallery). This young lady was my invited subject, helped by her Mom, Julie – who made sure that Ava had a few breaks during the 2 hours or so of this watercolor. The drawing work was started on a blank sheet of Arches 140# hot press paper, after which some initial fluid watercolor washes set a direction for the palette. Both mum & daughter we’re moved by the whole experience & I made two new friends while painting plein air; which is the more gratifying aspect of the serendipity of circumstance. After seeing this finished piece, Mom Julie also bought the portrait. They will not forget the experience either, as they both told me.