Soccer Practice -Paint Party Friday

I have posted this acrylic painting before, but it was quite awhile ago and it was so colorful and cheery I couldn't resist sharing it with you again. The players are all on their backs, passing the soccer ball to one another in the air.  The combination of colorful socks, action and that soccer ball, make for a fun view.  It is also interesting to figure out which legs belong together.  This painting is the size of a small window--at least four feet across. 

My inspiration is a wonderful photograph taken years ago, by my younger brother Mark, who is a photojournalist from The Dalles, located in Oregon's scenic Columbia Gorge.

I've watched him taking pictures at a crowded event.  My brother seems to blend in, moving like a soft footed lion, quietly speaking with the folks he photographs.  He's a gentle giant. I'm very proud of him--his photos are pure magic.

Here is a peek into my sketchbook.  Another likeness of my sweet Friend Melissa.  She is such a dear.  I especially liked how the border came out.  I love drawing borders -- to figure out what would look best is so much fun.  For me, adding a border is like frosting on the cake.

Above you can see my reference photo.  This is Emily and Melissa -- two wonderful young ladies whom I am pleased and honored to call friends. 

Have a lovely day, sweet Friends!  Happy Paint Party Friday!

Soccer Practice

This piece is very large, almost four feet across! I used acrylic paints to replicate the brilliance of color in the original source photograph.

The inspirational photo was shot by my younger brother Mark, a photojournalist for The Dalles daily newspaper in Oregon. He has a trick of catching the most ordinary of things, in the most extraordinary manner.

When he was a young man, one might find him motionless with his camera, sometimes waist deep in pond water, patiently hiding in the rushes, to capture a closeup of an unsuspecting wood duck, or capturing the well-defined wrinkles on an old man's face. Mark's writing and photography are unique. He once spent time as a homeless person detailing what it would be like to live without. In my opinion, his inspirational writing and incredibly creative photography should grace the National Geographic.

In his unique photo, Mark caught the local team at practice. The players were lying on their backs, passing the soccer ball from one set of feet to the next. The shifting colors of socks, shoes and soccer ball against the vivid grass and the sheer movement and unusual composition of the piece, moved me to paint what my brother saw with his camera.

You can visit Mark's wonderful new photo blog by visiting Voyage of discovery, by Mark the Canoeing Photojournalist  You won't be sorry you did!