Here is a step-by-step oil painting progression. 
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1) After pencil sketching on a 9x12 canvas panel, I start with the focal point. For this painting the focus is the head and shoulders.

2) I paint the shapes of dark and light. Looking only at shapes right now and not at all interested in detail.

It's all about choices!  Decisions have to be made constantly throughout a painting.

3) At this point I have put in a dark background to show the highlights. I chose to go dark with the background, but I could have gone light.

4) Within the tulle of her skirt, dark shapes have to go first to add the structure or foundation. Then mid tone shapes are added followed by light highlights and detail. The final focal is the emphasis of light shining on her legs and tulle skirt. So those shapes are strengthened.

​I hope you enjoyed this progression.

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In this book, the author tells the story of how Sargent created this beautiful painting, Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, during a very low point in his career. 

This period of time was soon after the unveiling of the infamous portrait painting of Madame Guatreau---soon to be called Madame X because of the scandal of her dress strap falling off her shoulder (that's a whole other blog post).   After the scandal, Sargent actually considered hanging up his palette and brushes!!

The distraught Sargent sought a safe haven in the English countryside where he spent the summer among friends, artists, and writers, escaping the stuffy Paris Salon. Sargent nursed his wounds and thought over his next career move.

One evening at twilight he had watched some children lighting paper lanterns hung between rose bushes in a garden. With new inspiration he recreated the scene outdoors in a garden, having children pose for him during the 20 or so minutes of delicate twilight each evening. 

​To capture the beautiful, transient light, he painted this outdoors on the grounds of his friends estate. He continued painting from August through November, 1885. Cold weather arrived before he was able to finish the painting. He continued off and on until 1887.
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When it was finally finished and exhibited it was proclaimed a masterpiece! It hangs today in the Tate Gallery in London.

This story fascinates me, offering a window into this particular moment in Sargent's life.
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My drawing, Intermission II, was selected for this exhibit. I am pleased and honored to be a part of Lindenwood's outstanding exhibit which includes so many talented artists. The pieces selected for the exhibit were curated by Senior Professor of Art & Design, John Troy of Lindenwood University. 23 pieces were chosen from the Galleries at Heartland Art Club (formerly OA Gallery). 

His brother's reaction was equally adorable.

It was a happy experience for all.

Contact Marie to commission a portrait of your child.

  
2020 Art Classes offered at my Lake St. Louis location, include student's choice of media - pastel painting, oil painting and charcoal/graphite drawing.  
​Here are progress photos of student's work from classes in a variety of media.
Students can choose their own subject reference in order to feel a connection with the subject. 
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Beautiful pastel paintings!

Oil painting in progress. Gorgeous color!

Here is a graphite & charcoal drawing getting some finishing touches.
Lovely!

TAKE AN ART CLASS WITH MARIE DONATO
 Check out Marie's Art Class Info Page
​Join the Fun!




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2019 marks my 20th year creating portraits for the St. Louis Blues management and team, celebrating their special achievements and to celebrate their little ones.

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You know, my favorite part being an artist is all the interesting and wonderful people that I have been blessed to meet! 

These are a few of the many portraits I was fortunate to create.
Thank you St. Louis Blues Management and Team!  
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​Enjoy this amazing time!
Congratulations Stanley Cup Winners!!

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Original Pastel Painting
by Marie Donato
26" x 35"
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The clouds are what enticed me to paint this scene. One thing about the Midwest is the remarkable four seasons. Even though it is spring now this painting reminds me of the clouds we can have in any of our dramatic seasons. It is spectacular to see the moon in a day lit sky.

View the original of this pastel painting at OA Gallery in Kirkwood, Missouri. 

It is common to be too tight and focused on details EARLY ON.

​Ironically being LOOSE in the beginning will actually improve the final details in your drawing. 

​You do not have to dread the blank sheet of paper in front of you. Here are some ways to help you relax and enjoy drawing. 

Be loose and very general with your beginning pencil lines, make a soft suggestion of where the eyes and face will be.

Remember that all of these soft lines will be covered up with future mark making and shading. So don't worry about messing up.

Why? Sometimes a pencil point or line can be too restrictive. Powdered graphite is easier to put down broad, loose, value shapes of darks.

Please don't be afraid to get your dark shadows in, because again future marks will go on top.

​No ... the second photo above isn't darker than the photos to the right.  You may think I lightened some of the eye area, I didn't.  

​What I did was go darker with the eyebrow, lidline, and lashline. It's just an optical illusion. Those darker marks make the values before it look lighter.

Have fun and enjoy drawing.

Are you interested in drawing tips and classes? Current Class Information here.
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Starting a new drawing can be very intimidating.  Here are three tips to get you started. 

No details ... at least in the beginning. Details are the fun part, I know. I understand the desire to want to start with them, but save them for later. You need your foundation first. Keep your drawing soft and loose.

Step back, LOOK at your subject or photo, and find the overall direction of the figure, and then draw directional lines for a guide.  Next, find your largest shapes. Look for circles, ovals, rectangles, whatever shapes you see in your subject. Progress to smaller shapes from there.

Draw with a light line using a soft lead pencil. I usually start with a #2 school type pencil or a softer lead, like a 6B drawing pencil.  You'll sketch many lines in the beginning because you are exploring your subject and getting to know it. Do not expect to put down the exact marks in the beginning. Be kind to yourself and have fun sketching!

Okay 1) Skip the details, at first. 2) Get the overall angle of your figure and identify the largest shapes you see to the smaller ones. 3) Use a soft pencil, very loosely to explore your subject.

Have fun drawing!

Subscribe to my Studio Notes, for more drawing tips.
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People are often curious as to how a portrait starts and progresses. Sometimes I'll show video clips of a portrait progression on Facebook. I also like to sketch live so that people who might be interested in a portrait can watch a little bit of the process. As part of the team at OA Gallery I have the opportunity, sometimes to sketch while at the gallery.  It's a great perk and fun way to catch up on some portrait drawings. Stop by the gallery for a visit.

Contact Me to find out when I'll be at the gallery next.