Well I actually completed a painting this year, just not the one I started last year. Some will ask “Are you ok?”, “What’s with you doing a painting of him?”

Well…I was asked to. Now I probably know every song by him. Pretty much my whole life this man was in the spotlight and a household name. Love him, or hate him you can not deny he was very talented and changed the entire music industry, next to Elvis. I must admit some songs I enjoy, I never cared for his personal life, always thought he was very strange, maybe that much talent makes someone that way.

Michael - ©2010 ChrisVodnik.com

So I was asked to do a portrait for a friend’s child who really loves his music and him.

I thought black and white would fit the mood in this portrait. So I worked with a palette of 5 basic colors. I am not sure why but I love to paint in black and white. I had to work with photos which was a challenge because photos never give you what real life can. I prefer either live or photos I take so I can have the lighting and pose the way I want it. I took no money for the portrait, it was a gift and I hope the owner will enjoy it while listening to her favorite singer.

Well to make sure that I actually accomplish another painting this year I sat down and sketched out my three favorite things in life along with my other favorite thing, the beach. Since it has been snowing and cold perhaps its the best time to paint a beach scene. This day was a fun time in Newport Beach, perfect sunny day with lots of sand. I took a ton of photos of my family playing in the sand and committed to memory the idea for the painting. Since children do not sit still for more than a second I put together the scene from several photos.

Sea Breeze Sketch

Sea Breeze-First Sitting

Sea Breeze-Second Sitting