02/25/2011 ***Penny for your thoughts*** Another upholstery fabric backdrop. I think this one is a little too close to the color of her hair, even with the hair-light.

02/23/2011 ***Jon Lionetti*** Mr. Lionetti was one of the guest speakers at the youth conference in the end of January. He is best known for walking across America. I used the same technique with this portrait as I did with the image I posted yesterday. Although this looks a bit like a studio portrait, it is actually a candid taken during his workshop on stage in a very large auditorium. But it gives me ideas for studio portraiture.

02/22/2011~B~ ***Happy birthday Grandma DiCarlo!*** If feels so strange to type those words in her honor this evening. David's grandmother, Antoinette DiCarlo was born into this world 97 years ago today and this evening, she was born into heaven when she drew her last breath. I believe she was the oldest living member of the DiCarlo family which would make her our family matriarch. I only met her twice, when we joined her for her Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners at the nursing home. How absolutely beautiful she was, and so traditional. At Thanksgiving, a woman at the nursing home said a blessing over the meal. Then we all sat there knowing that something made Grandma uncomfortable. Even though I had only just met her, I think I read her soul. "I think we need to pray our traditional grace now," I announced. "I think so too," Grandma nodded. And we all began..."In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Bless us o Lord and these thine gifts...." Having recited the words that always precede DiCarlo family meals, we all began to enjoy the meal together. Grandma DICarlo, my one birthday wish for you is that tonight you hear the words "Well done my good and faithful servant!" I took this picture at Thanksgiving dinner. To honor her this evening, I reprocessed it into a B&W painting on granite texture.