Texas Gals in Parade Formation

Here's another in my Seguin Parade series. I actually paintied this once twice. It was up for bid in last year's ArtsFest silent auction and there were a couple of people who bid on it. The one who did not get the winning bid later contacted me and commissioned me to paint it again. 

I am showing it as it sat at the ArtsFest auction. As you can see, it was also used as the poster image for ArtsFest 2016. 

ArtsFest is coming up again, March 4th, to be exact. I will have another painting from my Seguin parade series for sale, so if you want to be first in line to own it for your very own, make sure you get your tickets for the Celebrarte evening gala. Tickets are $25 each and I can promise you they are well worth it. There will be live music and great food, complimentary souvenier wine glasses and lots of wonderful local art on display and for sale. I hope to see you there!

Megan

Here is an example of an unfinished portrait. I took a couple of small canvas boards with me on a trip to see the grandkids and painted when they worked on their craft projects. Megan is supposed to be holding a clarinet. I may go back someday and finish this, or not…I kind of like the less detailed abstractive quality of it.

Just Daddy and Me

You can see it in his eyes. He loves his daddy. I don't know what they were talking about. That doesn't even matter. I just know they love each other.

A Texas Gal, Class of 2016

Cowboy boots, Texas A&M, cut-offs and a sweet-heart necklace…the important things in life according to this graduating senior.

My Son and His Daughter

Photos are a great way to record special moments; there's no debate about that. I can't explain why, using any facts or figures, just gut reaction, to my contention that a painting can add so much feeling and interpretation to a special moment. Such is the case with this snapshot. I several pictures of my son holding his brand-new baby. I loved the simplicity of him, dressed in a tee shirt and jeans, and his daughter simply wrapped in a soft, white blanket. Yet, when I painted the scene, somehow, more emotion and drama were revealed. By the way, this is my very favorite of all my painting. I haven't given it to my son yet. Someday, but not today.

Senior Portrait in the Bluebonnets

Graduation is a time of completion and a time of promise. Kids really don't have a clue about what is ahead of them as  full-fledged adults. If they did, they probably wouldn't have such a happy look on their faces. It's not that I am cynical…we all know that being grown-up is tough. Thank goodness for the transitional time of fun and joy. I pray God's blessing on this young woman as she grows in wisdom and knowledge.

The Very Beginning…My First Portrait

Here's my very first attempt at portraiture.
I had no idea plaid is such a complicated pattern.
No one told me fingers are such complex structures.
Skin tones? Why, they must be pink, I am sure…(hahaha, NOT!)

With all the things I did not know, what I did know was that I had a wonderful time working things out. Here is the exact moment I moved from thinking photography was the only way I had to express myself artistically. I knew I am never going to be Michelangelo or Rembrandt. That's okay. I will be the very best Nancy Kissiar that there ever has or will be.
Life is such a fun adventure, and definitely full of surprises.

 Just for comparison, here is a painting I did several years after my very first portrait. Yea! I can see growth and improvement. I share this because I hope you will go out and do something new. Something you know is difficult, something that takes years to get "right." Go ahead. Do it. Who cares if it isn't as good as someone elses's work. Do it, do it a lot. Work at it. Read about it. Talk to others who do it. Practice, practice, practice. I promise you will improve.