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This blog entry expands upon an article in my recent e-newsletter focusing on my work with some of the dancers of Richmond Ballet, the State Ballet of Virginia, specifically company dancers Maggie Small and Thomas Garrett.  To read more of the backstory, I've included a link to the e-newsletter at the bottom of the page. 

The process began with photo references taken in their home during two separate sessions.  We photographed dozens of poses, and from these I chose some primary references to create a painting back in my studio .  The painting process stretched out over sixty hours, between Novemeber 2012 and February 2013.

Below, you will see some stages in the evolution of Maggie and Tommy's painting.  

On the Mend: Maggie Small & Thomas Garrett of Richmond Ballet, Post-Performance

Oil on canvas, 24"x24" 2013

Maggie was on the cover of Dance magazine in September 2012.  Any follower of Richmond Ballet may have noticed my reference to the magazine cover in my painting, framed and on the wall between the windows.  This was an artistic liberty I wanted to include in the painting, so I had Tommy hold up the magazine in the general area of the wall, snapped this shot, and then reimagined it in the painting as a framed image on their wall (see detail from painting, below).

The icepacks most dancers use have velcro straps for easy attachment, but I doubted this would communicate very easily in the painting.  A quick trip to Discount Medical Supply on the Boulevard resulted in my finding the kind of ice pack I remembered growing up, a classic bag-design with a plastic screw top, and I think this more recognizable silhouette "reads" well in the painting.

Below, you will see some progress photos focusing on the painting of Tommy's face, moving from initial loose color masses, later refined into more specific facial features.  

I am one of five artists calling themselves Hang Five---Beth Marchant, Loryn Brazier, Nancy Mauck, Tom Wise, and myself---working exclusively with the company, creating Richmond Ballet themed paintings to be displayed in the Studio Theatre during Leap Week, a city-wide celebration of the State Ballet of Virginia.  50% of sales during the exhibit (close to one month) will benefit Richmond Ballet.  My painting of the talented performers Maggie Small and Tommy Garrett will be part of our exhibit.

Click here to read the backstory on working with Maggie and Tommy in my e-newsletter