Some Palette Knife Demos...

Yup, it was a great six week teaching session. Thanks to all my wonderful students and the amazing models who sat for my class. I couldn't have done it without you - or my palette knife.

We covered just about everything from how to paint the figure, fabric, and florals, all around the big four, drawing/design, values, edges and color.

The next semester is full. Join me in July?

New Museum Portrait Show Coming Up...

Honored to be a judge today at the Museum of Ventura County's upcoming "Face to Face- A Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Portraiture" show, July 11 - September 13 2015. Stay tuned.

Capturing a Great Man and True Friend

The world has lost a wonderful man, writer/director Mr. Paul Almond, O.C. I was honored to paint his portrait about 14 years ago after he was awarded The Order of Canada, the highest civilian honor. Many good times followed. We became friends along with his lovely photographer wife Joan. Mr. Almond's portrait now hangs in The Paul Almond Center, Canada.

He will be greatly missed by myself and many others who he touched with his creativity, generosity  of spirit and zest for life. Mr. Almond had just finished writing book number 12!

Read Mr. Almond's obituary in today's New York Times:

obituarynewyorktimes

I will always smile when I think of Paul and I am so glad I got to paint his portrait. The wonder of portraiture! The great people you meet.

Close-Up
Mr. Paul Almond, Order of Canada
By Johanna Spinks

Paul's portrait hanging at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art in 2002 at Malibu Art Association Show, where it won First Place. Photo:Joan Almond

One of my favorite pictures, Mr. Paul Almond at his portrait sitting. Photo:Joan Almond

On Location in Malibu Show...I'm In!

Just heard my sunshine painting "Calamigos Ranch, Malibu" has been accepted into
On Location in Malibu 2015: Paintings by the California Art Club at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art.

I have always love this show being a Malibu local and am thrilled to be in it.

EXHIBITION DATES:
May 23 – August 2, 2015

LOCATION:
Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art
Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263

Easter Roses Via A Palette Knife

I just whipped out some Easter roses with my palette knife while basting the ham. Happy Easter everyone!

"Girl Crush", My New Palette Knife Portrait

"Girl Crush In India"
Oil On Linen Board
Via Palette Knife, 16"X12"
By Johanna Spinks
NFS

Come back tomorrow to see the stages of this palette knife portrait....I was charmed by this lady I met in India, a fellow traveler. She had poise, grace, intelligence and insight. I tried to capture some of that in the palette knife portrait. Hope you like.