Latest Commission: December Birthday painting..



Georgie and Mom
8 by 10
Watercolor
by Linda L Martin



I have never done a lot of art with humans as the subject.Mainly because animals have been my passion. I have done a total of two people portraits not including the required self portraits when in art school  a good 30 years ago. It requires a good photo image, a keen eye and a skilled hand to have a painting that is anywhere near the likenss of the person. And in my case it  also requires the grace of God that the person for whom the portrait is pleased with the work.

Each time I paint a painting with a living breathing person it is the same for me. I muster every bit of courage in the midst of trepidation and press into the frey of creativity to complete what I hope will be a kindly rendering of the person and  that doesnt offend anyone, especially the subject in question.



Close up of Georgie



So last eveing, with a good deal of fan fare and excitment, I  delivered the proof to the  new ower of "Georgie and Mom", wishing that I could see her face and her reaction. Seperated by the miles the delight at the painting electrified the phone lines with joy as I listened to her open the email and exclaim in ooohs and ahs how wonderful it is and how cute. This trepid path I wandered of human rendering turned into delight and joy, an opportunity to bless. It humbles me each time such a challenge presents its self and no one is disappointed.

I hope the remainder of my commissions for this Holiday Season meet with the same response. They will have to wait to be viewed until after Christmas, as they are surprizes and some of those receiving them are on FaceBook and the net. However, here I can share with you  " Georgie and Mom".

If you would be interested in a Watercolor pet portrait plase contact me at  contact@llmartin.com put "commission" in the subject line.

Oh Christmas Tree: Interesting things I find and Memories.

 Tonight I was searching for gazebos to inspire me for a sketch I need for a commission. And wonder of wonders this amazing cake did appear in my google search. It sure did bring back memories.


Close up of Cake Central
Gazebo Tree.



When I was a little girl my mother had time to decorate cakes. This was before Sister #3 was born. She had this one cake she made one Christmas that was  very simple snow icing and a beautiful decorated Christmas tree made of icing and sprinkles and nonpareils. I don't remember what flavor the cake was or even eating it but I remember being there and watching her make it.

She daubed each little drop of green on the round cone that made the tree while the cake cooled. Then she layered and iced the cake. Mom made the icing using vegetable Crisco, pure vanilla and powdered sugar. And a tiny drop or two of water. 



Gazebo Christmas Tree I found on
Cake Central. It takes moms little
Christmas Tree to the next level.
You can see it here:
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_725.html



The final touch was to add the decorated icing Christmas tree and then to put a nice green icing boarder around the  top and bottom edge of the cake.  This is one of my many favorite memories of Christmas. It wasn't the lights, the music, the gifts, the pageants at church, although all of that was important. It was the fact my mom and dad always did Christmas with us. It was a family thing. We learned, shared, experienced everything with love sprinkled on top. May be that is the reason I love Christmas. It about giving love. 

We Celebrate the ultimate gift of love  at Christmas time; that of Christ coming to bring that love, that reconciliation, unconditional, unbounded, forgiven before we were even born Love that is the total reconnection to God. My greatest joy at Christmas is spending time with  my family and giving to them.  God's Greatest joy is spending time with us and giving us his Son. Pretty awesome I think.

So call me a pagan heretic if  you want but that Christmas tree in my past and in my life now is the past, present, and future promise of what love has done in my life. Christmas trees always point to heaven and that's how it should be. =0)
"For if I am silent, even the rocks and trees, all of nature, will cry out that Jesus Christ is Lord"
Merry Christmas!

Studio Frame Shop LLC in Warrenton, VA Sale until Dec 31st



Beautifully Framed Art and Reproductions grace the
elegant staircase and landing leading up to the main
frame and materials show room at
Studio Frame Shop LLC in Warrenton, Va

 Come see my Original Paintings in the Studio Frame Shop LLC in Warrenton, Virginia


As I was growing up in small town rural Virginia I noticed an over looked trend. The old paint shops diversified as their communities grew. In addition to house paint and caulking they began to carry a wide variety of artists supplies and services including framing and display. This trend has carried over in some Historic Communities such as Warrenton Virginia.

The Studio Frame Shop LLC is one such venue that carries a wide variety of professional artists supplies and provides the community with the highest quality of framing and display services. They are located in the upper level of the Paint Shop right across Alexandria Pike from Horse Country Saddlery.


My original Fox In The Woods painting
graces the fox hunting art display
along with reproductions of the
 Warrenton Hunt Hounds and a Herring.


Owning a business like this was just moving up to the next level for Sissy Holtzclaw and her partner and friend, Sherri Shamburg. The two met while working in the old Ben Franklins in Warrenton; where Sissy taught Sherri how to frame. This art and framing shop in Old Town Warrenton is more than just a typical artist’s store and frame shop; they take it to the next level with gallery framing, original work from local artists and high quality reproductions framed and ready for display.

I first heard of these two entrepreneur women when I discovered that they had been framing a lot of my miniature work that had sold locally. When they discovered that I was still local and that I had larger works they invited me to exhibit in their shop. They would provide the framing and the paintings would be offered to the public. That was in 2008 and I love the humor and professionalism of these two hard working women.

Currently 4 of my paintings are on display there. This is fox hunting and horse country so my work fits in nicely. In addition, several of the larger Mustang a Day Challenge paintings will be framed and offered for sle locally at the Studio Frame Shop sometime in February.

The Studio Frame Shop is opened 9 to 5 Monday to Saturday. Currently and until December 31th they are running a sale on select items as well as readymade frames and framed prints. If you are in the area enjoying the Christmas decorations or doing some shopping please stop by and say hello.

Tis the Season: Commissions for the Holidays

Regina and Alejandro
5 by 7 Inches
Acrylic on Canvas Board
by Linda L Martin (c)2010

Yes its that time of year. Finishing up Christmas Commissions for the next 2 weeks. Dogs, Cats and Horses this year. Not to mention Im working on The Mustang A Day Challenge too.

The thing about doing Christmas Commissions is that one must usually wait until after the Holiday to post such works. Fortunately, I have one client that has agreed to let me share the portrait I just finished last week of her beautiful Andalusian horse and herself. Seriously, I dont paint many people, but I was happy to make the effort. Thankfully, it turned out quite flattering for all involved. Thank you Regina for letting me share with everyone. Here is Regina and Alejandro ( Very Beautiful Names too =0))