Art by Mary Rochelle Burnham

Spanish Rose, 16x12", oil, available I took fourth place for my entry of "Spanish Rose" last Friday's opening at the University Club. I was very surprised as the competition was stiff. So many great pieces! So, if you have the chance, come out and see the show. It runs through April 22nd. Location: The University Club of Phoenix 39 Monte Vista Road Phoenix, Arizona 85004 Exhibition hours: Monday – Friday 9-11 AM and 2-4 PM

Black Magic Woman, 16x12", oil, available on Etsy "Black Magic Woman", is from a live painting session with our lovely model, Mia. She sat the entire session (morning and afternoon) with her beautiful 'bewitching' smile. I am so happy with the light and color on this piece, it practically glows in the dark! If you are in Phoenix this Friday, come to the opening of the Portrait Artists Of Arizona show at the University Club. I have three pieces in the show. Location: The University Club of Phoenix 39 Monte Vista Road Phoenix, Arizona 85004 Opening Reception: Friday, March 11, 2016 5:30 – 7:30 PM Awards Presentation: 6:30 PM Exhibition hours: Monday – Friday 9-11 AM and 2-4 PM Click here to go to my Etsy shop.

Lyssandra , oil, 14x11", available Today, was an 'All-Day Portrait Studio' at the Granite Reef Community Center sponsored by Portrait Artists of Arizona. Lyssandra was our beautiful young model and she is as sweet as she looks. It was hilarious how the men in the group went ga-ga over her and most were old enough to be her grandfather if not her great grandpa! Nothing inappropriate, as we all appreciate beauty, and had a great time getting together and painting.

Myself painting our model, John Today's Portrait Studio in Scottsdale Portrait Studio Come paint or draw with us!!!  Portrait Studios are a benefit of PAOA (Portrait Artists Of Arizona) membership and there is no additional cost for the model.  Portrait Studios are a great way to get to know other members, observe, and improve your portrait skills by working from life! It is also an opportunity for non-members to "check us out" before joining.  Members may invite artist friends to drop in and observe and find out more about our organization. John was our model and he was fantastic and very professional. 2013 - Portrait Studios Upcoming - MAY, JULY, AND AUGUST! MAY Saturday, May 11, 1:30pm - 5pm Granite Reef Community Center - Room 6, Art Room Map/Directions Just North of McDowell on Granite Reef JULY Saturday, July 27, 1:30pm - 5pm Granite Reef Community Center - Room 6, Art Room Map/Directions Just North of McDowell on Granite Reef AUGU...

Light of Hope , oil, 36x24" Sold I received notice that this painting and two others were accepted into the Portrait Artists of Arizona 3rd Annual Members Juried Fine Art Portrait Exhibition and Sale . There are some excellent artists in the group, including many professionals. I am honored to be included! If this painting looks familiar, my earlier blog post of "Sheer Light of Hope" is the pastel study for this piece. Ironically, it did not make it into the Arizona Pastel Artists Association  Spring 2013 Juried Show, however three other pieces did. I am very proud and honored.

Chapeau , Oil, 12x16" It feels good to work from a live model again. Yesterday, I joined the Portrait Artists of Arizona . I drove two hours to get there, but it was well worth it. We had a very lovely model and she was quite pleased with the likeness. I experimented with painting loosely and getting a heavier application of paint. As a follow up to  Fallen Firefighter , my January 5th blog, here is a photo from the Pensacola News Journal  (click to read the full story): Tony Giberson/tgiberson@pnj.com Velma Jones, center, the mother of Maurice Bartholemew, gets a better look at her son's portrait during the dedication of the new downtown library Friday morning while her grandchildren, Maurice's kids, Caleb, left, and Tiffany Bartholemew look on. A special wing of the library is dedicated in memory of Maurice Bartholemew.