Art by Mary Rochelle Burnham

Michigan Couple , Oil, 18x24" Sold When I moved to Arizona in July, I brought this piece to finish for a couple back in Michigan. I have included photos of my progression from start to finish. I worked entirely from photos provided by the clients. I did a sketch that I had approved first. Then, I used Photoshop to make a photo composite that became my main reference. Photo composite created in Photoshop I made a 3" grid on my reference and transferred as a sketch to my canvas. I like to work freehand.  I had marked off an extremely light grid with soft vine charcoal. the brush removed the majority of it as I worked loosely and quickly. Light, loose wash with burnt sienna. Applied a warm ground to create unity and a middle value. Beginning to lay in local color and value. Starting to refine the faces. Made the decision to get rid of the shadow between the heads. Detailing the faces, adjusting the background and clothing. Added some c...

Portrait of Hayden, Oil, 16x20" SOLD "Portrait of Hayden" is a recent commission that I delivered a couple of weeks ago. Hayden's grandmother was very specific about how she wanted her grandson portrayed. She was a joy to work with and loved the finished portrait. This gorgeous antique frame was what she chose to have the artwork displayed in. I love the blend of the past, present and future. On this note, my husband and I are about to embark on our new journey. We were both born and raised in Michigan, lived our lives here with our families and now, we are on the cusp of moving lock, stock and barrel to Sedona, Arizona. We will be heading out at the end of the month and have been working on selling all that we will not be taking with us. At this juncture of our lives, we are downsizing and simplifying. Who thought it would be so much work? Unfortunately, it does not give me much time to paint, so please understand if my posting is scarce until we settle. I so ...

Anne, Pastel, 16 x 12" SOLD This is a portrait, commissioned by Anne's grandmother, a lovely lady who lives many miles away from her beloved granddaughter. All she had were a couple of snapshots and small school photos. I told her I would do my best. Here is the primary reference that I used: My requirements given to me for the commission were to use pastel, make the face three quarters and the hair long. I used a sheet of steel gray Canson Mi-Teintes pastel paper. I used the dimpled side of the paper to give the piece some interesting texture. This girl's personality looked so vivacious that I used strong bright colors in the hope to capture it. Grandmother loved it and will be shipping it after framing!