Marcia and Harry ~ finishing touches and framing

"Marcia and Harry" frame treatment

"Marcia and Harry", after final touches, 3 7/8" x 3", egg tempera miniature couples portrait

Just wanted to briefly revisit the miniature portrait of "Marcia and Harry" since before I framed and shipped this out, I added a few final touches which I feel subtly improved it---a bit of additional dimension to chins and faces, plus a forgotten buttonhole on the gray jacket (small, but it's there!) It's interesting how even after I've been working on a painting so long, it often helps to see what else can be done when I have the luxury of giving it a break and can take one last look before framing. I can also report that Mom and Harry have received their portrait, and were very happy with the outcome!

I hope to return next to my Princess Kate series, this time at small work scale in 24 karat gold point. Meanwhile, feel welcome to visit my portrait blog and my website where you can see some of my larger work with commissioned and non-commissioned portraiture.

#2 in the Princess Kate series

"Princess Kate #2", 3 7/8" x 3 1/8", framed silverpoint miniature portrait (shown at it's actual size) on pink-toned museum board with egg tempera highlights, $450 on Etsy

Here is the second in my Princess Kate series of portrayals commemorating the recent royal wedding. Later today, I'll add a picture showing it's frame, which is framed with the same style of antique silver-gilded frame as Princess Kate #1.

Princess Kate - One of Several Portrayals of Her in Miniature

"Princess Kate", 3 7/8" x 3 1/8", (framed dimensions: 5 1/2" x 4 5/8"), miniature silverpoint drawing on prepared museum board in antiqued silver gilded frame, $350 on Etsy

Here is the first of several portraits of Princess Kate which I've been working on this week in silverpoint. This one is currently listed for sale on Etsy (click on the link above), and please stay tuned for another Princess Kate portrait which I hope to post tomorrow.

HRH Kate on Her Special Day

preliminary drawing for a silverpoint miniature portrait of Kate Middleton, who today becomes Her Royal Highness

In just a matter of hours, Kate Middleton will become HRH Princess Catherine! I am so excited about the Royal wedding, so I want to try a portrait of Kate. I'm already trying to picture what she may wear, and I can't wait to see her wedding gown today, -- can you?! I've read that her dress includes a nod to Princess Diana, and will be inspired by fashions from the Renaissance period. One of her jackets is a bit reminiscent of the Renaissance without the under blouse, so I've sketched that in. I thought she might wear her hair partly up and partly down. Here is a preliminary pencil drawing for a silverpoint portrait, and depending upon whether I want to include a bit of wedding apparel, this may change later today, but first I must stop to watch this historic and happy occasion. Congratulations to Kate and William!

Finished miniature portrait of Marcia and Harry

"Marcia and Harry", 3 7/8" x 3", egg tempera on true gesso panel

And here is the completed miniature portrait of my Mom and step-dad, "Marcia and Harry."

Hope they like it! To see the photo I was working from, please visit Mona Conner Portraits.

My Blog News, and Two Miniature Drawings

"Sandra at the Lotus Pond," 5" x 7", graphite on card

"Martha," 7" x 5", graphite on card

Since I need commissions at this time, my emphasis lately has been over at my portrait blog. If you haven't been watching it, or would like to help me spread the word, here is another opportunity to see what's cooking, by clicking: http://monaconnerportraits.blogspot.com. I now have email subscription capability to all of my active blogs for those who prefer receiving the latest posts via email. On my portrait blog the subscription sign-up is at the bottom, (just so you won't miss it there.)

Above are several miniature-scale drawings I've done recently to thank a few dear friends, Martha and Dwane of Charlotte, NC, and Sandy and Dwight of Trenton, NJ, who have graciously hosted me in their homes this year. It's great keeping in touch with old friends, and most of us, (except Dwane), all attended college together. Grounds For Sculpture in Trenton is the location of the lovely lotus garden where I drew Sandy. I'm hoping to have some time this week to start a new miniature, and to finish After the Graduation.

Introducing Mona Conner Portraits

I have started a new blog which will incorporate among other things, both miniature portraits and miniature eye portraits, although not all of the portraits will be miniature in size or scale.  It's called: 
"MONA CONNER PORTRAITS ~ Portraits Large and Small" and it's my fourth blog!