Completed paintings of Identical twins

Painting identical twins presented some interesting considerations: How to keep the personality of each child intact, yet work with their similar appearance in a meaningful way. Right away I understood the diverging personailites of the girls: one who held my hand to cross the street and the other a more spirited child. I worked from photographs as the Mom was extremely busy. Going through the numerous photos later, the concept became clear.

These frames are from Page-Waterman Gallery in Wellesley.

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com.

New portrait commission completed: the double children's portrait

It was a joy recently to paint this double children's portrait. I enjoyed capturing their unique personalities and relationship.

Framing at Page-Waterman Gallery in Wellesley (I will post the painting soon framed.), gorgeous dresses from Abigail's Children's Boutique in Wellesley. I highly recommend both businesses for those in the Boston area.


www.soniahale.com

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

Painting from life in Putney, Vermont

It was a joy to paint in Putney, Vermont this past week and I was pleased that my favorite model out of the three days liked my portrait painting of her (in progress as I had 3 hours to work from life). I will work on it a tiny bit more and post it soon, but it is the middle portrait in the third photograph down. Another three hours to paint the dear Clara Rose's face would have been a dream for me and I would have been about done with the painting. . .

I painted my first nude in a long time as well. In my early 20's I drew from the nude model often in classes, as well as did numerous (quick and detailed) charcoal studies of the figure, skeleton and animal skulls, including at classes with William Reimann at Harvard University's Carpenter Center.

I am always grateful for the artists I meet along the way who share their artistic journey with me. (Michelle D., if you are reading this, thank you. . .)

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

New landscape completed

Cranberry Bog in Winter
9 x 12, linen on professional panel

To see more of my landscape gallery paintings, click here

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com.

The High School Graduation Oil Portrait: a Timeless Treasure

I am working on my third high school portrait in a year, a double of siblings, and I have to say, what an incredibly wonderful thing to have once your child is off at college. As a parent I can fully understand how comforting it would be to have this in one's home once your "child" departs. Photos are of course superb, but a painting goes so much further.

Eighteen is a threshold and what a moment to capture. I get goosebumps thinking about the amazing transition from child to teen to young adult.

So very fortunately these days it is much easier to stay in touch with our children by email, by text, by phone, etc etc. And air travel is so much more "done". However, to have this timeless painting of them . . .!


www.soniahale.com

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

In a Bog in February: a Cranberry bog in Dennis

I am fascinated by this bog having driven by it year-round for a few years. It is as lovely in winter as it is in summer. I hope to paint a more finished painting from this 45 minute study soon.

This was my first foray into painting in challenging 20 degree winter conditions. In addition I am using lighter-weight plein air equipment which is super, but I am not yet used to it. Despite this I had a great time out there.

"Cranberry bog in Winter: Dennis"
8 x 10 oil on linen panel

to see more of my Cape Cod oil paintings click here



Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.

Tips for framing an oil painting/oil portrait commission

Framing a portrait seems like a daunting task to most of my clients. It is not something which comes up routinely in their lives and of course they wish to get it right.

Firstly, get quotes from several framers with excellent reputations in your area. They will be able to guide you through the process and give you their eye. You may find on your first visit that you are comfortable and set to leave the painting to be framed.

Considerations:
1. Width of frame: The larger the painting, usually the wider the frame.

2. Style of frame: Sometimes one wants the frame to speak and add to the statement. Other times one wishes for it to sit back more. [This is where artistry continues to be involved in the decision-making and understandably, the non-artist can become confused. A good framer can help you.}

2. Color of the frame: Extremely important: the color and tone must compliment the painting, whether it's more gold or more brown. One ideally should see the frame right up to the painting and you can cup your hands around the edge of the painting/frame and squint to get a feel for how the entire piece will look framed.

3. Shine in frame: Do you want it to sit back—— and be more matt——or sparkle a bit.

4. Formality of the room where the painting will hang and the level of formality in the painting: Match the frame style accordingly.

In the end it's taste and preference. With a few frames held up to your piece you will soon be on you way to getting your painting hung!

To see some of my portrait and landscape paintings click here

Sonia Hale is an award-winning, nationally-collected artist in Boston. She paints commissioned portraits for families and institutions nationwide. Her original landscape and still life oil paintings can be purchased at http://www.soniahale.com. For more information, go to http://www.soniahale.com. You can reach her by email at soniahale1@gmail.com.