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The

STEPHEN LOCKE NEWSLETTER

October, 2005

Published online;... Painting, Photography, Commentary ...by Stephen Locke

There is magic moment early in the life of a painting. The magic I speak of

is in the first minutes, when the painting transforms from blank canvas to a picture. For myself, a painter,

this genesis is perhaps the most dramatic moment in the long process of painting

a portrait.

This picture describes another moment.

The basic facial landmarks are established

and the ropy texture of the girls hair has been

suggested. At this point a want to quit and hang the

portrait on the wall. I like the simplicity of it.

I make the decision to commit to

a full-blown oil painting

and begin to develop deeper shadows.

I got a late start and don't get as far as I'd like.

This is what the picture looked like at the end of the first day.

I have to put the painting to bed otherwise I'm going to work on it

all night.

At the end of the second day the painting is fairly well

established. I'm going to let it dry for a week and

then spend another day working on it.

People ask me how long it takes

to finish one and the answer is, I'm never finished-

As long as it is in my possession I will continue

to see things I want to change or "improve".

I can remember a time when, as an artist,

I made pictures composed to make some

kind of statement. I've come to

realise there is nothing

intellectual about my work.

Now, the only thing I care about is the

paint itself. I'm fascinated with paint

and what it will do.

Paint can describe the physical world,

but more importantly, paint creates

its own reality.

A painting creates it's own physical presence.

The portrait above is one of a series I'm working on called Sweet Sixteen. Portrait Paintings

at age sixteen. Parents; I am looking for a few sixteen-year-old young ladies to sit for a painting composed like the one above.

I'll give you an 8x10 copy of the painting.

Boys can be Sweet Sixteen too, so I'll need a couple young men.

If you are an interested parent send me a note : stephenlocke@stephenlocke.com

. . . but I'm also a photographer

As a Portrait Photographer I am privileged

to make pictures for people during some of the

rare moments in their lives.

This one such privililage.

The glow of a pregnant woman is mythical

yet very real. While in her presence, you know something

special is taking place.

An opportunity to use

sculptural lighting . . .

. . . I like the portrait at left

because it communicates joy

and excitement.

This will be an October Baby !!!

Do you know someone who would like to read this essay?

Add yourself and or a friend to my Newsletter Mailing List.

The month of October is beautiful

in my Portrait Garden. The light is

soft and warm. I call it sweet light.

It is the perfect time to sit by the pond

and have your portrait made

with your little sister.

You can see more pictures from

My Garden.

Please visit :

STEPHENLOCKE.COM

. . . old news

Who are you going to be

for Halloween?

A few years ago this

Crime Fighter stopped by-

I was honoured to make

his official portrait,

but mostly, I thought his car looked

really, really cool sitting in

the circle-drive of

my studio.

Click here to see more crime fighters on their day off.

Do you know how old you are? I mean exactly.

If you missed last months Newsletter you can read it here.

Do you know someone who would like to receive this Newsletter?

Add yourself and or a friend to my Newsletter Mailing List.

I like e-mail, tell me what you think . . .

stephenlocke@stephenlocke.com

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