The leader of the defunct Austin band, Zom Zom
I painted this alla prima portrait of this man on the patio of Spider House. I wanted the flesh of his face to add life to his surroundings. He was hemmed in the booth by 5 other college students, so he was the perfect live model. He sat so still, that I should have paid him a modeling fee. I was able to spend about 30 minutes painting his face.
Life is about to get really exciting. My neighbors get a huge kick out of my painting ventures. After showing them my most recent paintings, one of them said, “That is my graduate student. He is brilliant”.
Now, keep in mind that I keep an art journal on EVERYTHING that I paint, recording details of the subject including any snippets of conversation. He and his colleagues were grumping about the assignment that my neighbor had given them that day. This is so much fun!
Comments or crumbs are appreciated. I am behind on replies, but they will come soon. I have not learned how to link to other posts, yet. That will be amended, also. ~Lavanna
I Stare At People 
4 Comments
Even though the colours are muted there is lots of life in your work. I’m enjoying the way you thrive!
Hi, Owen!
I love it that you use the word “thrive”. Yes!
Very interesting contest on your site. Keep me updated.
~Lavanna
how do you get your subjects or models
I don’t use “models”, or set-up poses. I paint people in coffee houses from life, and usually they do not know that I am painting them. I have to work fast!
Thank you,
Lavanna Martin