Four Months In . . .

The last four months have been pretty chaotic, and many goals have been left unmet. That isn't to say that there hasn't been beauty, because there has. And today I'm looking to acknowledge where I need to improve and celebrate the improvements I've made.

First, I haven't totally stayed off Instagram. Do I feel like I have to say that? Yeah, kinda. Instagram is weirdly and embarrassingly addictive for me. Definitely still room for improvement, but I haven't been active on there with the exception of accepting a collaboration request. It's been refreshing and good for my mental health, and I wouldn't be surprised if I did IG breaks regularly moving forward.

One goal I made for this 6 month break from Instagram was to create 25 alla prima paintings. Which just means that I paint it fully while the paint is wet without layering wet paint over dry paint, and generally in one sitting. I've completed 13 so far (only 2 behind schedule . . . I think I can catch up). Some are better than others, but I'm seeing growth.

This is a photo of me yesterday at the end of a long session with the model, Allison. These are the most challenging! Alla prima and from life? Whoo. So fun, frustrating, and motivating all in one session. (Spy Meghan Sours painting on the right).

Live Painting of Allison

These weekly live model session with East Oaks Studio are generally where I draw the same model with pencil for multiple sessions in the same pose (usually between 3 and 9 hour long poses). I've been pushing myself to paint instead of draw more at them recently. If you are pursuing art, I strongly suggest diving in the deep end and getting into drawing accurately with a live model. Game changer!

In other news, I have 4 different reference photoshoots that I want to paint. I felt that I needed to focus more heavily on training and improving my quality. I am looking forward to getting to them (models if you are seeing this . . . I haven't forgotten you!)

There are two value studies at Compass Gallery currently, depicting Mother Mary on the night of Christs crucifixion. I'm excited to apply these value studies in a painting.

Thank you for popping on. You are so kind. I love hearing from you!

Before I go make dinner, I'll let you know that 2025 portrait commissions haven't been announced publicly, but please reach out if you are interested in discussing it.

Your support, whether by buying prints, originals, commissioning, sharing, commenting, gifting . . . all of it is so appreciated! Because of you, I feel like I might have a shot at this whole artist gig.

With love,

Samantha Newton

(and the whole Newton clan)