Feb 22, 2016 | Art, Art For Everyone, Art Gifts, Art Holiday Gift, Artist, canvas art prints, custom Fine Art, Custom pastel paintings, Fine Art, Fine Art Giclee, Fine Art Giclee Prints, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Fine Art Store, Floral Anniversary Gifts, Floral Birthday Gifts, Floral Giclee Prints, Floral Holiday Gifts, Floral Pastel Painting, home and decor, L.A. CLINE, Nature Painting, Pastel, pastel painter, Realism Art, Uncategorized
I am now creating a new sketch that will eventually be a large vertical Pastel Painting. So far I have been working on this sketch for two weeks now. This new Floral painting will have a white rose, white daisies and small white trumpet flowers as the featured spotlight grouping. The upper right section of the painting where the overlapping white daisy petals will be against the light background is where I begin drawing today. This white on white area is very difficult to draw and paint. There has to be subtle shading to distinguish between the forms and the background. However, once thought out and drawn in, the transparencies in this painting are going to be beautiful. I figure another week to draw all the details in the sketch for this painting. Then I transfer this sketch to heavy acid-free water color paper that will be mounted on acid free foam core as my working surface for my Pastel Painting. Finally, I can begin painting. To spend this much time on a painting my inspiration has to be a very strong one. The inspiration for this painting was the natural arrangement I created that I could not look away from. The way the flowers twist and turned left me breathless with the loveliness of these living beauties. Now they will live on with all their majesty in my painting. But, do expect to see this large piece finished before four months for the layering of the pastel takes time to achieve the forever beauty that I feel. I will periodically update with this blog with pictures of this...
Mar 21, 2015 | Art, Art For Everyone, Art Gifts, Artist, custom Fine Art, Custom pastel paintings, Fine Art, Fine Art Giclee, Fine Art Giclee Prints, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Fine Art Stationery, Fine Art Store, Floral Anniversary Gifts, Floral Birthday Gifts, Floral Giclee Prints, Floral Holiday Gifts, Floral Pastel Painting, Floral Stationery, Giclee Gifts, Giclee Paintings, Giclee prints, Gifts, home and decor, L.A. CLINE, Nature Painting, Pastel, pastel painter, Realism Art, Uncategorized
When Spring is about to change our world, I think of the day I saw the most beautiful bright sun-kissed Yellow Cattleya Orchid. This incredible flower stood 10½” high and was truly magnificent. It was so bright I could see the Yellow color from about 100 feet away. This was a magical moment for me and something I had to paint. I was very surprised to see this Orchid that was in full bloom planted in an old pot under a tree with other empty pots. I started painting as close as I could to the orchid as not to disturb or move it. If you look at the painting, the dark green background symbolizes the dark area where this beautiful orchid was placed. There also an indication in the painting that there was a white plastic holder leaning against the bloom. The pink/orange part of the orchid allowed the orchid to bellow out with an even more vivid light yellow that at times had a translucent shimmer which made it even look brighter. The painting reflects the very same vivid yellow with the undeniable fantastic and beautiful shimmer that changes colors during the different lights of day. Floral paintings are a breath of fresh air. Mother Nature gives us the beauty of our world and if we surround our environment with flowers and their painted images the energy of this beauty makes anywhere a wonderful place to be. I have developed a process to make Giclee prints closely replicate the actual original painting by supervising the process and using the proper heavy acid-free cotton paper that the acid-free...
Feb 13, 2015 | Art, Art For Everyone, Art Gifts, Art Holiday Gift, canvas art prints, custom Fine Art, Custom pastel paintings, Fine Art, Fine Art Giclee, Fine Art Giclee Prints, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Fine Art Stationery, Fine Art Store, Floral Anniversary Gifts, Floral Birthday Gifts, Floral Giclee Prints, Floral Holiday Gifts, Floral Pastel Painting, Floral Stationery, Giclee Gifts, Giclee Paintings, Giclee prints, Gifts, home and decor, Nature Painting, Pastel, Realism Art, Uncategorized
As an Artist, I am always looking for that beautiful inspiration to create another painting. Finding what you think is beautiful for a painting comes as a thought or vision that is undeniable and must be expressed. It is something you cannot get out of your mind. These types of aesthetic inspirations are very hard to find. There are so many different styles of art and what is beautiful to one is not to another. Not everyone sees beauty the same way that is what makes art so very interesting and personal. Beauty and art is a reflection of your personal taste. If you are drawn to a painting and would miss seeing the painting, you have made a personal emotional connection with the painting. Your space is your most personal part of your life. You live, work and relax in your home or office and it should reflect and be filled with images that bring you happiness. If you see a painting in a gallery or if you are working with the artist, request information or a letter from the artist that explains the point of view of why this was such an important image to paint. Once I bought I piece in California, and I asked the artist to write me some of his thoughts about the painting. When I received the letter, it brought me so much joy to read about the back story. Every painting has a back story. For example the painting you see here, “Flowers in Paradise” was created because of something I saw in Ocala Florida. I was meeting with a client who...
Jan 30, 2015 | Art, Art For Everyone, Artist, Athletes Portrait Drawings, Athletes Portrait Paintings, Commissioned Portrait Paintings, Corporate Portraits, custom Fine Art, Custom pastel paintings, Entertainment Painting, Fine Art, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, L.A. CLINE, Pastel, pastel painter, Pastel Portrait Paintings, Portrait Paintings, Portraits from Life, Realism Art, Sports Memorabilia Paintings
It all started with a dream to paint Dolphin Quarterback, Dan Marino, back in 1996. L.A. Cline started to paint two Pastel Paintings of Dan Marino, one a portrait and one an action scene, entitled, ‘The Game’ measuring 38”X45”. These paintings were the spark that lit the fire to continue painting Sports Athletes. By going to the games, experiencing the head to head combat between players, the strategies and passion to win all fueled the Artist’s desire to paint a new kind of Sports Historic Painting capturing these moments forever. L.A. Cline states, “For me our athletes are like gladiators, fighting against all odds to win and stay on top.’ A quote by Vince Lombardi says it all, ‘The harder you work the harder it is to surrender’.” Creating the Super Bowl XXXIII Painting was an incredible feat for the Artist. L.A. Cline “Seeing John Elway actually make that last winning touchdown was a thrilling moment. To capture and immortalize that moment within a 45”X52” Pastel Painting, is a work of Art to behold.” The Artist starts with a pencil sketch to scale before each painting. One painting as large as this one with so many details took six months to finish. All the creations of L.A. CLINE are drawn and painted by hand. The Artist uses a method of building layer upon layer of Pastel pigment developing the depth and details that unveils the “Super Realistic” quality of each legacy painting. This painting is a show stopper when displayed at events. It is also a part of the Artists personal collection. The LACfineart.com website serves as an in-depth...
Dec 15, 2014 | A Prom To Remember Charity, Animal Paintings, Art, Art For Everyone, Art Gifts, Art Holiday Gift, canvas art prints, Charity Event at Daoud's Fine Jewelry, custom Fine Art, Fine Art, Fine Art Giclee, Fine Art Giclee Prints, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Fine Art Store, Gifts, Pastel, pastel painter, Portraits from Life, Realism Art
It all happened at Daoud’s Fine Jewelry in Fort Lauderdale, the evening of December 9th when Patrick Daoud opened his store and his heart in celebration of giving back to the community through a very lovely charity that gives teens who are in and out of the hospitals battling life threatening illnesses such as cancer “A Prom to Remember”. Founder, Brandon Opre came up with the idea to give these young people the ULTIMATE Prom. Donate, Volunteer, Support, Get involved and help these young people to have fun and take a brake from cancer.www.aPromToRemember.org Raffle tickets were sold and put in various bags to be drawn and prizes awarded. Artist, L.A. CLINE, a dear friend of Patrick Daoud was a proud participant donating an 8″X10″ framed canvas Giclee Reproduction of an original painting created by the Artist entitled, “Keeping Close”. This beautiful replica of an original pastel painting of two horses a Dam with her Foal of just three and a half weeks wobbling to stand close to his Mother. The most compelling detail that draws you into this painting besides the protective love between Mother and baby is the fact that the Artist was in the pen with the horses. The viewer is looking directly at the horses in the pen with no fence in front of them. It took 30 to 40 minutes for the horses to calm down and feel comfortable. The owner of the farm and L.A. Cline loved the feeling being around these huge animals. The farm owner and the Artist practiced going into the pens in golf carts until the owner felt that...
Sep 29, 2014 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Floral Pastel Painting, Giclee prints, home and decor, Nature Painting, Pastel, pastel painter, Realism Art
Here’s a Selfie of me just beginning this new Pastel Painting. It is going to be a large and very brightly colored work of Art measuring right now at 32″X 28″. I say that because I never know just what happens as I create a painting. Sometimes the size changes and I decide to add more and sometimes I need to reduce an area. Besides the dynamic bright red rose in the center there are flowers all around in Bright Purple with Yellow centers and red berries too. To make this painting even more exciting there will be a Monarch Butterfly and maybe another type of butterfly. I am not sure yet. However I have planned to put in Bumble Bee’s and a lady bug. This painting is all about the beauty of our world. The world we should protect and enjoy forever more. So you will have to keep touching base with my blog and see this masterpiece develop before your eyes!!!! L.A....
Sep 6, 2014 | canvas art prints, custom Fine Art, Custom pastel paintings, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Floral Pastel Painting, Giclee prints, home and decor, Nature Painting, Pastel, pastel painter, Realism Art, Stationery
The technology of Giclee printing accurately duplicates all the tonalities of the Original Paintings. That is why Master Pastel Artist, L.A. CLINE uses these high quality prints and then adds a second step and embellishes each Giclee with layers of pastel to look like the original Pastel Painting. This Artist’s touch gives each Giclee its One-of-a-Kind status. Once enhanced the Giclee becomes a Giclee painting a work unto its own so each client can have their own creation. Sometimes clients request certain colors to be emphasized which give the piece a different dimension yet still in keeping with the original. It’s great that each client can have their own special work of art with each piece looking like the Original Pastel Painting. The Giclee’s that Artist L.A. CLINE enhances are both Stretched Canvas Giclees enhanced with layers of oil and Fine Art Heavy Cotton Water Color Paper Giclees that are mounted on Acid Free foam core enhanced with layers of pastel. The Floral collection is a great place to start when you look at the site, “Flowers in Paradise”, “Hidden Beauty”, “Bellissima” and “Wandering Impatiens” are in the Fine Art Store for your viewing. You can also personally see this beautiful collection that is now being exhibited at the Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at Neiman Marcus, 2nd Floor in Gift Galleries. Their are other frames available. For a personal consultation please call 954-850-1056 to set up your own appointment to meet with L.A. CLINE and see the collection up close and personal. There is always that very special person every season you want to find a perfect...
Jul 6, 2014 | Commissioned Portrait Paintings, Corporate Portraits, custom Fine Art, Custom pastel paintings, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Giclee prints, home and decor, Pastel, pastel painter, Pastel Portrait Paintings, Portraits from Life, Uncategorized
Why do people become Artists? Out of all of the career choices out there, why do some people feel they must create art as a profession? Certainly, there are safer, more financially predictable ways to make a living. What exactly is it that drives a person to make this “unpractical” life choice? The passionate need to express one’s self, experiences, opinions and visions can manifest itself in many ways. While we are born with this need and taught by parents, teachers and others as children, it is the few of us who fight to keep and develop the skills as an artist. It seems as though as soon as we begin our lives as artists, those of us who choose to keep, harbor, nourish and hone the inner artist are often thought of as flighty dreamers. Yet the reality is, few people live with the kind of passion, dedication, integrity, and commitment that gives persistence and will to believe you are truly born an Artist. The artist feels a marrow-deep need to document the legacy of being alive in this era, in this place, in this moment. The artist needs you to see the things that you are overlooking in your daily routine of “living.” The artist grabs you by the shoulders, stops you in your tracks, or alternatively shakes you out of your hypnosis to remind you that once the imagination is revealed it creates the wonderful world of Art. Art dares you to feel the emotions you’ve been suppressing in favor of the passion and persistence that it takes to see through completing a creation. The artist...
Dec 24, 2013 | canvas art prints, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Giclee prints, Pastel
LAST MINUTE ART GIFTS Can you believe that Christmas is less than a day away? This years’ Holiday season seems to have rapidly approached many of us almost without notice. Many of us brave the stores and shopping malls for last minute holiday gift shopping. Why do we so often wait to the last minute to buy those last couple of gifts every year? It is often hard to find gifts for everyone. What do you buy for that extra picky friend, or that relative that seems to have it all? You still want to get them something special, but nowadays everything is so conventional when it comes to gift giving. Everything around us seems to be going a thousand miles per second, and you have missed your stop. Though, with a little help and a few last minute gift ideas, you will be sure to find your way in the right direction when it comes to the challenges of gift giving now and in the New Year. These same thoughts hold true for L.A.C. Fine Art’s Holiday Art Gifts Countdown. We decided to take a spin on the 12 Days of Christmas on the days leading up to Christmas. Each of the 12 days, we hand selected a different Giclee prints and one original Pencil Sketch to display for each of the days. Our Countdown breezed right past us. Our main intentions were to provide a few last minute gift ideas and gift ideas for the coming year. Though, we also decided to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of Holiday shopping and spread a...
Oct 1, 2013 | Commissioned Portrait Paintings, Fine Art Pastel Paintings
BEAUTIFUL ART ENHANCED BY THE ARTIST L.A. CLINE THROUGH L.A.C. FINE ART’S ONLINE STORE There is always that one special room within our homes and office spaces, where we can express ourselves with the Art we admire and collect. As we are all very busy in our lives, the best moment is to take time away each day to view our Art from that special place. This gives us the chance to reflect on the true meaning behind the piece as well as why we admire and value the Art piece the way we do, for Art brings an added sense of joy and meaning to our everyday lives. Art is a personal choice, for this is why the art at L.A.C. Fine Art is very diverse in subject matter. L.A. Cline likes to paint different subjects in order to accommodate the preferences of every art collector as well as help to keep the artists’ skills sharp. Each new pastel painting is like creating a movie. First the artist or filmmaker starts with the idea, then the script or layout, next the characters or subjects are defined and finally every idea begins to piece together to create the finished film or painting. This process sounds easy, however there are times when the artist can “Get Stuck.” When this happens, it often takes a while to bring new ideas to the painting and finish the piece, though it is well worth the wait. For, it is during these periods that the artist is struck with the best forms of creativity. Suddenly, the spark of genius comes to mind, and the...
Jul 30, 2013 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings
Portrait art painting has been one of the most challenging forms of art. It not only requires a lot of training but it needs an exceptional talent to be one of the best portrait artists. Regarded as one of the most gifted pastel portrait art painters of modern times, L.A. Cline has mastered the medium of pastel painting to create masterpieceportrait art painting. She is also a distinguished corporate official portrait artist; having created official corporate portraits for a number of the most respected and trusted corporations. A portraits artist is held to different requirements than most various other artists. While there is often room for expression of an imaginative nature, many people who are interested in portrait art painting of themselves or someone else are looking for a portraits artist who will be able to develop a close likeness of that individual. The face is the most important part of a portrait art painting and a skilled artist understands this. When they are commissioning a portrait art painting, it is extremely vital to choose the right portrait artist. A great portraits artist understands the significance of faces and is able to capture them in the painting with close realism. Everyone expresses themselves differently, and discovering which facial expression catches their character is a trick to success in portrait art painting. While sketching the basic design, a portraits artist will place the head of a subject in a manner that is natural yet pleasing to the total look of the finished piece. Everybody has their own individual appearance and position or the method they carry themselves. This naturalness is...
Mar 10, 2013 | Commissioned Portrait Paintings, Corporate Portraits, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, pastel painter, Portrait Paintings
This is a free-hand Pencil Sketch of Ravens Quarterback Joe Flacco. This pencil art sketch design was developed from watching Super Bowl XLVII, seeing Joe Flacco interviews on TV and looking at the random photos on line. I have been a sports fan for many years now and have an extensive collection of paintings on my website in the Sports and Athletes Gallery. http://www.lacfineart.com/portrait-painting-pastel-art-gallery.php When I am commissioned to create a pastel portrait painting my pencil art sketches are drawn to the same scale as the finished painting. These pencil art drawings are the blue print of what my clients should expect as far as what the subject looks like and the size. It is a great way to start a portrait painting since it really relaxes my clients when they can see their painting as a portrait drawing and make corrections if necessary. I recently wrote an article in my blog about, “ Tips on How to Hire a Portrait Artist”. It is a great read! http://www.lacfineart.com/fine-art-blog/how-to-hire-a-portrait-artist-tip/ The original Flacco Pencil Art Sketch is 16”X20” and a “Work of Art”. This image was not a commission but is a part of my ever growing Sports Collection. It is a dynamic image of Joe Flacco filled with determination and that winning stare. It is the essence of a strong, young, Super Bowl Quarterback. I scanned the original pencil drawing of Flacco to create this email. This “Work of Art” bares the copyright symbol ©L.A. Cline, which means that no one can copy, sell, or distribute this image. You can enjoy the art or inquire about the original. Like me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/portraitartist.fineart?ref=hl Written by: L.A....
Dec 12, 2012 | Animal Paintings, Commissioned Portrait Paintings, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Nature Painting, Pet Portraits, Portrait Paintings, Wildlife Paintings
Pet Portrait Artist Sketch of Two Grevy Zebras by ©L.A. Cline After finishing a Memorial Pastel pet portrait Portrait Painting of my clients’ beloved Blue Point Himalayan cat entitled, “Mr. Madison Blue”, I decided to continue with animal portrait theme as my first Masterpiece painting for the New Year 2013. I created the new pencil sketch above of two Grevy Zebras shows a beautiful connection between Mother and her offspring. The Mother decided to lie down to rest on a hot summer’s day and her little offspring is approaching either for a loving nudge or perhaps reminding Mom it’s time to eat. This is a natural endearing exchange; a beautiful moment to capture in a fine art rendering. Drawing the different striped patterns of each zebra was very complicated, especially because of one zebra being in front of the other. Every zebra has their own pattern and it is their signature of recognition. The Grevy Zebras are an endangered species – the largest of the African Zebra’s being nearly seven feet tall, with the Males weighing almost 1,000 pounds. The foals are browner in color and turn black as they become a year old. As I studied these beautiful creatures for my artist rendering I noticed that the Grevy Zebras have unique characteristics such as: large heads; long necks; big rounded ears; and smaller, more delicate striped patterns, with more distinction between the black stripes. Their stripes end to expose their bellies – where there are no markings. Lastly, there is a stripe that runs from their head mane all the way to down their tails. They now are considered to live in the northern areas...
Nov 30, 2012 | Animal Paintings, Commissioned Portrait Paintings, Corporate Portraits, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Nature Painting
1. First of all, you must love the Artist’s work. Look at as many pieces as possible, and don’t be shy about calling the Artist or the organization you like the most. 2. When you decide on a portrait, whether it be Corporate, Family, Pet, Sports, Entertainment portraits or a special Landscape Portrait, ask about the process. When I first spend time with a client, they usually specify what type of portrait they would like. I then explain how I create a detailed pencil sketch to scale, prior to creating the actual painting. By doing this, my clients can see the face, body, and details of what will become a final product – in the actual size of the painting. We can then all critique the sketch and make corrections, if necessary. I find this process is relaxing for my clients, and it makes the creation process even more fun. 3. After speaking with the Artist and providing all the detailed information necessary, the next question is where to display the completed painting. The Artist should physically see where the space – whether a room, courtroom, business or other area – and understand the lighting, size of the space, et cetera. This helps also guide the conversation about frame size, shape and color. I have longstanding relationships with local framers, who I work with when the time comes. Since my portraits are pastel paintings, special care is required to create museum-quality environment for these Masterpiece works of art, and I personally supervise the framing process to ensure this. 4. Paintings take time to create so there is usually a contract...
Aug 9, 2012 | Commissioned Portrait Paintings, Fine Art Pastel Paintings
When I create commissions for my clients their Pastel Paintings are hung in Homes, Offices, Courthouses, Universities. I find that even though they have the original painting I also give an 8″X10″ Fine Art Giclee Reproduction print so they can enjoy the painting close up. Since I finished my Self-Portrait which is a large scale portrait approximately 40″X50″. I also made a Reproduction print for my husbands office and now I decided to get a little more personal and I made some Fine Art Note Cards with the image of the original painting of myself. It is just another way to personalize your stationary for special communications to my love ones and friends. The cards are Giclee’s which are the finest technique of reproducing an art image. The paper for these cards are an 80lb. acid free paper and the edges both on the card and the enveloped are deckled or have a raw...
May 17, 2012 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Portrait Paintings
The self-portrait images in the previous Blogs showed the colorations starting to take hold however, my face was not totally in its natural proportion. Now in the finishing stages you can see that the facial area has become more blended and more in proportion. While before I was laying down colors and blocking out areas now you can see that all that been pulled together to produce a beautiful light colorful Pastel Portrait. Almost finished, I still must spray and Check all the lines to make sure everything is blended perfectly. The spraying takes about four to five days. Spraying it itself is an Art. To much can ruin the piece and not enough spray does not hold the chalk, so I take my time. The whole demeanor of this Pastel Painting is soft and colorful capturing the essence of femininity with an image that defines how I look and at the same time recognizable to people know me. It is a modern interpretation of the soul of my inner self. As I was creating my portrait, I could not help but to think of a painting, “Girl with Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer circa 1665. Here I work with a light background to show attention to the subject while Vermeer used a dark background to highlight is subject. Both the Maids head and My head are turned to expose one earring that is the main decoration in both paintings. This one jeweled detail changes the way a woman feels about herself. For that moment her whole demeanor becomes more regal with a sence of beauty that radiates from her eyes. Vermeer’s Maid is dressed in maids cloths and her young face is solemn, in comparison to my face that has more of an alluring quality with a more suggestive...
Apr 8, 2012 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Portrait Paintings
I continue to make progress on my Self Portrait. I have started to block out my face and hair even more with my favorite colors of Lavender, Pink, Green, Yellow, and a new color, Navy Blue for my eye lashes. This Pastel Painting is clearly taking on a fantasy enchantment of color yet the sence of realism still remains. The outline around my neck and shoulders is a very bold Green outline, while the skin tone reflects a delicate array of light colors. Even the stokes of color for my hair will eventually have this wonderful bold turquoise Green color weaved in. The background of this Pastel Painting will be untouched with chalk, so I have to be very precise to make sure none of the chalk dust or stain will attach to the background. This is a large format painting when framed it will be approximately 40″X50″. I know many Artists before me have created portraits of themselves. This experience is something that took a lot of coaching from my husband and family. This was not a project I would have created on my own. But now that I am experiencing what my clients have for many years, its a special enjoyment to feel your soul reflected as you would want the world to see. Presently I am finishing the painting and I look forward to sharing the completed creation. Your feedback would be most welcome!!!! L.A....
Mar 7, 2012 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Portrait Paintings
If you go back to my January 10th 2012 Blog, you will see the Original Pencil Sketch to scale I drew for this portrait. This image shows the birth of the creative process. I have just started to apply the first layers of Pastel Chalk to what will be the Original Self Portrait. I am using all of my favorite colors including Lavender, Purple, Pink, Green, Yellow and combined then for the skin tone and eventually for the hair and neck and bust. The pastel chalk is starting to map out my image. I have much more to go this is only the beginning!! Check back in a week for an update!! L.A....
Feb 24, 2012 | Corporate Portraits, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Portrait Paintings
When you visit Key West, Florida be sure to visit the Sidney M. Aronovitz United States Courthouse at 301 Simonton Street to see the 39.5”X 54” Masterpiece Pastel Portrait of Federal Judge Sidney M. Aronovitz created by Artist, L.A. Cline in the Main Lobby. The Courthouse was constructed in 1931-1932 by James Wetmore, the Acting Supervising Architect of the Treasury. On October 19, 2009 the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate designated the Courthouse as the Sidney M. Aronovitz United States Courthouse. Judge Aronovitz’s Grandfather, David Aronovitz arrived in Key West from Europe and founded a family of Key West pioneers whose contributions to the city were honored with the naming of Aronovitz Lane. Sidney M. Aronovitz, born in Key West in 1920, went to Key West High School and Graduated as Senior Class President and Valedictorian. He went to the University of Florida and earned his law degree with honors. Aronovitz served in the U.S. Army as a Captain in Europe from 1943 to 1946 and earned the Bronze Star. The Honorable Aronovitz was the United States Southern District Judge of Florida for over 20 years. In 1976 President Gerald R. Ford appointed Aronovitz to the Federal Bench where he served his hometown with great distinction for the remainder of his life. L.A. Cline painted this corporate portrait by hand using layer upon layer of pastel chalk to develop this legacy painting. A Giclee, Fine Art Reproduction of this painting can also be viewed at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC, at the American Art and Portrait Gallery Library in the “Living Artists File” were...
Jan 10, 2012 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Portrait Paintings
I have been painting portraits for about thirty years now that include The Most Honorable Judges and Corporate Portraits, Children, Pets, Sports and Entertainment personalities each having a very special story behind the finished Pastel Painting. Some of the stories are quite dramatic. I will now and again and present excerpts on You Tube and this Blog about the stories behind the paintings I create. This new sketch is very reminiscent of me and the way I appear to the outside world. It felt was odd drawing myself but when I stepped back I really felt the drawing captured my inner energy that comes through the way I look to the world. Now I know why my clients are so excited to see the preliminary sketch for this sketch is the foundation of the finished Pastel Painting. It is always be a humbling experience when I start a painting. That blank white surface just calls to you and you must respond. I must admit even to this day it’s a little scary starting but once I start everything begins to flow. This sketch is proportioned for a large format portrait approximately 32″X38″. I wanted to start 2012 with a concept in large portraiture that would be a provocative piece that both men and women would want to commission of themselves. This is just the beginning much more to follow as the sketch transforms to become the finished Pastel Painting. Please write your comments and email lac@lacfineart.com your information for special offers during the year! Happy and Healthy 2012, L.A....
Dec 14, 2011 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings
This beautiful greeting is actually a detail from one of my Pastel Paintings entitled, “Hidden Beauty”. The entire painting can be viewed on my site at: LACfineart.com While walking one day I spotted this beautiful pungent Red Hibiscus. It could have gone by unnoticed except for its vibrant color that caught my eye. Looking around at the other flowers they could not compare. This beautiful Hibiscus was hidden from the direct sun and protected by the fence where is was growing within. The flower was in full bloom in its perfect place for that moment. “Hidden Beauty” is within all of us it’s just a matter of people stopping to look at you or for you speak and talk to new people so your beauty is noticed. Everyone has their “Hidden Beauty”. I chose this detail to represent the joyful, cheerful spirit of the Holidays and to wish everyone a Wonderful Holiday Season. L.A....
Nov 11, 2011 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings
I am in the process of sketching out an outline of a painting that will complete a pair of paintings. This new sketch will be painted with the same colors and light tones as my latest Pastel Painting “Enchanted Bloom”. This new bloom will show the beautiful natural unfolding of the center bud. When I first saw these two Roses they were connected with one stem which divided into two shoots each with its own rose. These two roses where irresistible! Both were in bloom but at different stages. I took the details I wanted and decided to paint two original ideas showing the two sister blooms. This sketch is the beginning of a new Pastel Painting that will be displayed beside the already finished, “Enchanted Bloom”. Separate or together they are Magnificent!!! Stay tuned for new updates as the painting begins! L.A....
Oct 17, 2011 | Corporate Portraits, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Portrait Paintings
L.A. Cline was commissioned to recreate a portrait of The Honorable Judge Aronovitz that will be on permanent display in the lobby of the Sidney M. Aronovitz United States Courthouse located in Key West, Florida, which was renamed in his honor on February 22, 2010. Originally from Key West, Florida, Federal Judge Sidney M. Aronovitz was nominated by President Gerald Ford to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on August 4, 1976. L.A. Cline scanned the Original Memorial Pastel Painting of Federal Judge Aronovitz and sent a Giclee print to the Director of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC. The Curator of Prints and Drawings sent L.A. Cline’s print and information to the Smithsonian American Art and Portrait Gallery Library to be included in the “Living Artists File” where certain Artist’s are recommended to all that request future Commissioned Portraits. You can view the image of Federal Judge Aronovitz at www.LACfineart.com Go to “IN THE NEWS” to read his biography and press...
Jul 22, 2011 | Corporate Portraits, Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Portrait Paintings
It has been since December of 2010 that I have written on My Blog but sometimes Life does get in the way. For all those out there that have elderly parents I hope this touches home. My Father has Alzheimer’s and is currently in a Nursing Home. He is very moody and very normal or what we call a normal day activity like going to the bathroom, pulling up his pants or just standing up takes a huge toll on him. While the nurses are wonderful no one can be with him every minute. My Mother, my Son and I lovingly spend as much time each week as possible to care for him. It certainly takes a toll on all of us. Fortunately, I have my Art to take me away from some of this heartbreak. Last August I was commissioned by Tod Aronovitz to create a corporate portrait of his Father, Federal Judge Sidney M. Aronovitz that now can be viewed on my Website www.LACfineart.com under Corporate Portraits. This commission was very difficult since Judge Aronovitz passed on about 15 years ago. The family gave me a few photographs of him ranging from a young man of thirty to about 70. One photograph in particular was the family favorite. It was a black and white head and shoulder pose. It just so happens that one other photograph had a very small image of Judge Aronovitz standing within a group of people where I could discern his approximate height, weight and size of his head and shoulders compared to his contemporaries. From there I actually measured Tod’s head, shoulders, hands, wrists, height for comparison. This information gave me general...
Dec 10, 2010 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Nature Painting
“Enchanted Bloom” is Signed and Finished!!! I have completed the last step before the actual scanning of the Original Pastel Nature Painting. All the chalk has an even appearance which means that all the many layers are blended over the whole painting. This is critical step because it will scan and reproduce as a very fine duplication of the original. You can find my signature on the left hand side at the end of a petal. For the next four to five days I will be spraying the piece in preparation for the scanning and framing. I have already selected a very unique frame that will compliment the piece. It is a solid wooden frame approximatley 5 1/2″ wide with a continuous flow and no corner seams in an off-white textured finish. It is a custom frame and will take about four weeks to be made. Meanwhile once the scan is complete the image will look even better and closer to the original. I have been taking shots with my camera so you can see my progression as I painted this creation. My camera is a great however a more true image will be captured using the powerful and sensitive scanning machine. This beautiful painting is essentially finished. I now hand my original to very competent technicians I have worked with many years for the scanning and framing. I do supervise the piece through these finishing steps. Join me after the Holidays for the creation of a new painting. Sincere Wishes to you all for a very Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!!!!! L.A....
Nov 20, 2010 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Nature Painting
Finally the canvas is completely covered with chalk. The nature painting of the flower is alive with depth and softness. It has a dewy touchable feeling. This piece measuresabout 28’X28” and the subtle colors gives an exciting whirling sensation with petal spiraling round and round. For all purposes this painting looks finished however it is not. Now I have to go back in and extenuate the lines of the petals and smooth out edges. Then I spray the painting with a semi-fixative because it seals the many layers of chalk. The spraying takes me about three to four days and I touch up after each spray. Spraying is a difficult task. It must be done many times and the mist must be light and the spray cannot be to wet or it will damage the painting. Waiting for each layer to dry is very important. After the painting has been touched up and sprayed the piece has about 15 to 20 layers of chalk. I carefully have the piece scanned so I can make the best Giclee Reproduction closest to the original. Even though you may feel the piece of this nature pastel painting looks great now after the final touch ups and spraying the art will be much more beautiful. Just think about when you are going out and your hair is great, your dressed to impress and you put on the finishing touches a piece of jewelry, shoes or a tie that one thing that brings it all together and POW! BEAUTIFUL!!! The next time you see “Enchanting Bloom” it will be finished ready for viewing on My Blog and on my website. “Enchanting Bloom”...
Oct 29, 2010 | Commissioned Portrait Paintings, Corporate Portraits, Fine Art Pastel Paintings
I have been posting pictorial Blogs as I created each part of my newest Pastel Painting, “Enchanting Bloom”. This beautiful painting is now in the finishing stages with only the top portion of the flower to be painted in. Since my last Blog I have put “Enchanting Bloom” aside to work on a new Memorial commission of a Federal Judge that will be on permanent display in the Key West Court House which has been dedicated in his name. This honor was bestowed upon me by his son. Through personal dialogue with his son along with a few photographs of his Father I created an original realistic sketch to scale featuring The Judge in a three-quarter length pose from head to mid-thigh measuring about 40″X50″. This sketch took me a month to develop. I am very happy to say that the family members critiqued and approved the sketch. I am now painting the portrait from which I rendered from a photo. After many years of creating portraits without actually meeting the subject I knew my past experience was invaluable for this project. It has been a joy right from the start. There will be a press release and a new page added to my web site when the portrait painting is completed. The painting will take about three to four months more to paint and custom frame. After my client approves the press release I will be able to give you more details about this incredible, “Great American” I am painting. Meanwhile, I will be updating “Enchanting Bloom” in my next Blog in about ten days. Your comments are always welcome, Sincerely, L.A....
Sep 15, 2010 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Nature Painting
NOW the pastel painting is starting to take hold! Some of the new petals that have been painted in this nature painting reach the left hand border and the bottom border of the painting. The color palette built on warmer tones in the center now have a more cooler quality with pinks, greys, slight blue touches with a pearlescent top finish. The middle bloom is the center point however the soft folds of the extending petals really gives this piece a serene dreamlike feel that is very beautiful to the eye. Even within the soft colors you can still feel the three-dimensional quality as the petals whirl around the flower folding downward to expose “Enchanted Bloom”. This whirling feeling will become more apparent as the other petals start to be painted in. Keep in mind that I use pastels and each color is built on many shades of colors, layer upon layer, until the right shade and color tone is reached for each part of each petal. Once I have the whole nature painting image painted I then go back into the work diligently building the chalk giving the creation more depth and dimension with the finishing touches. That is when the painting really comes alive! By the next time you see this beautiful Rose image it should almost be complete ready for the finishing touches. If this is your first time viewing this image of this new painting be sure to go back to my earlier posts to see this painting from the beginning. Looking forward to your comments!!!!! Regards, L.A....
Aug 16, 2010 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Nature Painting
Since my last post on July 27th I have been creating yet another new color palette for the Pastel Nature Painting “Enchanted Bloom”. The center bud uses colorations that combine cool tones with warm tones. Most of the warm tones are present within the Rose’s budding center. This new color scheme for the outer petals will bring in cooler tones of lavenders, blues and pearlescent whites blended and layered. I started painting a long petal on the left side as you can see in this image. On the right you can see I also started to paint the petals on the right side with the darker cooler tones. As I create the outer petals I will go back into the painting to build and blend the new areas with the areas already painted that will eventually give the flower that over all delicate powdery soft finish. It usually takes me about 20 layers of chalk to accomplish this overall look. The finished Original Nature Pastel Painting will be light with beautiful natural hues blending into each other. Even though the painting seems to be slow moving there are a lot of preparations going on behind the scenes to keep progressing to the next area. Especially since I am creating another painting one that will be the same size, same colorations with a different Rose image. This pair will capture the birth of beauty. Read my other Blogs posted in March and July to catch up!!!! Your comments are always welcome. L.A....
Jul 27, 2010 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Uncategorized
L.A. Cline creates the “Enchanting Bloom” Pastel Painting I am painting the beauty of life. The moment we all want to hold on too. This is a wonderful thought to have for the approximately three months I will be painting this piece. The hard part is that I cannot rush a painting but must remain calm so the Pastels will flow easily with color and thought. Remembering wonderful people and thinking of the people you love in your life now are the great inspirations that allow me to create. From the small start of the last image posted on July 14th, you can now see the center more clearly developed and expanding to the petals. There are some dark areas within the Rose however most of the colors are light with highlights and transparencies. For the past two weeks I have made color studies and painted. The petals are very fragile and delicate so the application of the chalk must also take on this feel. I am now starting to work on the areas outside the center bud. As I work outward I constantly go back and blend colors. Although still in a rough state the color palette is beginning to develop. If you click on the image to enlarge you can see that I hand-draw the Artwork and use a grid-system that is unique for every painting. When finished this Pastel Painting will be about 28”X28”. I look forward to see what another ten days of work will reveal. Be sure to check out my next Blog and read the “Family Matters” Blog the story behind the painting the first post in July. Comments always welcome! L.A....
Jul 14, 2010 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings, Nature Painting, Uncategorized
Family Matters Like all families there are the good times and the tough times. This has been a tough time for us. For any family who has lost a loved one this is for you. Mary, better known as “Greenma” was a wonderful 94 year old woman who I met about five years ago who recently passed on. The story goes that her young Grandchildren could not pronounce Grandma so Grandma became “Greenma”. “Greenma” and I met at family functions and there was an immediate connection between us. We really adored seeing each other and could not stop chatting when we did. I still can hear the sweet Southern tone of her voice. She dressed so modern yet it suited her. Even at 94! she looked like an elegant perfect Southern Lady. She was slim wore little or no makeup, was beautiful with light blue eyes and striking white hair to her chin all one length parted on the side with a lovely wave. Even young women were envious of her glamorous look. She will always remain my idol. She had an adoring family and an extraordinary Daughter who was the main caretaker. Her other loving Daughter also pitched in when she was in town. She was so loved by her Grandson, Granddaughters and Great Grandchildren. I feel so lucky to have met her and spent some of my life knowing her. She is forever in my spirit. It is her life that I am celebrating with the two new nature paintings I am now creating. Both new pastel paintings are Florals dedicated to “Greenma” for she loved Flowers. As...
Mar 19, 2010 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings
Painting is like making a movie. First there is the idea, the inspiration, then the script and the actors and finally with any luck at all you have a hit. The inspiring idea is the base of the creation without this there is nothing. You may have many ideas but only one can fill your heart enough to work on for six months or more without tiring. All my paintings have given me many hours of pleasure and just plain hard work with every layer of pastel chalk challenging me to the fullest. Miscalculations have to be worked out in the sketch to scale before a painting is started and even then there are many little surprises in the best laid plans. I just finished an incredible pastel painting of a beautiful Catalaya Orchid. When I saw this flower it was so bright that from 25 feet away you could still see its brightness. Once I approached this yellow glow I found this one Orchid bloom under an extended roof in a garden. I ran to my car for my pad and camera. Every time the light changed the bloom would react so I just kept drawing and taking pictures. Finally the moment was there and the bloom just radiated perfectly from the stream of sunlight and there it was my idea. I entitled this pastel painting “Bellissima” Most Beautiful. William Cattley was an English horticulturist who potted the cattleya’s in 1824. Up until then he worked mosses and lichens that were shipped to him from South America. The shipments used the cattleya plant’s leaves and pseudobulbs to reinforce the shipments. William potted these pseudobulbs and the Cattleya...
Mar 9, 2010 | Fine Art Pastel Paintings
I just completed my new line of “Little Treasures” Fine Art Stationary. It has been a joy turning my “Nature Collection” series into beautiful keep sakes to share with someone special. You can purchase my new stationary at the Gallery Store on my web site. www.lacfineart.com I look forward to hearing your feedback...