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to H*LL and back - part 3

Reference - Part 2:

https://camille-barnes.squarespace.com/config/pages/5661183ce4b054281a27ee43

It's been a while since I've shared an update about our home and my studio.

We’ve moved back to Hammond, and I spent months—literally—getting the house finished and unpacking everything. It's nearly complete now, and thankfully, I’m finally at a point where I can paint again.

Here’s a picture of the updated studio:

Over the past couple of months, I've poured my heart and soul into preparing for my solo show at 600 Julia Street. The long, sleepless nights, endless hours of painting, and intense focus have all been worth it. The art walk this past weekend was such a special moment, it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the break from our usual southern heat and rain! it was truly overwhelming in the best way. Moments like these remind me why I do what I do.

You can view the available artwork at the gallery by following this [link].

Revealing the Depths: Embracing the Language of Facial Expressions

Within each of us lies a masterpiece waiting to be unveiled – the intricate canvas of the human face. It's a living tableau that captures the essence of our innermost selves, painting a vibrant picture of the emotions coursing through our veins. From the gentle curve of a smile to the tender gleam in our eyes, every contour tells a tale of joy, sorrow, love, and longing.

Our faces are more than mere features; they are portals into our souls, windows through which our emotions dance freely. With a single glance, we can convey volumes – the furrowed brow of concern, the twinkling eyes of mirth, or the quivering lips of anguish. These subtle nuances, these silent whispers of emotion, bridge the chasm between us, transcending barriers of language and culture.

From the moment we enter this world, we are wired to read the language of facial expressions. It's a universal dialect, understood by all, that binds us together in a tapestry of shared experiences. Our ability to recognize and interpret these signals not only enriches our relationships but also deepens our understanding of ourselves.

In the mirror of our own faces, we discover a treasure trove of insights into our emotional landscape. By tuning into the subtle cues that play across our features, we gain a greater awareness of our inner world, unlocking the door to self-discovery and personal growth.

The human face is a marvel of complexity and beauty, a testament to the kaleidoscope of emotions that define our humanity. It reminds us that we are not islands unto ourselves but interconnected beings, bound by the threads of emotion that weave through our lives.

So, let us embrace the power of our faces – these exquisite instruments of expression – and celebrate the rich tapestry of emotions they reveal. For in doing so, we not only honor our own humanity but also forge deeper connections with those around us, weaving a web of empathy and understanding that spans the breadth of our shared existence.

Magazine Feature

"Handmade Sellers" Magazine

I had to honor to be featured in the "Handmade Sellers" Magazine. WoooHooo!

Forgot to mention this to anyone (it's a winter issue from back in January- #77).

You can subscribe for free: https://handmadeseller.com/subscribe/

Thank you for taking the time to look over this article. If you’d like to learn more about my story go to: https://www.camillebarnesstudio.com/studio-blog/camilles-story

Unforgettable Studio Shenanigans

I had probably one of the most unique studio experiences ever. It’s just a typical day in the studio, paperwork scattered across my desk. My sweet little grand-darling who was only about 6 months old at the time, was spending the afternoon with me. I had her on my hip while walking into my studio area to get some paperwork. Little did I know that this innocent visit would turn into one of the most amusing and heartwarming experiences in my art career.

As I sorted through the paperwork, my grand-darling began babbling away, completely captivated by something in the room. I turned to see her smiling and cooing at none other than CMS Sapp's portrait. I couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected interaction. It was as if she was having the most animated conversation with the stoic figure on the canvas.

I couldn't resist mentioning this adorable encounter to CMS Sapp himself. His reply was , "Well, babies have always liked me."

A Touch of Magic: In that whimsical moment, I realized that art has the power to transcend boundaries. It can captivate the imaginations of the youngest souls and create a world where anything is possible. Who's to say that CMS Sapp's portrait didn't have a secret charm that caught the attention of my grand-darling? Perhaps she sensed his bravery and esteemed presence, even at such a tender age.

That day, my studio transformed into a realm of innocence, laughter, and unexpected connections. It reminded me of the joys that art brings, not only to the artist but to all those who encounter it. In the future, I will always remember the sight of my grand-darling smiling and babbling away, entranced by a portrait that seemed to possess a baby-friendly aura.

It’s become a studio memory I will always cherish. It’s a reminder of the magic that art can create. It's these delightful and humorous moments that make our artistic journeys all the more meaningful. So, here's to the joyous wonders that unfold when little ones and portraits have a lively chat—truly a tale for the ages.

A Privileged Journey: Painting for the Louisiana Department of Military

As an artist, there are certain opportunities that come along, that I cherish. One such opportunity presented itself to me when I was given the chance to paint a portrait of CMS Dennis Sapp for the Louisiana National Guard’s Hall of Fame. I consider it a humbling honor to capture the essence of any individual deserving of such a recognition.

From the moment I received the invitation to create this portrait, I knew I was embarking on a special endeavor. The Louisiana Department of Military's Hall of Fame is a place where the bravery, dedication, and achievements of remarkable individuals are commemorated. To be entrusted with the responsibility of immortalizing one such individual through art is a tremendous privilege.

Throughout the entire process, from initial discussions to the final brushstroke, I relished every moment. This opportunity allowed me to dive deep into the subject's story, gathering insights and understanding their unique essence, his character, his service to our country. My hope was to capture the spirit and nature of the person being honored.

As an artist, my goal is to always create a portrait that goes beyond mere technical replication. I’d like portray the character of each individual in a unique way. Every brushstroke was executed with utmost care. It was an endeavor that demanded attention to detail, thoughts were given to how bold a color’s hue and chroma should be, what areas should receive more dominance and what places should not.

As the portrait took shape, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride in contributing to the well-deserved recognition of CMS Sapp. The Hall of Fame serves as a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of extraordinary individuals who have made a lasting impact on the military community. It is an honor to be part of this legacy, using my artistic skills to ensure that their stories are celebrated for generations to come.

As an artist, I am grateful for the trust bestowed upon me and for the chance to play a small role in preserving the stories of those who have dedicated their lives to the service of others.

To learn more about CMS Dennis Sapp

click here: CMS SAPP

Keys to lasting connections

Good human relationships are built on a foundation of love, trust, and understanding. In this article, we explore the key elements that contribute to strong and lasting connections between individuals.

Communication: Effective communication forms the bedrock of healthy relationships. It involves active listening, expressing oneself honestly, and fostering open dialogue to build understanding and resolve conflicts.

Trust and Respect: Good relationships thrive on mutual trust and respect. It means honoring boundaries, being reliable, and showing genuine care and support for one another.

Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and empathy create an atmosphere of compassion and emotional support. Being able to empathize with the experiences and emotions of others fosters deeper connections and strengthens bonds.

Good human relationships are nurtured through effective communication, trust, respect, empathy, and compassion. By cultivating these qualities, we create a foundation for meaningful and fulfilling connections that enrich our lives and bring joy and support to both parties involved. Let us cherish and invest in the elements that make good relationships thrive.

The Beauty of the Human Face: A Captivating Tapestry of Expression

The human face is a remarkable canvas that showcases the intricacies of emotion, identity, and individuality. Its beauty lies not only in its physical features but also in the wealth of expression it can convey. From the sparkling eyes that shimmer with joy to the gentle curve of a smile that radiates warmth, the human face is a tapestry of emotions and stories waiting to be explored.

Each face carries a unique story, reflecting a person's journey, experiences, and personality. It is a window into their soul, revealing their hopes, dreams, and vulnerabilities. The face holds the power to captivate us, drawing us in with its raw authenticity and connecting us on a deeply human level.

The beauty of the human face lies not in its adherence to conventional standards but in its diversity. Every face, regardless of age, gender, or cultural background, possesses its own allure and charm. It is through this diversity that we celebrate the richness of human existence.

Faces are also symbolic of our interconnectedness as a species. They are a universal language, transcending barriers and fostering empathy and understanding. In their subtleties and nuances, faces create a tapestry of emotions that bind us together in our shared human experience.

As we navigate life, we should embrace the beauty of the human face. Let us appreciate the lines etched by laughter, the wisdom carved by time, and the uniqueness that sets each face apart. By cherishing the beauty of the human face, we honor the stories it tells and the connections it fosters, ultimately celebrating the incredible diversity and wonder of humanity.

Memorial Portrait

16 x 20 Oil on Canvas Portrait

I'm thrilled to have completed this portrait commission, especially because it was created in memory of a dearly loved family member. It's always an honor to be chosen to create such a special gift for someone. Sometimes painting someone's portrait goes beyond just seeing the face, it's about capturing the essence of that person. In this case, the subject loved fun, bling, and brilliant colors. So the client and I decided early on to add the gold and make the flowers a bit fun and quirky, to kind-of go along with this sweet lady's style.

Murphy and Linda's Portrait

Murphy is a kind, easy going guy. I met with him several times at coffee shops as we inspired each other to come up with a portrait that would represent a journey together for him and his wife. The couple have been married since their youth, and they have always had pets that were a part of the family. So it was decided to incorporate of few of these little guys into the image. Typically a portrait will have a much more simplistic background but this painting needed to be more than just their images, it was to represent their story of togetherness.

This was always one of their favorite pictures, so the plan was to make it the central theme of the portrait.

After the painting was about halfway completed, Camille made the decision to use a different photo for Linda because this photograph was challenging to work with, especially when it came to the “details” (they say that the devil can be in the details, yep…art joke)

here are a few images of the progression

drawing and underpainting stage

Putting on a new face

The underpainting helps in determining the values needed in each area.

After spending an enormous amount of time on their portrait, our home caught fire. I waited outdoors for the firemen to arrive. Our entire street was filled with white smoke. Our neighbor said it was so thick she couldn’t see across the street. Several fire trucks came, a few police cars, and the paramedics. You know what they say “if your home was to catch on fire, what would you run in to get?” Yep, I actually had that thought. “MURPHY’S PAINTING!” Then in I ran, but I didn’t have to run through fire, just plenty of smoke. I darted up the stairs when I heard a fireman shout at me. “What do you think you are doing?” I shouted back “I’m trying to save something”. He then yelled out “get out NOW!” So I left (after getting the painting to a safe place.)

Our son and daughter-inlove we so kind to take us in to stay with them while we transitioned into a rental house. I had a makeshift studio in their sunroom. When my grand-darling would get home from daycare, she’d sit on my lap and pretend to paint. (Her brushes did not have paint 😁)

Because of hurricane Ida, the fire and the first and few other hurdles I had to cross…this portrait took longer than usual to deliver to Murphy, but he was graciously patient with me.

I have a video that shows the progression here from beginning to end:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmjJiTXtMsc&t=22s

Hope you enjoy!

Landry Portrait

Commissioned by a son for his Mom. (that makes this one really special)