The Annunciation

Here is the more or less completed version of The Annunciation. It is charcoal and acrylic paint on a 24X30 lauan panel. A cord rosary has been pressed into a thick layer of gesso to leave its impression in the painting.

Study for The Annunciation

This is a rough study for a painting of the Annunciation that I am beginning. The idea is to portray the moment that the Blessed Mother accepts the responsibility for concieving, giving birth to and raising our Savior.

I intend to keep the image loose with the original charcoal sketch visible over the glazing. This is a project that I discussed in an earlier blog entry; to execute a series of paintings that portray the Mysteries of the Rosary in a way that will help the viewer meditate on each Mystery.

Creation of Eve

This is my newest creation, which is titled Creation of Eve. The image depicts the moment when God created Eve from the side or rib of Adam.
The painting is on a 26X16 stretched canvas. There is a thick oil ground that provides some texture under the painted image. Comments are as always appreciated.

What's in a name?

After using my last name "McNeel" as my artist signature, I have decided on a new signature. Beginning with the painting titled The Fishing Party, I have changed my signature to "Lefty" as shown above. I have always believed that my left-handedness was an important element of my artwork and one of the defining characteristics of my life, which is why it makes a lot of sense to make this change.

Gypsy

I have finished another painting that I call Gypsy. It is primarily executed in painting knife for a heavy impasto effect. I like to use the knife for a couple of reasons; it reduces my tendency to obsess over details, and it keeps the colors fresh.

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Santa Fe, NM on business. I was amazed at the intensity of the Flamenco dancers and especially the guitarists. I have wanted to capture that frenzy of sound and motion on canvas ever since.

The Fishing Party

This is my latest painting, which was completed a couple of weeks ago. I am currently working on two new paintings; an abstract image of a flamenco dancer, and a painting of the torso Ishtar.

I continue to be drawn to images from my Catholic tradition, and plan to execute a series of paintings depicting these themes.