I can’t remember a time I didn’t love to draw. So much so, that my mother’s most common laments included those of never being able to find a clean sheet of paper to write on.

I’ve  always enjoyed drawing people; figure studies, hands, feet and faces. When my agent, Jeanie Loiacono, suggested posting character studies to generate interest in my novels I jumped on the idea and added portraits hoping to heighten that interest. 

Shortly after FROM SILT AND ASHES debuted, my publisher asked if I might consider putting these character studies into a coffee table companion book. Would I? After letting out a whoop and breaking into a happy dance at my computer, I calmly answered, “Oh yes!!!”

Arel Gitterman as he appears in PLEASE SAY KADDISH FOR ME © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

Havah Cohen as she appears in PLEASE SAY KADDISH FOR ME © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

While imagining and rendering my character’s faces comes easily, buildings and landscapes do not. I sweated bullets on the painting of the Richelieu Steps that lead from the harbor in Odessa Ukraine. 

Published by W & B Publishers Represented by Jeanie Loiacono

It occurred to me that A STONE FOR THE JOURNEY, the companion book to Havah’s trilogy needs to include scenes from the novels. Once more I’ve taken a giant leap from my comfort zone.

As with writing, painting is a process. I usually share this process with my friend Jean Hays in New Mexico who is also an artist. As my co-authors offer me suggestions and critique on my writing, Jean does the same with my artwork. Because I was quite nervous with this next piece, I texted her photos each step of the way. 

The subject,  which appears in AS ONE MUST, ONE CAN, is the Hochstrahlbrunnen fountain in Vienna.  The prospect of trying to paint water was a challenge. 

Step One – The Rough Draft

Step Two – Laying in the background

Step Three

Step Four

Step Five

Steps Six and Seven

A full day’s work later, the finished work.  

Original Artwork © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields