Dinner with Heart – American Heart Association Gala

I’m pleased to paint at this auction every year. The American Heart Association funds vital research that has saved countless lives.

Steping back a bit from the usual black tie affair, this year’s event was held in the perfectly preserved barn at the Kelley Farm (est. 1864), in Bonney Lake, WA.

The painting in progress— I arrive early and paint the scene, then add people during the cocktail hour, as a live performance. 

I'm indebted to Nicole Ryan Photography for this great sequence of images documenting the progress of my painting. Daniel Smith Art Supplies donated the Fredrix Pro canvas. 

The working palette

On stage during the live auction— the painting is finished, except for the buyers' portraits. At the end of the night, the winning bidder  and company will be painted in to the central space in the foreground. 

Painting from life: putting the winning bidders into their painting

The finished painting at twightlight

The brushes at rest

Dinner with Heart, American Heart Association Gala, 2014, by Sam Day. Oil on canvas, 24 x 36 inches