Oils are a challenge for me.
So when I get a new commissions and they want the paintings to be in the oil medium, for me it is like stepping up to the plate in a very big game. Pastel comes more naturally for me. Not sure why. I remember being very young and my neighborhood friends would play in the mud and make mud pies. Not me. Too sticky. Too wet. I liked taking sticks and drawing in the sand. The dirt. Dry and soft. Dusty.
But this is the beauty of being an artist. Every time I create, reach, overshoot and change what is comfortable I get better. I feel it. The learning. The tiny “ah ha” moments that culminate into a painting. Or in this case, paintings of sisters.
Typically clients want siblings to be in the same painting. As I mentioned before I tend to talk them into separate works so each has their own painting in the future. This time they will still be connected by a ribbon.
Here are the final paintings and I have to say, I feel they came together well. Loose in the backgrounds and lots of light and focus on the faces. And as usual, I am frustrated with the photos of them. They look so much more alive and glowing in person. Many, many layers of glazing in the faces just can’t be reproduced well in a photo. So many lavender and pink shifts in the faces! Darn it, I worked hard on those, and I wish you could see them better.
Anyway, the clients loved them and the kids said, “thats me!” so I know then that the pressure is off and the likenesses are nailed. I have had conversations with artists over the years about how stressful it is to present a portrait to clients. You bet. Thrilling too. I really do love it.
And then the client said, (and this is not the first time over the years that I have been told this) that if there was a fire in the house they would get everyone out and then take the paintings since they are the most valuable thing they now own. What a compliment.
I am humbled and happy.
I get it. I have painted my own kids and then they changed. So fast. And I ask myself now why I didn’t paint them more. Freeze more moments in time. Because in the end that is what a painting does… and somehow better than a photo. A memory of another human being created by a human being for a human being.
There is no other job like it in the world. I love it. On to the next one…..
Your ribbon concept is brilliant! Absolutely beautiful portraits. Museum quality.
Breathtaking! Congratulations!
ABSOLUTELY beautiful! Please be proud of yourself. It is quite a task you did!
Thanks! I took off today in celebration and rested. 🙂
Wow! You are a wonderful artist. I’ve learned much from you. Thank you.
Thanks! Happy to help
Again, Christine, totally stunning work. You have captured two beautiful young girls.. Sure the owners will just love them.
Congrats to you! Such talent.
Thank you! I love my job.
Absolutely beautiful pieces! Your clients must be extremely pleased!
Thanks!
Christine,
You continue to amaze me! These are exquisite! I am so happy to have you in my life as my teacher and my friend. Greenville, SC is lucky that you landed here.
Beautiful portraits!
Wow! What lucky people are to own those beautiful portraits! I grew that the ribbon idea was brilliant!
What beautiful portraits!
I remember meeting you years ago at the Shadyside Art Show.
I was drawn to your exhibit, your exquisite portraits!
They left a lasting impression on me!
Years later, I was so glad to take a pastel portrait class with you!
You are a gifted teacher as well as artist.
So glad you are doing so well and prospering in all ways…
Thank you! I remember working with you and glad you are doing well.
The portraits are exquisite!! I loved watching them unfold. They will be dearly treasured heirlooms. You are always an inspiration.
😊❤️
Master level ! You caught the relationship of sisters and of course the light!
Thank you! 😁
What a treasure for the parents and those girls as they grow up. So beautifully done, and I love the ribbon connection. Sweet!
Oh wow. Stunningly beautiful paintings, visually and emotionally. What a gift you’ve given to that family. And what an incredible compliment, too. Well deserved. Brava! Thanks for sharing all of that. I loved reading about the challenge of it for you, and the brilliant success. It’s made my day.
Thanks so much! You made my day too!