Mom and Me15x22" watercolor on Kilamanjaro white 140 lb.
Did you ever get stuck on a piece? That's what has happened to me. I decided to do a piece of my mom and me based on this tiny photo that originally included my three brothers in it (that facebook retro-you image thingy that we all did back in January made me think of it) . In the reference photo I am about one and a half - originally she was holding the newborn KB - my only younger brother in her lap in her right arm. It was one of my absolute favorite photos of my mom - who went on to bring to this world three girls beyond the scope that my source photo indicates. This was a photo that just began to hint at the indescribable person who my mother was, or the relationship with her that I developed in her lifetime. I had a difficult time with this piece - not only that the over-exposed nature of the tiny photo gave little to no information when you are expanding the image to half-sheet size...but I couldn't help myself. It's been over five years since my mother's passing and I just got stuck - I couldn't finish this piece - like I didn't know how to.
So I resorted to what I usually do during the winter and began a lot of reading. It's easier and my studio space is cool during the winter. That's the only excuses that I can offer - but now I find that I am itching to be back into my studio routine again. It's a glorious spring out there so here I go.
So I resorted to what I usually do during the winter and began a lot of reading. It's easier and my studio space is cool during the winter. That's the only excuses that I can offer - but now I find that I am itching to be back into my studio routine again. It's a glorious spring out there so here I go.
13 comments:
This is so beautiful, Gary. Has Ann mentioned that I've been nagging her to see more of your art? I love the story behind your mom's photo and wish that we all saw our mom's (and our children could see us) with that love and insight that you have with your own mom. I imagine this WAS hard, at least on an emotional level.
Well - we missed you - so get back into that studio and don't come out!
That is such a lovely poignant painting - and a big one too. I hope you'll frame it and that it will give you much pleasure. x
Oh wow, there's so much to say.
First, it's so good to see you back!!! It's been a while since we saw your wonderful work and read your wonderful stories.
You've caught the time period perfectly. Your mom looks like she just stepped out of another day and so do you. I love the way you were leaning on her. That perfect lean that children have that shows so much trust... "I'll just lean here and mom will keep me safe and not let me fall."
Great job Gary and welcome back!
Welcome back, Gary! I think you did a fine job editing a poor quality reference photo. I agree, it's hard to recreate something that isn't there, or to remove an item and create something in its place. I think you did a wonderful job of capturing the expression on your mother's face. Your love for her is evident.
Looking forward to seeing more paintings soon when your schedule frees up!
I've been missing your posts! This is wonderful. Love your choice of colors, and I agree, the your lean is perfectly captured. What I really like, is that when I enlarge the picture, I can actually tell the boy is you!
So glad to see you back! I think it came out very well (except for that ugly kid - just kidding.. :) I love the pattern on the dress, and the varying tones, and how you seemed to capture the nostalgia of it all.
Thank you kind folks for looking in on me - I will be back to commenting on your wonderful works soon - as this semester that wouldn't end actually does. Been a weird winter!
Good to see that you are back. Nice piece. I look foward to more.
Your art is wonderful, Gary.Nice to be here.
Gary, it's so good having you back! This wonderful portrait was worth the wait! What a great job you did capturing the "feeling" of the period and dress! The love radiates! Hope to see lots of new paintings after school ends!
Amazing details!
Your mom would be so proud. The piece is lovely.
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