Recollection, watercolor portrait, 21 x 17"
This is the 3rd painting in the series, "Telling Stories", paintings and stories of the elderly. Mary is a reserved, shy woman of 92. She has beautiful blue eyes that brighten when she smiles. It's obvious by our conversations that her family is her biggest source of joy and pride. Each time we talked about her children or grandchildren, she was at her most animated. She smiled and laughed and could remember vivid details about each. Other memories were more vague and she seemed less interested, like those of her childhood or her years working at an insurance agency.
Mary wasn't so comfortable having her image drawn or painted and, admittedly, my first attempt to draw her wasn't very flattering. I think this painting is a better representation of her gentle, reflective nature.
22 comments:
Oh Peggi, this is my favorite so far! I love the light and how you really captured the moment. I also like the color palette... just enough!
Just beautiful!
Thanks, Maria! I'm glad you said that about the palette b/c I was tempted to throw in more color. I'm glad I didn't.
Thanks so much Crystal.
Peggi,
She is absolutely beautiful! You have a way of capturing the essence of the people you paint!!
Thank you Manon!
This portrait is wonderful, we can't stop to watch her, and try to share her thoughts!I am impressed by the subtlety of the features, the hand, the color.
Bravo!
Hi Sylviane,
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate the kind words.
Really fantastic Peggi, I love the way you have handled the paint and those blues are a delight.
I love this one. Such expression and beautiful color.
Sam,
Thanks! I a used a lot of pthaylo blue and cerulean blue.
Thank you Peggy.
Gorgeous blues and those eyes! And hair! One of your best, I think, and you've captured her mid-story, eyes alight and glowing with wonderful memories. What an artist you are!
So nice to hear from you Rhonda. Thanks for the feedback!
Your paintings of the elderly blow me away, Peggi. They are so beautiful and thoughtful and you capture the special essence of each person. I LOVE them!
Thanks Linda! Not sure how far I will take this, but it has been a nice break from commission work.
It really is a wonderful portrait, Peggi. I sometimes have to draw a person more than once (or twice or three times) to really "get" them. I didn't think you struggled at all! How nice to know I am not alone.
Beautiful and love the hand to her face as if she's reminiscing. Very poignant.
I know what you mean Karine. Some of my figures have not only been drawn more than once, but painted and "finished" before I realize they don't work.
Thanks, Vikki!!
Everything about this is fantastic. Her blue eyes, the background, the shading. Fabulous!
Stefanie
I can almost read her thoughts, with her expression, that you certainly captured. My Dad is 98 and I enjoyed painting a portrait of him. I also liked the colors in this one.
Stephanie,
Thanks so much!
Hilda,
So nice to meet you here and thank you for the compliment. I stopped by your blog and enjoyed your pastel portraits. Very nice!
WOW!! What a beautiful way to show the beauty of the aged.
Absolutely delightful and amazing work. It is so refreshing to the soul.
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