OK, Here's Mine!
 

I wanted to share the process of this particular commission with all of you, because I think it's rare.

I received this job through this site (thanks SOG). The client was presenting a surprise birthday gift for his wife. Instead of the cut and dry, "what's the next step" (although that was one question) he proceeded to tell me all about his family, and what they are like. Well, after the gift was presented, Shaun (woman) was very hesitant about being included in a painting. We started an email correspondence that lasted for 6 months, prior to my arrival in Atlanta. She also sent me her favorite photos, clueing me in on what she liked about each of them. I was left with a pretty complete sense of who they are, before we even met. I can't tell you what a difference that made as opposed to just showing up and shooting. I, in turn, arrived armed with books of my favorite artists, Cassatt among them. She immediately responded to her work, noting that the emotional connection is what she is after. I photographed them everywhere, indoors and out. The bed was one of many locations that turned out to be the right one, since they did spend time each morning there.

I let them be, did not pose them at all. The beauty of Beau, the love his mother feels for him is evident in all the photos. This pose, (a combo of 3 poses) summarized it all. A year passed from first contact, to the final delivery. Although I had my usual struggles, to date, this is my most fulfilling painting.

30" x 40" Oil on Linen.

Thanks for keeping the "bar" at the same height set by Karin, Stanka! If all presenters in "Unveilings" maintain this standard, what treasures we'll all enjoy.

Thanks also for including the background. Many of us are very interested in the evolution of such a work that achieves success on so many levels.

What an elegant and lyrical composition! The juxtaposition of the various bedding elements constantly brings the eye in.

Another triumph!

Very intimate and sensitive with a definite Cassatt feeling to it! Very nice Stanka! Thank you for posting it!

What a lovely and sensitive painting you created...I think your compositional skills are tops!

"Sensitive" is a very good adjective for this painting, and the colors convey such a fresh feeling. I love the other mother and son painting on your web site, too.

Sensitive and tender.
The slight glow and fluidity of this reminds me of what I like about digital paintings.
The colours are fabulous, and thanx for sharing the lovely story, too. :)

Helen

Do you apply a final varnish to your paintings and if so, how do you handle it when a portrait is located at such a distance?

I have used Liquin for years now, both as a medium and final 'varnish' at completion. It dries quickly, no need to wait 6 months to apply.

However, I'm intrigued with Virgil Elliot's and Bill Whitaker's recomendations of the Gamblin products. I have recently tried the Gamvar Varnish on my own paintings with beautiful results. It contains a UV protectant, so I have begun recommending it to clients if the portrait will be hung in an area of direct sunlight (sometimes that's unavoidable). In the future, for long-distance commissions, I plan on taking another road trip to complete that task at my own expense. Another excuse to travel!

There's a thread here about Varnishes in the Paints, etc. section full of good info.

Stanka,
I viewed your portrait a couple of days ago and find myself thinking about it again and again. It is so very lovely (an understatement). Your handling of the subjects and the setting evoke an intimacy that I felt invited to enter and did so with pleasure. Bravo!

If you felt inclined, it would be wonderful to see a close-up of their faces.
-Margaret

Thank you so much Margaret, for your generous compliments. It made my day. Here's a close-up.

Beatuiful, beautiful, and not overworked! I like the softness in the colors, and the absence of dark colors except for detail. Did you have to avoid dark shadows, or was that just the way it was? Thanks for sharing that work with us!

Thank you Lon!

The 'live version' is pretty close to how I painted it. I scrutinize the relationships of shadows to light when I shoot, so that I may remember it at painting time. The photos indicated the shadows to be much darker.

The clients and I had a running theme of 'the colors of white' (even though there is obviously blue here) when we decided on this location.

Thanks for posting a close-up of their faces. What a treat to get a closer look at your work. They must be thrilled...I know I would be. I don't get tired of looking at this luscious painting Stanka! Wow!
-Margaret

Thanks, Stanka. I 've just finished taking notes before I head for the store. This forum is a wealth of information!

Thanks, Cynthia!

I had a post here, I thought, but I had to tell you that I just like to come back here now and then and admire this piece. It is so enjoyable, easy, and warm. The colors are so simple and soft. It makes me want to improve.

You know, I am really ticked. I used to be a happy artist, content with my little ho hum street artist gig. Now I spend all my spare time here realizing that the bar has been permanently raised on my self-expectations. It is like I am starting out all over again after thirty years. I blame you, Chris, Karen, Cynthia and all the other great artists here.

Gee Lon...I hope you can forgive us! :sunnysmil